Dental insurance in Canada is a health coverage that helps eligible individuals and families manage oral care costs. It typically covers basic dental procedures like fillings and extractions, and preventive services, such as dentist checkups and teeth cleaning.
Although dental insurance is not part of the universal healthcare system, getting it can be beneficial as it lessens out-of-pocket expenses. Many Canadians obtain dental coverage through employer-sponsored plans or purchase individual policies to safeguard against potentially high dental care costs.
What Dental Insurance Covers
Coverage options for dental insurance in Canada depend on the plan you choose. Some companies have more extensive coverage, while others offer more limited benefits. Typically, they cover a variety of services categorized into basic, preventive, and major treatments.Â
Basic services include fillings and extractions, while preventive procedures include regular checkups and cleanings. Major treatments include dentures, crowns, and orthodontics. The percentage of coverage and annual maximums differ from plan to plan.
Pros and Cons of Dental Insurance in Canada
Dental insurance offers both benefits and downsides that individuals and families should consider carefully.
Pros:
- Reduces out-of-pocket dental care costs
- Cost savings on routine care
- Coverage for major procedures
- Provides financial protection against unexpected dental problems
- Encourages dental visits and preventive care
- Prevents more costly dental issues down the line
Cons:
- Monthly premiums for comprehensive plans can be expensive
- Long wait times for some procedures
- Some treatment procedures may require expensive out-of-pocket costs
Best Dental Insurance Plans for Individuals and Families
Dental insurance in Canada can be a complex landscape to navigate. This section aims to help you make informed decisions about their dental insurance needs. It examines five leading dental insurance providers in the country, their offerings, coverage, and pros and cons.
PolicyMe Health and Dental Insurance
PolicyMe is a Toronto-based digital insurance provider that aims to simplify insurance for eligible Canadians through its innovative and user-friendly online platform. Founded in 2018, the company has revolutionized the insurance landscape with its streamlined application process and customizable health and dental coverage options.
Plans and Coverage
PolicyMe offers Guaranteed Issue and Protect Plans that provide comprehensive coverage for varied health and dental insurance needs. Each plan comes with the Dental Care, Economic, Classic, and Advanced options. Coverage includes the following:
- Basic, preventive and restorative services (cleanings, fillings, extractions, and examinations)
- Comprehensive services (endodontic, periodontal, and denture services)
- Major services (crowns, bridges, dentures, and standard repair on natural teeth)
- Orthodontics (including Invisalign)
- Extended medical benefits (including accidental dental)
PolicyMe dental plan holders get up to $1,200 annually for dental care, up to 80% in basic dental services coverage, up to 60% in major dental services coverage, and up to $2,800 annually for prescription drugs.
Pricing
On average, premiums for private dental insurance can cost up to $100 per month, depending on the plan and factors like age, location and health status. Below is a sample PolicyMe Health & Dental Insurance quote (also includes prescription drugs) for a healthy 30-year-old male non-smoking resident in British Columbia.
- Economic – $96.12/month
- Classic – $105.42/month
- Advanced – $137.15/month
Pros:
- No required medical examination
- Fast application process
- Flexible plans to suit various needs
- Transparent pricing
- Coverage approval in minutes
- Plans can be cancelled at any time
- Access to licensed advisors
- Dedicated claims concierge services
Cons:
- Fewer products than traditional insurers
- Services are offered online onlyÂ
Here’s a detaied review of PolicyMe’s health and dental insurance.
Manulife
Manulife has provided Canadians with various insurance products for over 130 years. With a total of $1.3 trillion in assets as of 2021, the company remains a leading insurance provider and is ranked the second largest insurer in Canada.
Plans and Coverage
Manulife provides Canadian individuals and families with a range of dental insurance plans that vary in coverage, premiums, and deductibles. The company offers three dental insurance plans: Flexcare, Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Plan, and FollowMe.
- Flexcare – A flexible and affordable insurance plan that offers comprehensive dental coverage
- Guaranteed Issue Enhanced insurance – Comprehensive health coverage, with no required medical questions during application
- FollowMe – Insurance protection for any individual regardless of age and those whose employee health benefits end; can be customized to suit your needs
Depending on the plan, coverage includes dental services, from preventive care to basic services and major procedures. Plans may also include Manulife Vitality, vision care, hospital travel, accidental death and dismemberment, mental health, therapy and nursing services, and emergency medical travel insurance, to name a few.
Pros:
- Special rates for families with 3 or more children
- Covers pre-existing medical conditions
- Health insurance support for Flexcare or FollowMe plans
- Online portal that lets you access your benefits and submit a claim
- 24/7 access to healthcare professionals
- Savings of up to 10% on premiums if you select Manulife Vitality with your dental insurance plan
Cons:
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine maintenance, cosmetic procedures
- Claims processing can be delayed
Sun Life
Toronto-based Sun Life is a leading insurance provider that has operated since 1865. With total assets of $251.7 billion as of June 30, 2024, the company offers a range of health, dental, life and critical illness insurance to over 6 million Canadians.
Plans and Coverage
Sun Life offers Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plans that provide essential coverage options featuring various levels of dental care, ranging from preventive, restorative, and orthodontic services. PHI plans come in three options: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced.
Coverage typically includes prescription drugs, dental (orthodontics, preventive and restorative dental care), supplemental healthcare (such as accidental dental and ambulance), paramedical practitioners, vision care, and emergency travel medical.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Preventive care
- Plans offered cover numerous services
- Has a large network of dentists
- Easy application through phone, online or via a Sun Life advisor
Cons:
- Waiting periods for some dental procedures
- Premiums may be higher than average
Group Medical Services
Group Medical Services (GMS), founded in 1949, is a leading insurance provider based in Regina, Saskatchewan. It offers health, dental, vision, and travel insurance.
Plans and Coverage
GMS offers three insurance options: BasicPlan, ExtendaPlan, and OmniPlan. GMS plans feature comprehensive coverage, convenient claims, and access to expert help. GMS also offers Personal Health and Replacement Health plans. Dental coverage includes basic services (like exams, cleanings, extractions, and fillings) and major services (such as dentures, crowns, and bridges).
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Convenient claims
- Access to expert help through the GMS Customer Care team
- Online benefits and claims tracking
- Cost savings
Cons:
- No standalone dental insurance
- Some plans’ certain services may have waiting periods
Green Shield Canada
Green Shield Canada (GSC), founded in 1957, aims to help Canadians afford healthcare treatments. Its Green Shield Insurance plan offers flexible coverage to over 7 million individuals, groups, and businesses.
Plans and Coverage
At GSC, Canadians can choose from Health Assist Zone (ZONE) and Health Assist Link (LINK) plans that offer flexible health and dental coverage for eligible people. Through GSC and SureHealth, Canadians can use their dental insurance plans to obtain basic dental care, comprehensive dental services, orthodontics, and periodontal treatment.
Pricing
The monthly health insurance premium for a healthy 30-year-old non-smoking male in British Columbia ranges from $88 for the Green Shield Zone 2 Primary plan, and up to $184 for the Zone 7 Ultimate plan. Dental care coverage typically includes basic, comprehensive, and major dental services, in addition to orthodontic services.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Flexible plan options
- Immediate coverage for many services
- Direct billing
- Availability of family plans
- Lifetime coverage
Cons:
- Higher premiums
- Pre-existing conditions may not always be covered
- Plans may be too complex for some to understand
- Coverage may differ from one region to another
Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
Dental insurance can be a wise investment as it helps cover not just dental care costs for routine services like check-ups and cleanings but also more extensive procedures like orthodontics.
Although premiums can be costly and out-of-pocket costs can vary, depending on your provider, having dental insurance ensures better oral health down the road.
Canada Dental Benefits for Adults and Seniors
Canada offers qualified adults and seniors dental benefits programs that make dental care more accessible and affordable. These programs ensure that no one has to forego their oral health because of financial limitations.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan aims to make dental care more affordable for eligible individuals by helping pay a portion of the expenses for various oral health care services. Additional charges may be paid directly to the dental health provider.Â
The program provides a dental care subsidy for qualified residents with an adjusted household income of less than $90,000 a year. CDCP covers oral health care services, including basic and preventive procedures and major treatments.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is a publicly-funded initiative offering routine dental care services to qualified seniors in Ontario. Designed for low-income residents aged 65 and older, the OSDCP helps alleviate the burden of high dental costs.Â
The program provides free comprehensive dental care, including check-ups and cleanings. Qualified seniors can enroll any time but the coverage period ends on July 31st every year, regardless of when you enrolled.
Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB)
The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB) helps eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals by providing coverage for various health benefits not covered by other programs.
This initiative ensures they can access essential healthcare services, including dental care, vision care, prescription drugs, select over-the-counter products, mental health counselling, medical transportation, and medical supplies and equipment.Â
