How to get cheap dental insurance in Canada in 2024?
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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.
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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.
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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.
