How to get cheap dental insurance in Canada in 2025?
- For users without health benefits through their employer
- For users losing their group coverage
- For users without health benefits through their employer
- For users losing their group coverage
The Sun Life Personal Health Insurance Standard Plan is the most popular option in Sun Life’s personal health insurance lineup. It offers a balanced combination of catastrophic drug coverage, emergency travel insurance, and paramedical benefits, making it well-suited for individuals or families transitioning from group plans or seeking dependable private coverage.
Dental coverage is optional and includes 70% reimbursement for preventive care, up to $750 per year, with a 3-month waiting period. Eligible services include exams, x-rays, white fillings, cleanings, minor extractions, and children’s dental sealants. However, restorative dental care and orthodontics are not included in this plan and are only available through the Enhanced Plan as add-ons.
Prescription drug coverage is a strong feature: the plan reimburses 70% of the first $7,000, and 100% thereafter up to $100,000 annually. There’s no deductible, and the plan includes support for smoking cessation drugs (lifetime maximum of $250). Emergency travel coverage is included, with 100% reimbursement for eligible expenses, a $1 million lifetime maximum, and coverage for trips up to 60 days, until age 80.
Other highlights include 100% coverage for paramedical practitioners (up to $300 per type, per year, no per-visit max), vision care up to $250 every two years, and $2,000 for accidental dental injuries. The semi-private hospital room benefit is optional and includes up to $5,000 annually.
Ideal for: Individuals who want a balanced plan with strong drug and travel benefits, and who are comfortable adding dental care separately. If you expect to need restorative dental or orthodontics, the Enhanced Plan offers more complete dental coverage.
- High drug coverage with catastrophic protection
- Emergency travel medical included (up to 60 days per trip)
- Full reimbursement for paramedical services
- Optional dental and hospital room upgrades
- Vision coverage included
- No coverage for restorative dental or orthodontics
- Dental must be added separately
- 3-month waiting period for dental and 1-year for vision care
- Enrolment is guaranteed
- Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Include orthodontic services
- Enrolment is guaranteed
- Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Include orthodontic services
The GreenShield ZONE 5 Choice plan strikes a strong balance between affordability and expanded dental protection. It’s a step up for those needing more than the basics, especially if you anticipate needing crowns, dentures, or even orthodontic care in the near future. This plan requires a health questionnaire but rewards you with higher annual maximums, faster benefit scaling, and broader dental inclusions.
Dental benefits begin at $800 per year, reaching $1,300 by Year 3. Basic dental services are reimbursed at 80%, while comprehensive services start at 60% in Year 1 and rise to 80% by Year 3. Major dental services, like crowns and bridges, are introduced in Year 3 at 50% reimbursement. Orthodontic services are also available in Year 3 at 50% reimbursement, with a $2,000 lifetime max per person.
The plan includes up to $5,000 in prescription drug coverage, telemedicine, increasing vision care up to $250, and robust health practitioner benefits.
Ideal for: People who expect to need both routine and advanced dental care within a few years. A solid option for families with teens approaching orthodontic age or adults planning restorative dental work in the future.
- Includes major dental starting in Year 3
- Orthodontic coverage with generous lifetime max
- Consistent 80%+ reimbursement across dental services
- Higher annual dental maximums for broader coverage
- Health questionnaire required
- Ortho and major services don’t activate until Year 3
- Six-month recall requirement for exams
- Acceptable dental insurance with $1,000 coverage
- Acceptable dental insurance with $1,000 coverage
The GMS EssentialPlan is a foundational replacement health insurance plan designed for individuals transitioning from employer-sponsored group benefits — particularly retirees or new entrepreneurs. It includes essential extended health and dental coverage, with guaranteed acceptance and no medical questions asked.
Dental benefits are solid, with 80% coverage for preventive and basic services and 50% for major procedures, up to a $1,000 combined annual maximum. This includes exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures, making it a dependable option for maintaining routine dental care after leaving a group plan.
The plan also includes vision care up to $100 every two years (including one eye exam), $500 toward hearing aids every five years, and $600 combined for health practitioners like chiropractors, naturopaths, and osteopaths at 50% reimbursement. You also get unlimited ambulance coverage, $2,000 for accidental dental per injury, and access to the GMS Care Network, including virtual care and counselling services.
Ideal for: Recently retired or self-employed individuals who want affordable and essential coverage, especially if drug coverage isn’t needed. If you need prescription drug support or slightly higher health limits, the ChoicePlan is a more well-rounded step up.
- Strong basic dental benefits, including major procedures
- Unlimited ambulance and good medical equipment coverage
- Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions
- Access to GMS virtual care and support services
- No prescription drug coverage
- Lower vision and health practitioner limits compared to other plans
- No travel insurance included
- Good quality-price ratio
- Complete basic care coverage
- Good quality-price ratio
- Complete basic care coverage
The Blue Cross Blue Flex Plan is a customizable health insurance solution designed for individuals with or without remunerative work, including self-employed professionals. It offers flexible modules, with strong dental and extended health benefits forming its core. While its dental coverage isn’t the most extensive, it provides a good foundation for routine and essential dental care, making it a solid option for individuals looking to maintain their oral health affordably.
Dental benefits include 80% reimbursement for preventive services (such as exams, X-rays, and cleanings) and 50% for basic services like fillings, extractions, root canals, and periodontal treatments. This Blue Cross health and dental insurance plan has an annual reimbursement maximum of $500 in the first year and $1,000 in subsequent years, with a $50 deductible per person.
Prescription drug coverage is optional for individuals under age 65, covering 80% to 100% of eligible drug costs, including those not listed by RAMQ, provided they meet Blue Cross criteria. Vision benefits include up to $50 every 24 months for ophthalmologist or optometrist visits. Health practitioner services (chiropractors, massage therapists, psychologists, etc.) are covered at $25 per visit, up to a combined $500 annually. Nursing care offers up to 160 hours or $5,000 annually.
Travel coverage is not included, making this plan more focused on domestic, outpatient, and preventive care.
Ideal for: Individuals who want a flexible plan with a solid foundation in dental and outpatient care. It's a great fit for the self-employed or those without group insurance who need essential dental coverage but don't require travel or major extended health limits.
- Includes preventive and basic dental services
- Optional drug coverage and broad range of health practitioners
- Affordable with guaranteed acceptance
- Designed with the self-employed in mind
- Dental reimbursement caps may be low for major procedures
- Basic services only covered at 50%
- Most popular plan from GMS
- LifeWorks plan included
- GMS pay-direct card included
- Most popular plan from GMS
- LifeWorks plan included
- GMS pay-direct card included
The GMS ExtendaPlan® is a mid-range health insurance plan offering broader core benefits than the BasicPlan, with optional drug and dental add-ons for more complete coverage. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a better mix of paramedical, vision, and extended health care services.
With the dental add-on, the plan provides up to $1,000 in year 3 for both basic and major services (e.g., exams, fillings, crowns, dentures), starting at $500 in year 1 with 75%–80% reimbursement as coverage grows. Preventive care like cleanings and checkups are included, with major dental available from year 2 onward.
The ExtendaPlan also includes vision care (80% up to $250 every 2 years), unlimited ambulance coverage, $2,000 for accidental dental, and $3,000 per year for private duty nursing. It also expands paramedical coverage to $350 annually, including more practitioners like massage therapists and physiotherapists.
Ideal for: Individuals and families who want better health coverage across the board, without jumping to top-tier pricing. For those needing more generous limits and specialist reimbursements, the OmniPlan® may be worth the upgrade.
- Strong balance of coverage and affordability
- Dental add-on includes both basic and major services
- Includes vision, hearing aids, and paramedical benefits
- High accidental dental and unlimited ambulance coverage
- Dental and prescription drugs must be added separately
- Major dental services start only in year 2
- Some limits lower than OmniPlan on specialist care
Provincial healthcare in Canada does not typically cover all your dental needs leaving you with a heavy financial burden. That's why private health and dental insurance plans are critical.
But private coverage could be a little expensive. So how do you get cheap dental insurance? What are the most affordable options?
Read on to find out how you can get cheap dental insurance in Canada, the coverage options, and more. Use our comparator to compare the cheapest plans and get free dental insurance quotes in seconds right here.
Affordable Dental Insurance: 5 Key Takeaways
- Most plans cover preventive, basic, and major dental services.
- Limitations such as annual maximums, deductibles, and copays apply.
- Exclusions include cosmetic procedures, pre-existing conditions, and more.
- Affordable options include Pacific Blue Cross, GMS, Manulife, and Sun Life.
- Choosing wisely, raising deductibles, and using preventive care can help save money.
What does dental insurance cover in Canada?
Dental insurance coverage in Canada can vary depending on the specific plan and provider, but most plans typically cover a range of preventive, basic, and major dental services. Here's a general overview of what most dental insurance covers in Canada:
| Category | Services |
|---|---|
| Preventive Dental Care | Regular checkups and cleanings X-rays Fluoride treatments Sealants |
| Basic Restorative Dental Care | Fillings Extractions Root canals Crowns Bridges |
| Major Restorative Dental Care | Dentures Implants |
| Orthodontic Care | Braces Invisalign |
Additional Coverage: Some dental insurance plans may also cover additional services, such as periodontal treatment, oral surgery, and sleep apnea treatment.
It's important to note that dental insurance plans often have limitations, such as annual maximums, deductibles, and copays. These limitations can affect the amount of coverage you receive for each service. Be sure to carefully review the details of your plan before you use it.
If you want to look at the most affordable health and dental insurance plans in Canada, you can do it using our comparator below. Compare plans and get free dental insurance quotes in seconds right here.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds
What does dental insurance in Canada not cover?
Here are some of the services that are usually not covered by dental insurance plans in Canada:
- Cosmetic procedures: This includes procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and elective orthodontics.
- Pre-existing conditions: Dental insurance plans typically will not cover pre-existing conditions, such as periodontal disease or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Experimental procedures: New or experimental procedures may not be covered by dental insurance plans.
- Non-essential dental care: This includes procedures that are not deemed medically necessary, such as tooth jewelry or mouthguards.
- Out-of-network providers: If you see a dentist who is not part of your insurance network, you may have to pay a higher copay or your insurance may not cover any of the costs.
Additionally, dental insurance plans typically will not cover dental care that is received while traveling outside of Canada.
What are the types of dental insurance in Canada?
In Canada, you can get dental insurance as a standalone plan or as a part of health insurance. Here are the most common ways to get it:
Private dental insurance plans
There are many private dental insurance companies in Canada that offer a variety of plans with different levels of coverage and deductibles. These plans can be purchased through an employer, an insurance broker, or directly from an insurance company.
Government-funded dental programs
The Canadian government offers a few different dental programs that provide coverage for eligible Canadians. These programs typically cover a limited range of services, such as preventive care and basic fillings. For example:
<strong>Cheap Dental Insurance Nova Scotia</strong>
- Nova Scotia offers the Nova Scotia Dental Assistance Program (NSDAP) for low-income individuals and families.
- Community health centers like the North End Community Health Centre in Halifax provide affordable dental care on a sliding scale.
- Dalhousie University's Faculty of Dentistry offers low-cost or free dental care to patients as part of student training.
Employer-provided dental insurance
Some employers in Canada offer dental insurance as a benefit to their employees. These plans are typically paid for by the employer, but employees may have to pay a small premium.
Student dental insurance
Many universities and colleges in Canada offer dental insurance to their students. These plans are typically less expensive than private plans.
How to get <strong>cheap dental insurance Toronto</strong> plans for students?
Toronto has several dental schools, such as the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, that offer low-cost or free dental care to patients as part of student training. Check out our guide on the best student dental insurance plans.
Dental care clinics
Some dental care clinics in Canada offer their own dental insurance plans. These plans are typically designed to be more affordable than private plans.
<strong>How to get cheap dental insurance Ontario</strong> plans?
- Review plans from various insurance companies like Manulife, Green Shield Canada, and GMS Insurance to find the most competitive rates and coverage.
- Assess whether an individual or a family plan suits your needs. Family plans often offer discounts for multiple members.
What are the best affordable dental insurance plans in Canada?
Finding cheap dental insurance that covers everything can be a challenge, but there are a few options that offer competitive rates without sacrificing coverage. Here are some of the most affordable dental insurance plans in Canada:
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Group Medical Service (GMS)
- Manulife
- Sun Life
Pacific Blue Cross Personal Health Insurance (Dental Only)
Plans from Blue Cross dental insurance start at just $39 per month and cover preventive dental care, basic fillings, and exams. It also includes a $500 annual maximum.
GMS Personal Health Insurance Plans
GMS offers three Personal Health plans that can be customized to fit your needs. The basic plan starts at just $10 per month and covers preventive dental care, basic fillings, and exams. It also includes a $1,000 annual maximum.
Manulife Flexcare® Health and Dental Insurance
Manulife Flexcare® offers a variety of plans with different levels of coverage and deductibles. The basic plan starts at just $12 per month and covers preventive dental care, basic fillings, and exams. It also includes a $1,500 annual maximum.
Sun Life Canada PHI Basic Plan
This Sun Life Canada plan starts at just $14 per month and covers preventive dental care, basic fillings, and exams. It also includes a $500 annual maximum.
Please note that rates reflect the price when you choose dental coverage only. The cost will be higher if you get more coverage. In addition to these plans, there are a number of other insurance companies that offer dental coverage in Canada.
You should compare rates and coverage from several different companies before you choose a plan. Use our comparator below and get personalized dental insurance now right here.
Start Saving Today!
Compare Health and Dental Insurance Rates
How to save money on dental insurance?
Here are some tips for saving money on dental insurance:
- Choose a plan that only covers the services you need: If you only need preventive care, you can save money by choosing a plan that does not cover more expensive services, such as crowns and root canals.
- Consider raising your deductible: Your deductible is the amount of money you pay for out-of-pocket dental care before your insurance company starts to reimburse you. By raising your deductible, you can lower your monthly premiums.
- Use your dental insurance wisely: Only go to the dentist for necessary care. Avoid scheduling unnecessary appointments or treatments just because you have insurance.
- Take advantage of preventive care: Preventive care is usually covered by dental insurance with no or a low copay. This includes things like cleanings, checkups, and fluoride treatments.
By following these tips, you can save money on dental insurance and get the coverage you need to keep your smile healthy.
How to get cheap dental work without insurance?
Even without dental insurance, you can still find affordable dental care in Canada. Here are a few options to consider:
- Visit a dental school clinic: Dental schools often offer low-cost or even free dental care to patients as part of their students' training. While the treatment may take longer than usual due to the supervision of a licensed dentist, it can be a cost-effective option.
- Seek out community health centers or clinics: These organizations often provide dental care on a sliding scale based on income, making them accessible to low-income individuals.
- Inquire about government programs: Certain government programs, such as the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations people and Inuit, or the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees, provide dental coverage for eligible individuals.
- Negotiate with your dentist: Some dentists may be willing to offer reduced rates or payment plans for uninsured patients, especially if you have a good rapport with them.
- Consider dental tourism: Traveling to a neighboring province or even a country like Mexico for dental care may be more affordable than seeking treatment in Canada. However, it's crucial to research the quality and safety of dental services before embarking on such a trip.
By utilizing these options and prioritizing preventive care, you can manage your dental health without the burden of high costs, even without dental insurance.
