What's the Best Dental Insurance in Alberta for 2024?
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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 Alberta, dental health services are not well covered by public health insurance so having a private dental insurance becomes extremely essential.
But how do you pick the best Alberta dental insurance plan that suits your needs and budgets? This comprehensive article answers your questions about public and private dental care in Alberta, best policies, coverage, prices, and also get free quotes.
Top 2024 Best Alberta Dental Insurance
- Sun Life dental insurance: Inclusive coverage options
- Blue Cross Dental Insurance: Flexible choice
- Green Shield Canada Dental Insurance: Options for every budget
- Manulife Dental Insurance: Multiple Plans for different needs
- GMS Dental Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
Our 2024 ranking of best Alberta dental insurance
Sun Life dental insurance: Inclusive coverage options
Sun Life, one of the most prominent insurance providers in Canada, offers comprehensive dental insurance coverage that suits every need. The dental coverage can be purchased with the health insurance plan as an optional benefit and not as a standalone plan.
You can access dental care through Health and Dental Choice A where dental coverage is included by default however with restrictions. If you want more comprehensive coverage including restorative procedures like endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and more, you can add optional dental coverage through Health Choice B with dental and Health Choice C with dental.
| Dental Coverage Options | Health and Dental Choice A | Health Choice B | Health Choice C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive Coverage | Included | Optional | Optional |
| Reimbursement Rate | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Annual Maximum | $700 | $700 combined | Year 1: $750, Year 2+: $1,000 combined |
| Restorative Coverage | No coverage |
| Optional
|
| Restorative Services | No coverage | Endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, crowns, onlays, bridges, dentures (and repairs) | Same as B |
| Preventive Services | Examinations, tests, x-rays, white fillings, space maintainers, scaling, extractions, pit and fissure sealant, recall visits | Same as A, plus minor emergency treatments | Same as B, plus recall visits every nine months |
| Premium per month (for 40-year-old male Alberta resident) | $87.26 | $148.25 (Optional Dental included) | $195.29 (Optional Dental included) |
Note: Preventive services focus on examinations, tests, and minor treatments, while restorative services cover more extensive dental procedures. The eligibility requirement is that everyone on the application must have had dental coverage through the client's group benefits plan.
The figures you see above and premiums will vary with the services you opt for and the extent of coverage. You can check out this pdf for more information on dental insurance offered by Sun Life.
If you like what Sun Life offers and think it could be the right fit for you or your family, you can get quotes directly from Sun Life 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 and premiums vary with the extent of coverage. You could check this pdf for more information on the dental cover offered by Blue Cross.
Good to know
You could also check out other dental insurance companies like Desjardins dental insurance, rbc dental insurance, td dental insurance, delta dental insurance, caa health and dental insurance, if you would like to explore more options.
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.
Green Shield Canada Dental Insurance: Options for every budget
Green Shield Canada (GSC) offers three major health and dental insurance Alberta 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 | $317 |
| Prism Continuum® | Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges Coverage: 50% starting in 3rd benefit year | $317 |
| 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 | $235 |
| PrismSpectra® | Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges Coverage: 50% starting in the 3rd benefit year | $235 |
| 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 | $131 |
| Prism Precision® | Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges. Coverage: 50% starting in 3rd benefit year | $131 |
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 dental insurance Ontario plan that's 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 health and dental insurance Alberta 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) | $78.5 |
| DentalPlus Basic | Check-ups every 9 months | $78.5 |
| DentalPlus Basic | Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions | $78.5 |
| DentalPlus Basic | Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures | $78.5 |
| ComboPlus Starter | 70% of first $575 (up to $400 every year) | $80.9 |
| ComboPlus Starter | Check-ups every 9 months | $80.9 |
| ComboPlus Starter | Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions | $80.9 |
| ComboPlus Starter | Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures | $80.9 |
| 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 | $94.6 |
| ComboPlus Basic | Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions | $94.6 |
| ComboPlus Basic | Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures | $94.6 |
The figures and premiums vary with the extent of coverage. You could check 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 | $80.00 |
| 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 | $65.75 |
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.
Why do you need private dental insurance in Alberta?
Under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), eligible residents receive coverage for essential medical services such as doctor visits, hospital care, and diagnostic tests. These services include general medical consultations, surgical procedures, emergency room visits, laboratory tests, and imaging scans.
However, dental services like routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and orthodontic treatments are not part of the AHCIP coverage.
Without private dental insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these dental procedures, which can result in significant costs, making it essential to consider additional coverage options, that is private dental insurance, for dental care.
How much does dental care in Alberta cost without insurance?
Dental procedures range from two/three-figure basic services to eye-watering six-digit digit complex operations. All the more reason to have insurance in place so you never risk having to shoulder the full cost!
For example
Edwyn, 36, has cracked a tooth while eating a sandwich on his lunch break in Calgary. He needs an emergency dental crown so that he can get through the rest of his day! At a minimum, this will cost him $825 plus lab fees plus $69.67 for an emergency exam. Luckily Edwyn has just made a big sale at work so he can afford this, but can you?
While Edwyn was lucky that his recent sale at work allowed him to cover the cost of his emergency dental crown in Calgary, Tanya's situation in Edmonton serves as a stark reminder of the potential financial burden that dental emergencies can bring, especially without insurance.
For example
Tanya, 23, by contrast, has no money to spare. She has just moved to Edmonton and the job she was relying on getting has fallen through. Even worse, while driving she hit a lamp post and knocked out both her front teeth. She needs implants before her next job interview but the cost of a single implant in Alberta is anywhere between $900 to $100,000. Luckily for Tanya, she is still on her parents' dental policy but how would she manage if she had no insurance?
Take a look below to see some typical pricing for other routine dental procedures and how expensive they can be without a good private health and dental insurance plan.
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| New patient exam (child) | $77.18 - $105.20 |
| New patient exam (adult) | $110.06 |
| New patient exam (emergency) | $69.67 |
| Polish | $64.90 |
| Scaling | $72.84 |
| Root planing | $78.82 |
| Fluoride treatment | $31.44 |
| Panoramic x-rays | $95.78 |
| Bitewing x-rays | $51.51 |
| Periapical x-rays | $32.32 |
| Fillings | $148.05 - $384.37 |
| Braces / orthodontics | $2,999 - $5,495 |
| Invisalign orthodontics | $1,799 - $5,495 |
| Myobrace orthodontics | $3,199 - $4,295 |
The Alberta Dental Association and College typically update the pricing every two to three years. See the Alberta dental fee guide for 2023 below. You could download the file and read it at leisure.
As you can see, the cost of dental care in Alberta can be expensive and quite a financial burden. A private dental insurance plan can help you access these services without the stress.
Now that you know how expensive dental care is without dental insurance, you can check out the best dental insurances in Alberta, the prices, coverage, and also get quick quotes in no time using our comparator below.
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How do I buy a private dental insurance plan in Alberta?
To purchase private dental insurance in Alberta, start by researching reputable insurance providers and comparing plan options that suit your needs. Assess your dental requirements, including any pre-existing conditions.
Request quotes from selected providers and carefully review policy details, including coverage limits, waiting periods, and exclusions. After selecting the appropriate plan, complete the enrollment process by submitting an application and paying regular premiums.
Once coverage becomes active, you can confidently utilise the insurance to access a wide range of covered dental services, ensuring comprehensive oral health care without bearing the full financial cost.
While this may seem as a daunting process, we've made it simple for you by creating an easy-to-use comparator at the top of this page. You could get info on prices, coverage, and also get free quotes from the best Alberta health and dental insurance in no time.
How much is dental insurance in Alberta?
The cost of dental insurance in Alberta can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the insurance provider, the specific plan you choose, the level of coverage, and your age or the age of other members on the plan.
An Albertan can expect to pay between $59.70 and $148.50 per month for private dental care. Family plans that cover multiple individuals can cost more, typically ranging from $80 to $200 per month.
The cost of dental care can vary dramatically depending on the insurance provider and the amount of coverage you are looking for. To compare plans and providers to make sure you are getting the best price for your coverage needs, check out our comparison tool.
8 tips to get the cheapest Alberta dental insurance
Here are some essential ways to get the cheapest dental insurance in Alberta:
- Shop around and compare plans to find affordable options using HelloSafe's easy to use comparator.
- Consider group or employer-sponsored plans for lower premiums and better coverage.
- Look for standalone dental plans that focus solely on dental coverage.
- Opt for higher deductibles or limited coverage if you don't anticipate major dental issues.
- Explore dental discount plans for cost-saving benefits.
- Compare annual maximums to understand coverage limits.
- Check co-pays to see your out-of-pocket expenses per visit.
- Utilize eligible Medical Expense Tax Credits (under a Health Spending Account) to save on dental expenses.
What does a private Alberta dental insurance cover?
Services and coverage vary from insurer to insurer, but typically a dental policy will cover between 70% to 100% of costs.
Typically you will be able to choose between purchasing basic or comprehensive insurance. A basic insurance package will cover routine procedures and regular checks ups.
Basic dental insurance
- oral examinations, x-rays
- polishing, fluoride treatments
- fillings
- scaling and root planing
- minor repairs
- extractions
A comprehensive dental insurance policy will cover more complex dental procedures, such as surgery, as well as non-essential, aesthetic treatments like orthodontics.
Comprehensive dental insurance
- root canals
- treating gum diseases
- braces
- oral surgery
- crowns
- bridges
- dentures and repairs
Good to know
Is there a dental insurance Alberta no waiting period plan? Some private dental insurances offer no waiting periods for certain services like check-ups and cleanings, while others might have waiting periods for major procedures like crowns or orthodontics. Insurance providers also occasionally offer plans with reduced or no waiting periods as part of promotional offers or special packages.
Can I get dental only insurance in Alberta?
Yes, you can get dental-only insurance in Alberta. Dental-only insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage specifically for dental services and treatments.
It does not include coverage for other types of health services, such as medical or vision coverage, which are typically part of comprehensive health insurance plans. Dental-only insurance plans are offered by various insurance providers in Alberta, and they vary in terms of coverage levels, premiums, deductibles, and the specific dental services they cover.
Some plans may have waiting periods for certain procedures, while others might offer immediate coverage for basic dental services like check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays.
Are there special dental benefits under Alberta Public Health Insurance?
Does Alberta Public Health Insurance cover low-income seniors?
Alberta offers dental benefits for low-income seniors but in order to be eligible for those benefits, seniors will have to meet certain requirements. Residents must:
- be 65 years old+
- be an Alberta resident and have resided in Alberta for at least three months before applying
- be a Canadian citizen or legal immigrant
- have submitted a completed Seniors Financial Assistance application form
You can fill out the Seniors Financial Assistance form by saving it as a PDF by clicking below:
Take a look at the chart below which matches annual income with program limits:
| Marital status | Total household annual income | Dental benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Single senior | $0 to $2, 285 | 100% (maximum coverage) |
| Single senior | $29,286 to $31,675 | 99 to 10% (partial coverage) |
| Single senior | Over $31,675 | Not eligible |
| Senior couple | $0 to $58,570 | 100% (maximum coverage) |
| Senior couple | $58,571 to $63,350 | 99% to 100% (partial coverage) |
| Senior couple | Over $63,350 | Not eligible |
If you qualify for these benefits, you will be covered by the routine and essential procedures included in basic dental coverage, with the addition of denture care and root canals.
Aesthetic procedures such as orthodontics are not covered by these benefits.
Dental clinics in Alberta may have charges above what is covered by the benefits. In this case, you will need to pay the difference or find a cheaper clinic.
But getting a private dental insurance will cover a lot of these above expenses and more. If you'd like to check out the best options from health and dental insurance providers in Alberta and also get quick quotes, you can use our comparator below.
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Is there low-income dental assistance in Alberta?
Alberta does offer low-income dental assistance. If you find yourself in need of dental services that you are unable to pay for, you can visit a dental Public Health clinic. They offer reduced fees for dental services to low-income Alberta residents.
In order to qualify for low-income dental assistance, you need to live full-time in Alberta and be able to demonstrate that you fall into a low-income bracket. If you have a dental insurance plan you will not qualify for low-income dental assistance.
Dental Public Health clinics will perform routine and emergency dental procedures. They will not provide aesthetic treatments like orthodontics. To benefit from low-income dental assistance please fill out the form below:
Can I get Alberta Works emergency dental coverage?
All Albertan recipients of the following programs are entitled to full dental coverage:
- Income Supports (Expected to Work or Barriers to Full Employment)
- Learners
- Alberta Adult Health Benefit (AAHB)
For a full list of those who qualify and what procedures are covered, please check out the form below:
How to cancel private Alberta dental insurance?
To cancel, you need to contact your insurance provider directly. You can do this by calling the customer service number listed on your insurance card or policy.
Inform them of your decision to cancel the coverage and provide any required information, such as your policy number and personal details. Some companies may have specific procedures or forms for cancellation, so it's essential to follow their instructions.
Additionally, be aware of any notice periods or cancellation fees that apply. Keep records of your cancellation request for your reference and ensure that you receive written confirmation from the company acknowledging the cancellation.
How to file a claim for Alberta dental insurance?
To file a claim, you should first receive dental treatment from your dentist. Your dentist will provide you with an itemized receipt or dental claim form detailing the services and associated costs.
Fill out the necessary information on the claim form and attach the receipt. Submit the completed claim form along with the supporting documents to your provider. You can typically submit claims through various methods, such as mail, online portals, or mobile apps, depending on your provider.
Once the claim is received and processed by the provider, they will reimburse you for the eligible expenses based on the terms of your policy. Be sure to keep a copy of all documents for your records and follow up with the provider if you have any questions about the claim process.
