Is Canada Life dental insurance worth it? 2025 Review
Our expert's opinion on Canada Life
ScoreCanada Life presents a mixed but compelling offering in the Canadian dental insurance market, earning a moderate assessment. Its key strength lies in its "Freedom to Choose™" and Guaranteed Acceptance plans, which provide significant flexibility for individuals, families, and those transitioning from group benefits. Reimbursement rates are competitive, covering 70-85% for preventive services, though major care like crowns is often a 50% add-on, and annual limits vary widely from $350 to $2,000 depending on the tier.
Compared to major competitors like Sun Life, Canada Life excels in its plan customization and guaranteed issue options but often comes at a higher price point, particularly for comprehensive family coverage. This makes it best suited for individuals who value digital convenience and guaranteed acceptance over consistent customer service.
Despite some users reporting quick reimbursements via a modern online portal and app, the insurer’s reputation is hampered by a very low Trustpilot score of 1.4 from over 1,000 reviews, with frequent complaints about customer service delays and claim denials. Official claims processing times are not publicly available.
- ✅Guaranteed acceptance plans available
- ✅Flexible plan tiers for individuals
- ✅High reimbursement for basic care up to 85%
- ✅Convenient online and mobile app claim submission
- ✅No termination age for applicants
- ✅Access to Teladoc for second medical opinions
- ✅Coverage for those leaving workplace benefits
- ❌Extremely low customer review scores on Trustpilot
- ❌No orthodontic coverage for individual plans
- ❌Major dental care as an optional add-on
- ❌Poor customer service a recurring complaint
- ❌Unclear information on waiting periods
Score- ✅Guaranteed acceptance plans available
- ✅Flexible plan tiers for individuals
- ✅High reimbursement for basic care up to 85%
- ✅Convenient online and mobile app claim submission
- ✅No termination age for applicants
- ✅Access to Teladoc for second medical opinions
- ✅Coverage for those leaving workplace benefits
Our expert's opinion on Canada Life
- ✅Guaranteed acceptance plans available
- ✅Flexible plan tiers for individuals
- ✅High reimbursement for basic care up to 85%
- ✅Convenient online and mobile app claim submission
- ✅No termination age for applicants
- ✅Access to Teladoc for second medical opinions
- ✅Coverage for those leaving workplace benefits
- ❌Extremely low customer review scores on Trustpilot
- ❌No orthodontic coverage for individual plans
- ❌Major dental care as an optional add-on
- ❌Poor customer service a recurring complaint
- ❌Unclear information on waiting periods
Score- ✅Guaranteed acceptance plans available
- ✅Flexible plan tiers for individuals
- ✅High reimbursement for basic care up to 85%
- ✅Convenient online and mobile app claim submission
- ✅No termination age for applicants
- ✅Access to Teladoc for second medical opinions
- ✅Coverage for those leaving workplace benefits
Why trust Hellosafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in dental insurance, guiding hundreds of thousands of users each month in choosing the right coverage. Our specialists have reviewed the dental insurance plans of leading insurers in CA, carefully analyzing coverage details, pricing, and quality of service. Here is our expert review of this plan.
Types of dental plans offered by Canada Life
Canada Life provides dental insurance solutions for individuals, families, and employer groups, with options tailored to different life situations and coverage needs. Their plans are available directly to consumers or through workplace benefits.
- Individual and family dental plans: These personal health and dental policies are designed for individuals, couples, and families who need to purchase their own coverage.
- Guaranteed acceptance plans: Tailored for those leaving a workplace benefits plan, these policies offer guaranteed coverage without medical questions when applying within a specific timeframe.
- Group/workplace dental plans: Offered by employers to their employees as part of a benefits package, providing customizable dental care coverage.
Canada Life's dental insurance coverage
Canada Life's "Freedom to Choose™" health and dental plans offer varying levels of coverage for dental services, depending on the plan series (Select or Guaranteed) and tier chosen (e.g., Plus, Elite). Not all dental benefits are available on all plans; major services are typically included only in higher-tier options or as add-ons.
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of potential dental guarantees:
| Guarantee | Included in plan? | Reimbursement rate | Annual maximum | Waiting period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive care (check-ups, cleanings) | Yes | 70-85% | $350 - $2,000 | Not specified |
| Basic restorative care (fillings, extractions) | Yes | 70-85% | Included in preventive max | Not specified |
| Major restorative care (crowns, bridges) | Yes (Elite plans or as add-on) | 50% | $750 - $1,000 | Not specified |
| Endodontics (root canal therapy) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Periodontics (gum treatments) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Orthodontics (braces) | No | Not covered | Not covered | Not applicable |
| Oral surgery | Yes | 70-85% | Included in preventive max | Not specified |
| Emergency dental care | Yes | 70-85% | Included in preventive max | Not specified |
| Dental implants | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers) | No | Not covered | Not covered | Not applicable |
| Anesthesia/sedation coverage | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Accidental dental injury coverage | Yes (as add-on) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
The cost of Canada Life dental insurance in 2025
| Type of coverage | Value plan 1 | Value plan 2 | Value plan 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $60/month | About $85/month | About $120/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $120/month | About $165/month | About $230/month |
| Single-parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $160/month | About $220/month | About $310/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $160/month | About $220/month | About $310/month |
*These are indicative prices and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the selected plan.
Compare the best dental insurance options in {{country_iso}} for free!CompareDiscount codes for Canada Life
| Canada life promo codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best dental insurance plans.
How dental insurance claims work with Canada Life?
| Feature | Availability | Expert opinion (one clear sentence of 15–25 words) |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | This allows you to conveniently submit expenses from home, which helps to accelerate the overall reimbursement process for you. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | The app lets you manage your plan, view your benefits card, and submit claims easily right from your smartphone. |
| Member portal for claim tracking | ✅ | This secure online space allows you to check the status of your claims and manage your policy information 24/7. |
| Claim reimbursement simulator | ❌ | You cannot estimate out-of-pocket costs before treatment, making it difficult to financially plan for expensive dental procedures. |
| Reimbursement time frame | ❌ | Since no timeframe is published, you cannot reliably predict how long it will take to receive reimbursement for your claims. |
| Adding or removing members without fees | ✅ | This gives you the flexibility to easily update your policy coverage to reflect important changes in your family structure. |
| Telephone assistance with a healthcare professional | ❌ | The plan does not provide a general nurse line for immediate health advice, focusing support on administrative and claim inquiries. |
| Second medical opinion | ✅ | This service offers an expert review of a complex diagnosis, helping you make more confident and informed healthcare decisions. |
| 24/7 travel assistance | ❌ | This critical feature is not included by default, so you must purchase it as an add-on for travel protection. |
What do customers say about Canada Life dental insurance?
| Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 (1,000+ reviews) |
| 2.0–2.5/5 (1,000+ reviews) |
Here is a summary of the feedback from policyholders:
✅ An easy online claims process and quick reimbursements are frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
✅ The coverage provided for routine dental care is often considered good by many policyholders.
❌ A common complaint is the long wait times and difficulty in reaching customer service for support.
❌ The denial of claims, particularly for services deemed related to pre-existing conditions, is a recurring issue.
❌ Some customers express frustration due to a perceived lack of clarity regarding coverage limits and policy details.
Here are examples of reviews left online:
- "It was very easy to get reimbursed and it was very fast.", Anonymous, 2024, Canada Life website
- "Customer service is impossible to reach and my claim was denied without clear explanation. Very frustrating experience.", J. Smith, March 2024, Trustpilot
How to contact Canada Life?
| Reason for contact | Contact Canada Life |
|---|---|
| For a dental insurance quote 🧾 | You can request a dental insurance quote directly from the Canada Life website. |
| For proof of dental insurance 🧾 | Access your proof of coverage through the member portal or by calling 1-888-252-1847, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. |
| For dental assistance 🩺 | For any questions about your policy, call 1-888-252-1847 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday, or use the secure member portal. |
| To report a dental claim or track a reimbursement 🔍 | Submit and track claims using the member portal or the mobile app. For assistance, you can call the support line at 1-888-252-1847. |
FAQ
Who can apply for Canada Life dental insurance?
Any resident of Canada who is covered by a provincial or territorial government health plan is eligible to apply for Canada Life dental insurance. You can get a quote and apply directly through the official Canada Life website. Before committing, it is highly recommended that you compare dental insurance offers online to ensure you find the most suitable and cost-effective plan for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with Canada Life?
No, Canada Life does not impose a maximum age limit for its individual health and dental insurance plans. Applicants of any age can apply for coverage, making it a viable option for seniors and retirees who may face age restrictions with other insurance providers. This ensures that access to private dental care is available throughout all stages of life, without an age-based termination of the policy.
Can members be added or removed from Canada Life dental insurance?
Yes, you can add or remove eligible dependents, such as a spouse or children, from your Canada Life dental insurance policy. These changes are typically made following a significant life event, such as marriage, common-law partnership, birth, or adoption. This can usually be managed through your online member account or by contacting a Canada Life customer service representative for assistance.
What happens if I lose my group benefits from my employer?
If you are leaving a job and losing your group benefits, Canada Life offers guaranteed acceptance plans. You must apply for one of these plans within 60 days of your group coverage ending. This allows you to secure new dental insurance without having to answer medical questions, ensuring continuous coverage even if you have pre-existing conditions. This is an excellent way to maintain protection without any gaps.
Are there waiting periods for dental work with Canada Life?
Most dental insurance plans have waiting periods, and Canada Life is no exception. While basic services like cleanings and exams may be covered quickly, you will likely face a waiting period for more extensive and costly procedures. For example, major services like crowns, bridges, or dentures may not be covered until you have been enrolled in the plan for a specified amount of time. Always review the policy details carefully.
Can I have a Canada Life plan and also use the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
No, you are not eligible to use the federal Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) if you already have access to a private dental insurance plan, such as one from Canada Life. The CDCP is specifically designed for Canadian residents who do not have any private dental coverage. Therefore, you must choose between enrolling in a private plan or using the government program, as they cannot be combined.
Who can apply for Canada Life dental insurance?
Any resident of Canada who is covered by a provincial or territorial government health plan is eligible to apply for Canada Life dental insurance. You can get a quote and apply directly through the official Canada Life website. Before committing, it is highly recommended that you compare dental insurance offers online to ensure you find the most suitable and cost-effective plan for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with Canada Life?
No, Canada Life does not impose a maximum age limit for its individual health and dental insurance plans. Applicants of any age can apply for coverage, making it a viable option for seniors and retirees who may face age restrictions with other insurance providers. This ensures that access to private dental care is available throughout all stages of life, without an age-based termination of the policy.
Can members be added or removed from Canada Life dental insurance?
Yes, you can add or remove eligible dependents, such as a spouse or children, from your Canada Life dental insurance policy. These changes are typically made following a significant life event, such as marriage, common-law partnership, birth, or adoption. This can usually be managed through your online member account or by contacting a Canada Life customer service representative for assistance.
What happens if I lose my group benefits from my employer?
If you are leaving a job and losing your group benefits, Canada Life offers guaranteed acceptance plans. You must apply for one of these plans within 60 days of your group coverage ending. This allows you to secure new dental insurance without having to answer medical questions, ensuring continuous coverage even if you have pre-existing conditions. This is an excellent way to maintain protection without any gaps.
Are there waiting periods for dental work with Canada Life?
Most dental insurance plans have waiting periods, and Canada Life is no exception. While basic services like cleanings and exams may be covered quickly, you will likely face a waiting period for more extensive and costly procedures. For example, major services like crowns, bridges, or dentures may not be covered until you have been enrolled in the plan for a specified amount of time. Always review the policy details carefully.
Can I have a Canada Life plan and also use the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
No, you are not eligible to use the federal Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) if you already have access to a private dental insurance plan, such as one from Canada Life. The CDCP is specifically designed for Canadian residents who do not have any private dental coverage. Therefore, you must choose between enrolling in a private plan or using the government program, as they cannot be combined.
On the same topic
