Is Co-operators Dental Insurance Worth It? 2025 Review
Our expert's opinion on Co-operators
ScoreCo-operators offers a highly specialized dental insurance solution primarily aimed at the retiree market, earning it a focused but limited assessment. The available ContinYou® GOLDEN plans are designed for individuals aged 50-75 leaving a group benefits package, offering a straightforward transition. Plan options are tiered, with no dental benefits in the base plan, while enhanced options provide 75% to 80% reimbursement for basic services and 50% for major procedures. Annual limits are modest, capping at $1,000 or $1,500 per person, and deductibles are not specified in public documents. Preventive care is well-covered in the upper-tier plans.
Compared to broader individual plans like Manulife's FollowMe, Co-operators excels in providing a simplified, guaranteed-acceptance transition for its existing group members, though its premiums can be higher for the coverage offered. The insurer's digital claim tools through the Benefits Now® portal are a modern convenience, although its public reputation reflects a very low Trustpilot score of 1.8/5 from over 90 reviews.
This insurer is best suited for individuals transitioning from a group benefits plan who value continuity of carrier over extensive coverage or competitive pricing, and for whom guaranteed acceptance is a priority.
- ✅Seamless transition from group coverage
- ✅Guaranteed acceptance for eligible retirees
- ✅Digital claims via portal and app
- ✅Bilingual customer service support
- ✅100% coverage for accidental dental injury
- ✅No medical questions for applicants
- ✅Coverage for spouse and dependents
- ❌No standalone plans for general public
- ❌Not available to applicants over 75
- ❌Low annual maximums of $1,000-$1,500
- ❌No coverage for implants or orthodontics
- ❌50% reimbursement for major dental
Score- ✅Seamless transition from group coverage
- ✅Guaranteed acceptance for eligible retirees
- ✅Digital claims via portal and app
- ✅Bilingual customer service support
- ✅100% coverage for accidental dental injury
- ✅No medical questions for applicants
- ✅Coverage for spouse and dependents
Our expert's opinion on Co-operators
- ✅Seamless transition from group coverage
- ✅Guaranteed acceptance for eligible retirees
- ✅Digital claims via portal and app
- ✅Bilingual customer service support
- ✅100% coverage for accidental dental injury
- ✅No medical questions for applicants
- ✅Coverage for spouse and dependents
- ❌No standalone plans for general public
- ❌Not available to applicants over 75
- ❌Low annual maximums of $1,000-$1,500
- ❌No coverage for implants or orthodontics
- ❌50% reimbursement for major dental
Score- ✅Seamless transition from group coverage
- ✅Guaranteed acceptance for eligible retirees
- ✅Digital claims via portal and app
- ✅Bilingual customer service support
- ✅100% coverage for accidental dental injury
- ✅No medical questions for applicants
- ✅Coverage for spouse and dependents
Why trust Hellosafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in dental insurance, guiding hundreds of thousands of users each month in choosing the right coverage. Our specialists have reviewed the dental insurance plans of leading insurers in Canada, carefully analyzing coverage details, pricing, and quality of service. Here is our expert review of this plan.
The types of dental plans offered by Co-operators
Co-operators provides dental insurance in Canada primarily through employer-sponsored group plans and a specialized plan for individuals transitioning into retirement. The options are tailored to these specific contexts rather than the general public.
- Group dental insurance: This coverage is offered to employees and their dependents as part of a workplace benefits package provided by their employer.
- Retiree dental insurance: This is an individual plan designed for people transitioning from a group benefits plan, ensuring they can maintain coverage after retirement.
Co-operators' dental insurance coverage
The following table details the dental coverage available through Co-operators' ContinYou® GOLDEN plans, which are designed for retirees transitioning from group benefits. Dental benefits are not included in the Base plan and vary between the Enhanced and Enhanced Plus options.
| Guarantee | Included in Plan? | Reimbursement rate (%) | Annual maximum ($) | Waiting period (months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive care (check-ups, cleanings, x-rays) | Enhanced: Yes Enhanced Plus: Yes | Enhanced: 75% Enhanced Plus: 80% | Enhanced: $1,000 Enhanced Plus: $1,500 (combined with major) | Not specified |
| Basic restorative care (fillings, extractions) | Enhanced: Yes Enhanced Plus: Yes | Enhanced: 75% Enhanced Plus: 80% | Enhanced: $1,000 Enhanced Plus: $1,500 (combined with major) | Not specified |
| Major restorative care (crowns, dental bridges, dentures) | Enhanced: No Enhanced Plus: Yes | Enhanced Plus: 50% | $1,500 (combined with basic) | Not specified |
| Endodontics (root canal therapy) | Enhanced: Yes Enhanced Plus: Yes | Enhanced: 75% Enhanced Plus: 80% | Included in Basic/Major maximum | Not specified |
| Periodontics (gum treatments) | Enhanced: Yes Enhanced Plus: Yes | Enhanced: 75% Enhanced Plus: 80% | Included in Basic/Major maximum | Not specified |
| Orthodontics (braces, Invisalign) | No | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Oral surgery | Enhanced: Yes Enhanced Plus: Yes | Enhanced: 75% Enhanced Plus: 80% | Included in Basic/Major maximum | Not specified |
| Dental implants | No | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers) | No | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Anesthesia/sedation coverage | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Accidental dental injury coverage | Yes (all plans) | 100% | $2,500 per year | Not specified |
Enhanced Plus: Yes
Enhanced Plus: 80%
Enhanced Plus: $1,500 (combined with major)
Enhanced Plus: Yes
Enhanced Plus: 80%
Enhanced Plus: $1,500 (combined with major)
Enhanced Plus: Yes
Enhanced Plus: Yes
Enhanced Plus: 80%
Enhanced Plus: Yes
Enhanced Plus: 80%
Enhanced Plus: Yes
Enhanced Plus: 80%
How much does Co-operators dental insurance cost in 2025?
| Type of coverage | Value plan 1 | Value plan 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $120/month | About $170/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $220/month | About $310/month |
| Single-parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $200/month | About $280/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $260/month | About $370/month |
*These are indicative prices and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the selected plan.
Good to know
The prices shown are for the Co-operators ContinYou® GOLDEN plans, which are specifically designed for retirees aged 50 to 75 who are transitioning from a group benefits plan. These plans are not available to the general public.
Discount codes for Co-operators
| Co-operators 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 Co-operators
| Feature | Availability | Expert opinion (one clear sentence of 15–25 words) |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | You can submit claims electronically through the Benefits Now® portal, which allows for faster processing than traditional mail. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | The Benefits Now® app lets you manage your claims and access your digital benefit card directly from your smartphone. |
| Member portal for claim tracking | ✅ | The online portal allows you to monitor the status of your claims and review your coverage details at any time. |
| Claim reimbursement simulator | ❌ | You cannot estimate your out-of-pocket costs before a procedure, making it harder to budget for extensive dental work. |
| Reimbursement time frame | ❌ | Since processing times are not published, you cannot reliably predict how long it will take to receive your reimbursement. |
| Adding or removing members without fees | ✅ | You can easily update your policy to add or remove dependents by contacting customer service as your family needs change. |
| Telephone assistance with a healthcare professional | ❌ | The plan does not provide a dedicated line for medical advice, limiting phone support to administrative and policy questions. |
| Second medical opinion | ❌ | You do not have access to an insurer-provided service to get an expert review of a complex dental diagnosis. |
| 24/7 travel assistance | ✅ | This feature provides support for emergency medical and dental care when you are travelling outside of your home province. |
What do customers say about Co-operators dental insurance?
Here is a summary of the feedback from policyholders:
- Pros:
- The transition from a group plan to a retiree plan is often described as seamless and straightforward.
- The availability of bilingual customer service is a frequently mentioned positive aspect.
- A simple claims process for most standard procedures is a common point of satisfaction among members.
- Cons:
- The premiums are sometimes considered high, particularly for older applicants.
- Some customers have reported experiencing delays in the processing of their claims.
- A common criticism is the limited coverage provided for major dental procedures.
Here are examples of reviews left online:
- "The transition from my group plan to ContinYou GOLDEN was seamless. The online portal made claims easy, and I appreciated the helpful customer service.", Linda M., March 2024, GroupEnroll.ca
- "Premiums increased after my first year and the dental coverage maximums are lower than I expected. Claims for major dental work took longer to process.", John S., February 2024, Trustpilot
How to contact Co-operators?
| Reason for contact | Contact Co-operators |
|---|---|
| For a dental insurance quote 🧾 | Call 1-844-953-0414, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or request a quote online. |
| For proof of dental insurance 🧾 | Access your digital benefits card and coverage details through the Benefits Now® online portal. For assistance, call 1-844-953-0414. |
| For dental assistance 🩺 | For any questions about your policy, call customer service at 1-844-953-0414, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET. |
| To report a dental claim or track a reimbursement 🔍 | Submit claims online via the Benefits Now® portal. You can also track the status of your reimbursement in the portal or by calling 1-844-953-0414. |
FAQ
Who can apply for Co-operators dental insurance?
Co-operators primarily offers individual dental insurance to retirees through its ContinYou® GOLDEN plan. To apply, you must go through their official website or contact an advisor. As this plan is highly specific, it is wise to first compare a wide range of dental insurance offers online. This will help you ensure you choose a policy that truly aligns with your personal needs and financial situation.
Are there any age requirements with Co-operators?
Yes, there are strict age requirements for the Co-operators ContinYou® GOLDEN plan. Applicants must be between the ages of 50 and 75 at the time they apply for coverage. This plan is specifically structured for individuals who are transitioning out of an employer-sponsored group benefits plan and into retirement. Applications from individuals outside of this age range will not be eligible for this product.
Can members be added or removed from Co-operators dental insurance?
Yes, you can add your spouse or partner, as well as eligible dependent children, to your ContinYou® GOLDEN retiree health and dental plan. This is typically done at the time of application. A key condition for adding family members is that they must also be covered by a valid provincial government health insurance plan. This allows you to secure coverage for your entire family.
Do I need to have prior group insurance to be eligible?
Yes, eligibility for the Co-operators ContinYou® GOLDEN plan is conditional on having previous coverage. This plan is designed specifically for individuals who have been covered by a group health and dental plan for at least the last two years prior to their application. It is intended to provide a seamless transition into retirement and is not available to the general public who do not meet this specific requirement.
Does Co-operators cover major dental work like implants or orthodontics?
Coverage for major dental work is limited and depends on the plan you select. The Enhanced Plus plan offers 50% reimbursement for services like crowns and bridges, but the lower-tier plans do not. More complex and costly procedures such as dental implants and any type of orthodontic treatment, including braces for adults or children, are not covered under any of the Co-operators individual retiree plans.
How do I submit a dental claim to Co-operators?
You have a couple of convenient options for submitting dental claims. Many dental offices can submit the claim directly to Co-operators on your behalf through electronic data interchange (EDI). Alternatively, you can pay your dentist upfront and submit the claim yourself for reimbursement. This can be done easily online through the Benefits Now® member portal or by using the corresponding mobile app.
Who can apply for Co-operators dental insurance?
Co-operators primarily offers individual dental insurance to retirees through its ContinYou® GOLDEN plan. To apply, you must go through their official website or contact an advisor. As this plan is highly specific, it is wise to first compare a wide range of dental insurance offers online. This will help you ensure you choose a policy that truly aligns with your personal needs and financial situation.
Are there any age requirements with Co-operators?
Yes, there are strict age requirements for the Co-operators ContinYou® GOLDEN plan. Applicants must be between the ages of 50 and 75 at the time they apply for coverage. This plan is specifically structured for individuals who are transitioning out of an employer-sponsored group benefits plan and into retirement. Applications from individuals outside of this age range will not be eligible for this product.
Can members be added or removed from Co-operators dental insurance?
Yes, you can add your spouse or partner, as well as eligible dependent children, to your ContinYou® GOLDEN retiree health and dental plan. This is typically done at the time of application. A key condition for adding family members is that they must also be covered by a valid provincial government health insurance plan. This allows you to secure coverage for your entire family.
Do I need to have prior group insurance to be eligible?
Yes, eligibility for the Co-operators ContinYou® GOLDEN plan is conditional on having previous coverage. This plan is designed specifically for individuals who have been covered by a group health and dental plan for at least the last two years prior to their application. It is intended to provide a seamless transition into retirement and is not available to the general public who do not meet this specific requirement.
Does Co-operators cover major dental work like implants or orthodontics?
Coverage for major dental work is limited and depends on the plan you select. The Enhanced Plus plan offers 50% reimbursement for services like crowns and bridges, but the lower-tier plans do not. More complex and costly procedures such as dental implants and any type of orthodontic treatment, including braces for adults or children, are not covered under any of the Co-operators individual retiree plans.
How do I submit a dental claim to Co-operators?
You have a couple of convenient options for submitting dental claims. Many dental offices can submit the claim directly to Co-operators on your behalf through electronic data interchange (EDI). Alternatively, you can pay your dentist upfront and submit the claim yourself for reimbursement. This can be done easily online through the Benefits Now® member portal or by using the corresponding mobile app.
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