Is Blue Cross Dental Insurance Worth It? Review 2024
verified information
Information verified by Alexandre Desoutter
Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.
Discover the methodology
Frequent dental checkups are essential for maintaining your overall health. Yet, routine examinations, often costing over $100 per person, can make dental care a financial challenge.
Fortunately, Blue Cross dental insurance offers a solution. In this review, we delve into the coverage, plan options, pricing, as well as the pros and cons of Blue Cross dental insurance.
Additionally, you can use our HelloSafe comparator and get free quotes and compare offerings from multiple providers to determine if Blue Cross is the ideal choice for your dental care needs or if there's another plan that suits you better.
Blue Cross Dental Insurance: 5 Key Takeaways
- Blue Cross dental insurance offers plans tailored to individuals seeking cost-effective dental coverage.
- The plans feature a sliding scale for reimbursement, offering increasing benefits over time.
- Eligible dental expenses include diagnostics, preventive therapy, restorative dentistry, and more.
- Ontario Blue Cross dental insurance helps offset costs for dental procedures not covered by OHIP.
- While Blue Cross offers valuable coverage, some plans may have waiting periods for specific services.
Our 2024 review of Blue Cross dental insurance Canada
Blue Cross offers dental coverage both as an add-on to the Blue Cross Health insurance plans and as a stand-alone dental plan. Blue Cross dental insurance in Canada offers a range of plans with notable features, including a sliding scale for reimbursement that increases over time.
If offers direct billing to dentists to reduce immediate out-of-pocket expenses, and coverage for a variety of dental services from diagnostics to restorative dentistry.
It is ideal for individuals and families seeking cost-effective dental coverage, especially those without access to group insurance. However, some plans have waiting periods for specific services, orthodontic coverage is subject to a lifetime maximum, and the coverage for dental implants varies by plan.
Availability may also vary by region, so it's essential to carefully review the specific plan details and limitations before enrolling. If you think Blue Cross dental insurance could be the right choice for you, you can get a personalized quote right here.
Pros of Blue Cross dental insurance
- Provides cost-effective options for individuals and families
- Dentists can bill Blue Cross directly, reducing immediate out-of-pocket expenses for plan members
- Sliding Scale for reimbursement
- A variety of dental plans for every budget
- Plans include dental coverage for seniors as well
Cons of Blue Cross dental insurance
- Some plans have waiting periods for specific services
- Orthodontic coverage is subject to a lifetime maximum
- The coverage for dental implants depends on the specific plan
- Blue Cross dental insurance availability may vary by region
How much is Blue Cross dental insurance?
The cost of Blue Cross Dental Insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the specific plan you choose, your location, your age, and whether you're enrolling as an individual, a couple, or a family. Additionally, the level of coverage and the deductible you select can influence the cost of your dental insurance.
Here is a price estimate of Blue Cross dental insurance to give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay.
| Time Frame | Single | Couple | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Month | $39 | $80 | $129 |
| Annual | $439 | $908 | $1,474 |
Good to know
What is Blue Cross Blue Shield dental insurance?
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) dental insurance is a type of health insurance that helps to pay for the cost of dental care. It is offered by BCBS, a federation of 36 separate health insurance organizations that collectively provide health insurance to over 100 million people in the United States.
We recommend that you compare Blue Cross prices with those of multiple other Canadian insurances before zeroing in on one. You can do it right here by using our comparator tool below and get free personalized health and dental insurance quotes in seconds.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans and Rates on the market!
What does Blue Cross dental insurance cover?
The coverage provided by Blue Cross dental insurance can vary depending on the specific plan you choose, but it typically includes a range of dental services. Here is a general overview of what Blue Cross dental insurance may cover:
| Dental Services | Coverage Provided by Blue Cross Dental Insurance |
|---|---|
| Preventative Dental Services | Dental exams and check-ups Diagnostic services, including X-rays Routine teeth cleaning and polishing Fluoride treatments Pit and fissure sealants General anesthesia for dental procedures |
| Basic Restorative Dental Services | Fillings for cavities Simple extractions |
| Comprehensive Restorative Dental Services (coverage may vary by plan) | Periodontal treatment (for gum disease) Endodontics (root canal therapy) Denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, and relining |
| Major Restorative Dental Services (coverage may vary by plan) | Dentures (both full and partial) Standard crowns Standard bridges |
| Orthodontic Services (coverage may vary by plan) | Orthodontic treatment, including braces (availability and coverage limits may vary) |
Please note that the specifics of coverage, including reimbursement percentages, annual maximums, waiting periods, and other terms and conditions, can vary significantly between different Blue Cross dental insurance plans. The information provided here serves as a general guideline, and it's important to refer to the plan documentation or contact Blue Cross directly for precise details regarding coverage.
What is Blue Cross dental insurance Ontario?
Ontario Blue Cross dental insurance can assist in mitigating the costs associated with typical dental procedures and oral surgeries that are not covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan. You can rest assured that should an unexpected dental problem arise, you can seek appropriate treatment without the burden of a hefty dental bill.
Blue Cross Ontario provides a range of cost-effective and adaptable health insurance plans tailored to you and your family. Their coverage is a perfect fit for individuals without access to group insurance, offering peace of mind and financial security. It further makes up for the gaps left by your provincial health plans like the OHIP coverage.
Good to know
Are dental implants covered by Blue Cross insurance?
One of the most common questions asked is "Does Blue Cross medical insurance cover dental implants?" Well, Whether or not dental implants are covered by Blue Cross insurance depends on the specific plan that you have. Some plans may cover dental implants in full or in part, while others may not cover them at all.
What is Pacific Blue Cross dental insurance coverage?
Pacific Blue Cross (Blue Cross Dental Insurance BC) has devised a distinctive plan tailored for individuals seeking affordable dental coverage without the need to invest in an individual health plan. This plan offers reimbursement or direct payment to your dentist and bridges the gap left by the provincial MSP in BC coverage.
The plan operates on a sliding scale for reimbursement. After a three-month no-claims waiting period and a yearly deductible of $100, it provides coverage as follows:
| Coverage features | First 12 months | 13-24 months | 25 months+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement percentage | 60% | 70% | 80% |
| Annual maximum | $500 per person | $750 per person | $1000 per person |
Eligible dental expenses encompass all essential services performed by a dentist or denturist for the upkeep and maintenance of teeth, including:
- Diagnostic: Two recall examinations (check-ups) annually
- X-rays: The equivalent of one full-mouth series each year (complete series x-rays are limited to once every three years)
- Preventive therapy: Topical fluoride applications, limited to twice per calendar year
- Restorative dentistry: All procedures aimed at restoring natural teeth to their normal function, employing silver and tooth-colored fillings, as well as stainless steel crowns
- Scaling and root planning
- Prosthetic repair services for realigning or repairing fixed or removable appliances
- Routine extractions
See what Blue Cross dental insurance plans cover as per your specific province using our comparator below. You can also get free tailor-made quotes based on your unique needs from multiple insurance providers to decide on a plan that best suits you right here.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans and Rates on the market!
What are the different Blue Cross health and dental insurance plans?
Blue Cross offers health, dental, and a combination of health and dental plans. While choosing the plan, you may be asked questions like:
- Are you and all applicants residents of BC or the Yukon actively enrolled under the Government health plan?
- What kind of benefits and insurance are you looking for today?
- I'm looking for the perfect health and dental benefits insurance plan.
- Just dental coverage, thanks.
- I'm looking for something to provide financial security if I become seriously ill.
- Do you have an existing medical condition that requires regular use of prescription drugs or treatments such as physiotherapy?
- What’s your name and age?
For a 27-year-old male who is looking for a perfect health and dental benefits insurance plan, here’s what the plan would look like. First, build your personalized health and dental plan in two easy steps.
Step 1: Choose from Bronze, Silver, or Gold Health coverage
| Step 1: Health | BRONZE | SILVER | GOLD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifetime maximum | $375,000 | $500,000 | Unlimited |
| Prescription drugs | $5,000 Limit 70 or 80%* $5 dispensing fee | $10,000 Limit 70 or 90%* $10 dispensing fee | Unlimited 80 or 90%* $10 dispensing fee |
| Practitioner services | $30/session max $400/pract/year | $40/session max $600/pract/year | $50/session max $800/pract/year |
| Mental wellness services | $750 combined/year | $750 combined/year | $1,500 combined/year |
| Vision care 6-month waiting period | $250 $60 eye exam Every 2 years | $300 $80 eye exam Every 2 years | $400 $80 eye exam Every 2 years |
| Hearing aids 3-month waiting period | $300 Every 4 years | $400 Every 4 years | $600 Every 4 years |
| Family planning benefit 1-year waiting period | No | No | $5,000/family/year - fertility drugs** $5,000/family/year - fertility treatment & adoption** |
Things to keep in mind:
- Coverage limits are applicable exclusively when utilizing Preferred Pharmacy Network (PPN) providers.*
- In the event that infertility is determined as a pre-existing condition in accordance with your agreement, the benefit for fertility drugs, fertility treatment, and adoption will be reduced to a combined lifetime maximum of $2,000.
Step 2: Choose the dental coverage
For someone who chose the Gold plan, here is what the dental plan would look like: Choose from Silver or Gold. A dental option is required on a Gold health plan.
| Step 2: Dental (required) | SILVER | GOLD |
|---|---|---|
| Dental — Basic and routine services | ||
| Waiting period | 3 months | No waiting period |
| Recall frequency† | 6 months | 6 months |
| Year 1 | 70%, $800 | 80%, $1,000* |
| Year 2 | 80%, $1,100* | 90%, $1,300* |
| Year 3+ | 80%, $1,400* | 90%, $1,600* |
| Dental — Major services, dentures and orthodontics | ||
| Waiting period | 12 months | 6 months |
| Year 1 | No | 60% Major only* |
| Year 2 | 50% Major only* | 60% incl. Dentures, Orthodontics** |
| Year 3+ | 50% incl. Dentures, Child orthodontics** | 60% incl. Dentures, Orthodontics** |
Things to keep in mind:
- The minimum time interval required between specific preventative and diagnostic services (such as exams, polishing, and fluoride treatments).*
- A combined annual maximum limit applies to all dental services.
- There is a $ 2,000-lifetime maximum for orthodontic services per person. Gold orthodontic coverage is available for both children and adults.
Are <strong>Blue Cross and Blue Shield dental insurance the same? </strong>
Blue Cross and Blue Shield are related but distinct entities. Blue Cross primarily offers health insurance, Blue Shield also provides health coverage, and both are part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Some companies within this network may offer dental insurance, but each operates independently with its own range of services.
If you'd like to compare specific plans and coverages from Blue Cross health and dental insurance with other providers, you can do it right here using our comparator below. You can get free personalized dental insurance quotes and weigh multiple options to choose the best plan for you.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans and Rates on the market!
What is Blue Cross dental insurance phone number?
If you're a plan member, you can quickly find answers to most of your personal benefits and coverage questions by referring to their Frequently Asked Questions section or by logging into your Member Profile.
You can also call Blue Cross, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4:30 pm (Pacific time, excluding statutory holidays):
- Lower Mainland: 604 419-2000
- Toll-free: 1 877 722-2583
- First Nations Health Authority Client Line: 1 855 550-5454
