You might already have a great insurance plan, but if you don't have the additional coverage you need--it will cost you. 

Dental Insurance
Dental plans offer indemnity, PPO and HMO options. Indemnity has the highest premiums and most choice, while HMO options are cheapest and have the most restrictive network of dentists. Most plans provide greater coverage for preventive care and offer less coverage for restorative procedures. There is usually a yearly maximum that plans will pay out during each year, and, you may have a waiting period before becoming eligible to be covered for certain services. Cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening, are almost never covered. 

There are several ways to find dental insurance: 

Through your employer. If your employer offers dental insurance, this is best way to get coverage. Group coverage will get the best rates. Plus, dental insurers don't always have the best reputation, so your employer is likely to have selected a reputable plan to work with. 

Group. If your employer doesn't offer dental coverage, or you're self-employed, you might be able to get group coverage through professional organizations, credit unions, buying groups, alumni groups and affinity associations. There is power in numbers, so this is generally your second best way to get coverage. 

Individual. If you have to strike out on your own for an individual policy, be careful when choosing dental insurance. Depending on your dental needs, it is still well worth the investment, especially if you suffer a serious accident. But be sure to check out the company's reputation. Also, dental premiums can balloon in the second year of the policy, so be sure to review the full scope of the offer. 

Vision Insurance
Employers generally offer some type of vision coverage. Typically, your health care plan will have an add-on for vision coverage that you can purchase, or, your employer may offer a discount program for vision care. If nothing else, you can set up a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover your vision care needs. 

Vision coverage usually will pay for bi-annual exams, lenses, frames and contact lenses. 

If an eye issue requiring surgery is found, your standard medical insurance typically covers these procedures. 

If you're self-employed or own a small business, vision care is harder to find as an individual benefit. You can sometimes get it through professional organizations or buying groups. Or, consider an FSA or Health Savings Account (HSA) as an alternative. 

Hearing Insurance
While some employers do offer supplemental healthcare plans for hearing needs, they simply aren't as prevalent as those for visual care. If you are looking for an individual hearing insurance plan, they are tough to find. Again, professional organizations are a good place to check. 

Cochlear Implants. Most standard insurance policies will cover the cost of cochlear implants and surgeries, but you should double check your policy. 

Hearing aids. While some insurance companies will provide coverage for hearing aids, especially for children, most do not. Many states are pushing legislation aimed at changing that. 

Medicaid usually covers the cost of hearing aids, if you meet their eligibility requirements. 

LINKS: indemnity, HMO, PPO, Health Care Savings Accounts, Medicare and Medicaid