Best Dental Insurance in Canada for 2023

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and dental insurance plays a significant role in ensuring access to essential care.

Unfortunately, in Canada, dental health services are not well covered by public health insurance. In fact, according to the Canadian Dental Association, nearly 94% of dental spending in Canada is private! Individuals need to look elsewhere for this important care.

But how do you pick the best dental insurance that suits your needs and budgets? We've got you covered. This comprehensive article answers your questions about public and private dental care in Canada, best policies, what they cover, prices, and also get free quotes.

Our 2023 ranking of Canada's best dental insurances

Green Shield Canada Dental Insurance: Options for every budget

Green Shield Canada (GSC) offers three major health insurance plans that provide dental care in different ranges: Prism Continuum, Prism Spectra, and Prism Precision.

Prism Continuum is designed for comprehensive coverage, providing 80% coverage for preventive and basic care, no deductible or coverage limit. This plan at $317 is ideal if you want extensive benefits.

Prism Spectra, with a lower cost of $235, offers 80% coverage for preventive care and up to 80% for basic care. It has a first-year coverage limit of $500, making it a fair option with progressive coverage.

Prism Precision, affordable at $131, is a limited plan. It covers 70% of preventive care but does not cover basic care. The first-year coverage limit is $250, with no deductibles or coverage limits. This is a budget-friendly option.

Here's a table on the dental coverage from three major plans of GSC Insurance.

Plan	Dental Coverage	Premium
Prism Continuum®	Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exam, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anaesthetics Coverage: 80%	$317
Prism Continuum®	Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining Coverage: 80% throughout
Prism Continuum®	Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges Coverage: 50% starting in 3rd benefit year
PrismSpectra®	Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exam, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anaesthetics. Coverage: 80%	$235
PrismSpectra®	Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining Coverage: 60% in first 12 months, 70% in next 12 months, 80% thereafter
PrismSpectra®	Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges Coverage: 50% starting in the 3rd benefit year
Prism Precision®	Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exams, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anaesthetics. Coverage: 70%	$131
Prism Precision®	Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining. Coverage: 60% in first 12 months, 70% in next 12 months, 80% thereafter
Prism Precision®	Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges. Coverage: 50% starting in 3rd benefit year

The figures you see above and premiums will vary with the services you opt for and extent of coverage. You can checkout this pdf for more information on dental insurance offered by GSC.

If you like what GSC offers and think it could be the right fit for you or your family, you can get quotes directly from GSC and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

Manulife Dental Insurance: Multiple Plans for different needs

Manulife offers many comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans. Whether you are looking for dental benefits, drug benefits, or a combination, you will find a plan that suits you.

Manulife dental coverage is offered under four broad plans: DentalPlus Basic, DentalPlus Enhanced, ComboPlus Basic, and ComboPlus Enhanced. The extent of dental care varies from basic coverage like cleaning and scaling to extensive coverage like major restorative dental procedures based on the policy.

Here's a table on the Manulife health Insurance plans with dental cover.

Plan Type	Dental Coverage	Premium
DentalPlus Basic	Year 1: 50% of first $1,150 (up to $575 every year)	$78.5
DentalPlus Basic	Year 2+: 80% of first $400 and 50% of next $860 (up to $750 every year)
DentalPlus Basic	Check-ups every 9 months
DentalPlus Basic	Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions
DentalPlus Basic	Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures
ComboPlus Starter	70% of first $575 (up to $400 every year)	$80.9
ComboPlus Starter	Check-ups every 9 months
ComboPlus Starter	Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions
ComboPlus Starter	Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures
ComboPlus Basic	80% of first $400 and 50% of next $860 (up to $750 every year)	$94.6
ComboPlus Basic	Check-ups every 9 months
ComboPlus Basic	Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions
ComboPlus Basic	Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures

The figures you see above and premiums will vary with the services you opt for and the extent of coverage. You could checkout this pdf for more information on the dental cover offered by Manulife.

If you liked what Manulife offers and you think it could be the right fit for you or your family, or both, you can now get quotes directly from Manulife and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

GMS Dental Insurance: Comprehensive coverage

GMS, i.e. Group Medical Services, offers plans ranging from basic coverage to comprehensive health cover, all of which have the option to add dental benefits and/or drug benefits.

GMS health insurance provides dental coverage for basic services like exams, fillings, and polishing, promoting preventive care. The coverage also includes major services such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, offering comprehensive coverage for restoring or replacing teeth based on the specific policy you opt for.

Here's a table on what some popular GMS Dental coverage plans offer.

Plan Type	Dental Coverage	Premium
Essential Plan	Preventative Coverage: 80% coverage for regular check-ups, examinations, cleanings, and scaling. Basic Coverage: 80% coverage for checkups (every 6 months), polishing, fillings, etc. Major Coverage: 50% coverage for major dental services, inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, dentures, etc. Combined Maximum: $1,000 for dental expenses (includes basic and major services) Accidental Dental: $2,000 per injury	$121.25
Basic Plan	Year 1: $500 (Preventative Care and Basic Services) Year 2: $750 (Preventative Care, Basic and Major Services) Year 3+: $1000 (Preventative Care, Basic and Major Services) Accidental Dental: $500 per injury	$70.75

The figures you see above and premiums will vary with the services you opt for and the extent of coverage. You could checkout this pdf for more information on the dental insurance offered by GMS.

If you liked what GMS offers and you think it could be the right fit for you or your family, or both, you can now get quotes directly from GMS and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

Blue Cross Dental Insurance: Flexible choice

Blue Cross offers several plans that include health benefits, drug, and dental coverage depending on your needs. Blue Cross health and dental plans vary across provinces and policies. However, all Blue Cross health insurance packages offer the option of adding dental cover.

There are Flex Plans that offer 80% preventive coverage and 50% basic coverage; one of their more affordable options for basic care. Their entry plans include dental maintenance services such as exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fillings.

Essential plans, in addition to the services in entry plans, cover extractions, root canals, and more. Enhanced plans further include periodontal services for gum health, major dental procedures, and even orthodontics.

It must be noted that dental care is an optional benefit that you can pick and choose from to add to your Blue Cross Health Insurance plan.

Here's a table summarising the dental care benefits offered under some major Blue Cross Health Plans.

Plan Type	Coverage	Premium
Flex Plan	Preventive Coverage: 80% reimbursement (examinations, X-rays, laboratory tests, preventive services, space maintainers) Basic Coverage: 50% reimbursement (removal of erupted teeth, restorative services, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery) Combined Maximum: $500 for first year, $1,000 for subsequent years; coverage ends at 65th birthday Accidental Dental: $1,000 per accident	$41.22
Entry	Preventive Coverage: Dental Exam & Cleaning, X-rays (3 month wait) Basic Coverage: 60% ($500/year) (Fillings - 3 month wait) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime	$48.01
Essential	Preventive Coverage: Dental Exam & Cleaning, X-rays (6 month wait) Basic Coverage: 70% (Fillings, extractions and root canal - 6 month wait) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime	$65.94
Enhanced	Preventive Coverage: Dental Exam & Cleaning, X-rays (6 month wait) Basic Coverage: 80% (Fillings, extractions and root canal - 6 month wait; Periodontal Services Coverage - 24 month wait (60% ($1,200 / year)); Major Dental Coverage - 24 month wait (60% ($500 / year)); Orthodontics Coverage (age 18 and under - 24 month wait (60% ($1,500 / lifetime)) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime	$98.12

The figures you see above and premiums will vary with the services you opt for and the extent of coverage. You could checkout this pdf for more information on the dental cover offered by Blue Cross.

If you liked what Blue Cross offers and you think it could be the right fit for you or your family, or both, you can now get quotes directly from Blue Cross and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

What is dental insurance in Canada?

In Canada, public dental coverage falls under the public health scheme and it varies by province, as dental care falls under provincial jurisdiction.

Some provinces offer limited public dental coverage focused on basic preventive services like check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays, particularly for children and low-income individuals.

However, more extensive treatments such as fillings, extractions, and orthodontics coverage is often limited or not included in public plans. Private dental cover therefore becomes essential to supplement gaps in public coverage, providing access to a broader range of services, including major restorative procedures and orthodontics.

Private dental insurance can also offer higher reimbursement percentages and lower out-of-pocket costs, making it beneficial for individuals and families seeking comprehensive care.

How does public dental insurance work in Canada?

What does public dental insurance cover?

Some Canadian provinces offer more comprehensive coverage, while others may have limited benefits. For example, the coverage of health and dental insurance Ontario might be different from dental insurance Montreal.

However, below are some common aspects of public dental coverage in Canada:

1. Children's Dental Care: Many provinces provide dental coverage for children up to a certain age, often focusing on preventive services like regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. Basic treatments like fillings for baby teeth may also be covered.
2. Low-Income Individuals: Public dental insurance in Canada often prioritizes assistance to low-income individuals and families. Depending on the province, eligible low-income residents may receive coverage for essential dental services.
3. Emergency Dental Care: Some provinces offer coverage for emergency dental treatments to manage sudden and severe dental issues.
4. Specific Treatments: In certain cases, public dental care may cover specific treatments or services, such as extractions or minor restorative procedures. However, coverage for complex procedures like crowns, bridges, or orthodontics may be limited or excluded.

Who is eligible for public dental insurance in Canada?

Public dental insurance is available to certain groups in Canada. It varies from province to province, but seniors, children, low-income adults and adults with disabilities may be eligible for province-funded dental care programs.

Nationally, three government-funded programs provide dental insurance:

• Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for Canadian veterans
• Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for eligible First Nations people
• Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for resettled refugees

How does private dental insurance work in Canada?

Private dental insurance in Canada works as a supplemental dental insurance that individuals or families can purchase to enhance their dental coverage beyond what is provided by the public health system or employer-sponsored plans.

Here's how private dental plans work:

1. Purchasing a Plan: You can buy private dental plans directly from providers or through group plans offered by employers or professional associations. They are usually available on monthly/annual premiums.
2. Coverage Levels: Coverage ranges from basic preventive care to comprehensive treatments and orthodontics.
3. Covered Services: It covers a wide range of services, like regular check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, and some orthodontic treatments.
4. Cost-sharing: Private dental insurance may involve cost-sharing. You usually pay a portion of the dental expenses as copayments or coinsurance, the provider covers the remaining up to the plan's coverage limits.
5. Waiting Periods: Waiting periods may apply to major procedures or orthodontics.
6. Preferred Provider Networks: Some plans have networks of dentists and dental clinics with whom they have discounted rates. You may receive cost savings by seeking care from these preferred providers.
7. Direct Billing: In some cases, dentists may offer direct billing to the provider, where the insurer pays the dentist directly for covered services, and the policyholder is responsible only for any out-of-pocket expenses.

How much does private dental insurance cost?

The cost of dental care generally depends on your province and desired level of coverage. Paying for dental cover is a concern for Canadian families living on tight budgets. It is worth it! Regular preventive care is usually cheaper than waiting to have an emergency.

What does private dental insurance cover?

Basic plans generally include coverage for preventive care. Comprehensive plans are more likely to cover restorative care and orthodontics.

Under both basic and comprehensive plans, health insurers require you to pay 20-40% out-of-pocket for your dental treatment. They cover the rest. Note that most plans have a maximum amount that is reimbursable for the year.

Private insurers offer many different plans. Weigh your options carefully when shopping.

Outside of specific emergency procedures performed in hospitals, public insurance plans provide little dental care. Dental exams, x-rays, fillings, scaling and extractions are paid out-of-pocket without a basic private dental insurance plan.

More expensive comprehensive dental plans cover restorative care and orthodontics including braces, crowns, inlays, bridges, and dentures.

Are dental implants covered by insurance in Canada?

Dental implants are not typically covered by public health insurance in Canada. Without coverage, dental implants can be quite expensive. A single dental implant could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 or more and individuals often have to pay for it out of pocket.

But how to get dental implants covered by insurance? Well, some private Canadian dental plans may offer coverage for dental implants, but it's essential to review the specific terms of each policy to understand what procedures are covered and to what extent.

Coverage for dental implants depends on several factors, including:

1. The purpose of the implant: Insurance providers consider whether the implant is necessary for medical reasons or if it is primarily for cosmetic purposes.
2. Type of implant: Different types of dental implants may have varying levels of coverage, depending on the policy.
3. Patient's medical history: Providers may assess the patient's health and dental condition to determine the eligibility for implant coverage.

Are braces covered by dental insurance?

Comprehensive Canadian dental plans may cover up to 50% of the cost of braces and other orthodontics. Braces can be expensive at $3,000 to $10,000. Insurance can go a long way toward paying for them.

Additionally, many orthodontists offer financing plans to help spread out the cost. Braces can qualify for a Medical Expense Tax Credit when submitted under a Health Spending Account.

You can now compare coverages of the best dental and health insurances in Canada and also get quick quotes on specific needs like dental insurance alberta, dental insurance Ontario, dental insurance Saskatchewan, and more.

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Is there dental care for seniors without dental insurance?

Dental care for seniors without insurance in Canada was generally not covered under the public health insurance system. But some provinces in Canada offer limited dental coverage or specific programs for low-income seniors:

1. Dental insurance Ontario: The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides dental services to eligible low-income seniors aged 65 and over. The dental insurance for seniors in Ontario program covers a range of services, including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, dentures, and more. Eligibility and coverage details may vary.
2. Dental Insurance Alberta: The Alberta Adult Health Benefit program may provide some limited dental coverage for low-income seniors, depending on their income and eligibility.
3. Dental insurance BC: In some cases, low-income seniors in British Columbia may receive emergency dental care through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
4. Dental insurance Manitoba: The Manitoba government may offer some dental services for low-income seniors through the Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) program.
5. Dental Insurance Nova Scotia: Some programs in Nova Scotia provide limited coverage for seniors in need. One example is the Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare Program, which includes some dental benefits for eligible seniors.
6. Dental Insurance Quebec: Quebec offers some dental care services to seniors aged 65 and over under the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) program.

Is there specific dental insurance for seniors?

Yes, there is. Taking cognisance of the rising inflation and the steep prices for dental care, the Canadian government has introduced plans recently to provide dental care for seniors without dental insurance and for low-income seniors.

In March 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau announced that the Canadian Dental Care Plan will be accessible to certain uninsured individuals, including those under 18, persons with disabilities, and seniors with an annual family income below $90,000.

For those with a family income under $70,000, there will be no co-pays, ensuring that they won't have to make out-of-pocket payments for covered dental services.

By the end of 2023, the Canadian Dental Care Plan will be rolled out and fully implemented by 2025 thereby providing insurance for low-income seniors and other eligible Canadians.

What does dental care cost without dental insurance?

The cost of dental care procedures varies between provinces. For example, with dental insurance in Ontario, a dental check-up is $35. In British Columbia, it is $29.50, while in Alberta, it is a steep $67. Provinces publish a suggested fee guide, and companies reimburse based on it.

To provide an example, see below for the suggested cost of common procedures in Ontario. Prices in British Columbia are generally slightly lower than this. Those in Alberta are generally slightly higher. You can also find more details on the costs in the following sub-sections.

Dental care	Average Price in Ontario
Consultations	$35
Cleaning - 30 minutes (scaling)	$126
X-rays	$34
Tooth extraction (simple)	$193
A white medium-sized filling	$291
Root canal (one molar)	$892
Implant	$4,200 including the crown
Braces	$4,500 - $5,500

How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?

The cost of a dental bridge without insurance can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the materials used, the location of the dental practice, and the experience of the dentist.

While public insurance does not typically cover bridges or other major treatments, there are private insurances that can cover up to 50% of the cost.

Here's a table with the cost range for dental bridges with and without dental cover:

Type of Dental Bridge	Cost Range Without Insurance	Cost Range With Insurance (Approx.)
Maryland Bridge	$1,500 - $2,500	$750 - $1,250
Traditional/Cantilever Bridge	$2,000 - $5,000	$1,000 - $2,500
Implant-Supported Bridge	$5,000 - $15,000+	$2,500 - $7,500+

Please note that the cost range with insurance is an approximation and may vary based on the specific dental insurance plan and its coverage.

How much is a dental cleaning without insurance?

The cost of a dental cleaning without insurance in Canada can vary depending on the dentist, location, and type of cleaning (routine cleaning or deep cleaning). Generally, the average cost for a routine dental cleaning (prophylaxis) in Canada ranges from $100 to $200 or more.

Routine dental cleanings are generally not covered by public health in Canada so you will have to pay out of pocket for this expense. However, many private policies in Canada do cover 100% of preventive cleanings, typically twice a year.

Coverage for dental cleanings is a standard feature in most dental insurance plans, and it aims to encourage individuals to undergo regular cleanings to prevent more significant dental issues in the future, many of which might cost them a pretty penny.

How much is a dental x ray without insurance?

The cost of a dental X-ray without insurance in Canada can vary based on the type of X-ray and the dental clinic's location. Generally, the cost of a dental X-ray in Canada can range from $30 to $250 or more.

Type of Dental X-ray	Approximate Cost Without Insurance in Canada
Bitewing X-rays	$30 - $50
Periapical X-rays	$40 - $80
Panoramic X-rays	$100 - $250+

Please note that these are approximate costs and can vary depending on the dental clinic and its location. Additionally, the cost may be different for children, seniors, or patients with specific dental conditions.

8 tips to get cheap dental insurance

Want to save on a great plan? The lowest rate does not always make the most financial sense. Here are some tips:

1. Shop around and compare plans to find affordable options using HelloSafe's easy to use comparator.
2. Consider group or employer-sponsored plans for lower premiums and better coverage.
3. Look for standalone dental plans that focus solely on dental coverage.
4. Opt for higher deductibles or limited coverage if you don't anticipate major dental issues.
5. Explore dental discount plans for cost-saving benefits.
6. Compare annual maximums to understand coverage limits.
7. Check co-pays to see your out-of-pocket expenses per visit.
8. Utilize eligible Medical Expense Tax Credits (under a Health Spending Account) to save on dental expenses.

Now that you know private dental cover is a real necessity, you can go ahead and use our comparator to compare the best plans and also get quotes to suit your specific needs and your location like dental insurance Quebec, dental insurance Manitoba, and more.

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Can I get a no waiting period dental insurance in Canada?

Most insurance plans include a waiting period. The waiting period exists to prevent people from picking up insurance only when they have a health need.

Preventive care like cleaning and x-rays are usually available quickly without a long waiting period. Expensive procedures, including orthodontics and oral surgery, have a waiting period. Sometimes it can stretch to even 12 to 24 months.

For this reason, getting a plan now, when you do not yet need it, makes sense. It helps ensure that you are eligible once you have a claim.

How do I get a health and dental insurance plan in Canada?

There are several ways to find affordable health and dental plans that meet your needs:

• Visit the website or call health insurance companies to discuss your coverage options. This can be overly time-consuming.
• Contact an insurance broker. They have access to, and knowledge of, many plans. They make comparing options a breeze. Note that brokers may charge a commission of up 10% of your monthly premium.
• The internet is a powerful resource for insurance shopping. Ask questions, compare policies and make your decision.
• You can use Hellosafe’s comparison tool at the top of this page to quickly and conveniently compare quotes. Find the best one for your health and your wallet. It is like an instant, online broker without the fees.

Can I purchase dental insurance only?

Insurers offer stand-alone dental coverage. Our tool lets you shop for dental-only insurance Canada plans.

More often, dental is included as a part of comprehensive private health and dental insurance plan. You can get private insurance with dental care through many employers or by purchasing full coverage dental plans on your own.

These plans also help pay for prescription drugs, vision care, ambulance services, medical devices, specialists and more. We recommend private health insurance regardless of your province. Provincial public health care has significant gaps. Dental care is a significant one. Private health and dental insurance is a cost-effective way to ensure you can pay for care.

How can I get dental insurance if I am self-employed?

The self-employed can purchase private health and dental insurance on the private market. Premiums paid are eligible medical expenses that may be deductible from your taxable annual income.