What is the best family dental insurance in 2025?
- Good quality-price ratio
- Complete basic care coverage
- Good quality-price ratio
- Complete basic care coverage
Blue Flex from Blue Cross offers a balanced and accessible dental insurance plan with an emphasis on affordability and preventive care. It covers 80% of preventive services and 50% of basic dental care, positioning itself as a practical solution for those who want essential dental protection without paying for extensive or specialized procedures. The first-year coverage is capped at $500, and there’s a modest $50 deductible, which makes it approachable for newcomers to dental insurance or those transitioning from employer-sponsored plans. The plan is limited to individuals aged 59 and under, and it’s particularly praised for its solid cost-to-coverage ratio and clarity in benefits. However, it doesn’t extend to major dental procedures or orthodontics, which may be a drawback for families or individuals with more comprehensive care needs.
Ideal for: This plan suits younger individuals, freelancers, or early retirees who primarily seek preventive maintenance and peace of mind. It’s also a good fit for those between jobs or without access to group benefits, looking for basic protection at a reasonable cost.
- 80% reimbursement on preventive care
- Low deductible of $50
- Strong reputation with a 4.9/5 rating
- Transparent and simple coverage structure
- Ideal for entry-level or budget-conscious subscribers
- Only 50% coverage for basic care
- Annual coverage capped at $500
- No coverage for major or orthodontic treatments
- Age limit set at 59
- 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 PHI Standard Plan from Sun Life offers balanced and enhanced coverage compared to entry-level options, with 70% reimbursement for both preventive and basic dental care. The plan starts with a $750 annual limit in the first year and features no deductible or age restrictions, simplifying access and reducing upfront costs. This makes it a strong contender for those seeking a solid mix of affordability and extended protection. Although it doesn’t cover major dental procedures, the improved reimbursement rate and higher first-year ceiling make it a step up from basic plans, especially for those who expect recurring dental visits.
Ideal for: This plan is ideal for individuals recently removed from employer-sponsored group insurance or self-employed professionals wanting a stable, mid-tier option. It’s also a good fit for early retirees or anyone needing predictable out-of-pocket limits without undergoing medical screening.
- 70% coverage for both preventive and basic dental services
- $750 reimbursement limit in the first year
- No deductible or age-based restrictions
- Designed for those transitioning from employer benefits
- No coverage for major or specialized dental treatments
- Annual limit may not suffice for users with frequent dental procedures
- No add-ons for vision or travel care compared to other hybrid plans
- Best choice for future health care needs
- High benefit maximums
- Include orthodontic services
- Best choice for future health care needs
- High benefit maximums
- Include orthodontic services
GreenShield’s Zone 7 Ultimate plan is one of the most extensive individual dental insurance options in Canada, tailored for long-term health management. It offers up to 90% reimbursement on preventive and basic dental care, starting with $1,000 in coverage in the first year, increasing to $1,200 in the second, and reaching $1,500 annually from year three onward. It also includes orthodontic coverage—an uncommon benefit in non-group plans—and provides high annual benefit maximums without any deductible or age restriction. The guaranteed enrollment process with no medical questions further enhances accessibility for applicants with pre-existing conditions.
Ideal profile: This plan is ideal for families with orthodontic needs, individuals anticipating higher future dental expenses, and those seeking premium, all-encompassing dental coverage without risk of exclusion due to health history. It's especially suited to proactive planners who value stable, high-limit protection year after year.
- Up to 90% reimbursement for dental care
- Annual benefit increases up to $1,500 after three years
- Includes orthodontic services
- No deductible or age limit
- Guaranteed acceptance with pre-existing conditions covered
- Higher premium likely due to broad benefits
- Full value builds over time, not suited for short-term needs
- May be excessive for users needing only routine or preventive care
- Acceptable dental insurance with $1,000 coverage
- Acceptable dental insurance with $1,000 coverage
The EssentialPlan from Group Medical Services (GMS) offers straightforward and solid dental coverage with 80% reimbursement for both preventive and basic care, capped at a combined $1,000 per year. The absence of a deductible or age limit makes this plan particularly accessible, and it stands out for delivering maximum coverage right from the first year—unlike other plans that ramp up over time. While it doesn’t include major dental procedures or broader paramedical benefits, it does what it promises: providing a dependable and uncomplicated dental solution at a fair value.
Ideal profile: This plan is ideal for individuals or couples seeking reliable, mid-range dental protection, particularly those who want high first-year value and simple terms. It's also a smart choice for people new to private dental insurance who want full entry-level coverage with no waiting curve.
- 80% coverage for both preventive and basic dental services
- Up to $1,000 in reimbursement available from year one
- No deductible or age restrictions
- Simple, predictable coverage structure
- No coverage for major dental work
- Lacks vision or travel medical benefits
- Not customizable for broader health needs beyond dental care
- 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 OmniPlan from Group Medical Services (GMS) offers one of the most comprehensive dental and health insurance packages available in the individual market. With up to $1,000 in combined coverage for preventive and basic dental care—including exams, cleanings, and fillings—it provides generous support for routine and slightly more involved dental needs. Notably, there is no deductible and no age-related coverage limit, which increases its appeal for a broader demographic. Although the first-year dental cap for basic services is $500, the higher total combined annual limit means users can access a wider range of benefits across different categories, including physiotherapy, massage therapy, eye exams, and glasses, making it a holistic health option beyond just dental care.
Ideal for: This plan is ideal for individuals or families seeking robust, all-around health coverage, especially those with ongoing needs in both dental and paramedical services. It’s also a solid match for professionals without employer benefits, early retirees, or those who prefer comprehensive private plans over public coverage gaps.
- Generous combined dental coverage up to $1,000
- No deductible or age limit
- Includes paramedical services like physiotherapy and vision care
- One of the most complete benefit packages on the market
- Dental-specific reimbursement capped at $500 in year one
- Higher premiums likely due to extensive coverage
- May be excessive for users seeking dental-only insurance
Family dental insurance in Canada is vital because provincial healthcare typically does not cover dental services comprehensively. While it covers some emergency dental care, routine check-ups, cleanings, and major treatments are often not included.
Dental insurance ensures that your family can maintain good oral health without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses. Family dental insurance is often more cost-effective and practical than individual policies because it covers multiple family members under a single plan.
So, let's take you through the best family dental insurance plans, what they cover, and their pros, cons, and costs. You can also compare family dental insurance plans from Canada's best providers using our free comparator and get personalized quotes for your family right here in no time.
Best Family Dental Insurance Canada Plans
- Sun Life Canada: Various dental coverage options
- GreenShiled Canada: Basic, Comprehensive and Major Coverage
- Group Medical Services (GMS): Supplemental dental insurance plans
- Manulife: FlexCare and FollowMe plans
What is family dental insurance?
Family dental insurance in Canada is an important aspect of overall healthcare. It helps cover the costs associated with dental care for you and your family members. Dental insurance plans in Canada can be obtained through private insurance providers or may be included in some employee benefits packages.
Here are some key details about family dental insurance in Canada:
- Family dental insurance typically covers you, your spouse, and your dependent children.
- It's a cost-effective way to ensure your entire family has access to dental care.
- Premiums are less than personal plans.
- It typically covers a range of dental services, including preventive care, basic procedures, and major procedures.
- Orthodontic coverage, such as braces, may or may not be included in your plan.
- Some plans cover orthodontics for children, while others offer it as an optional add-on.
- The extent of coverage can vary between plans.
- Some plans cover a percentage of the cost, while others have fixed maximum limits for each type of service.
Good to know
In some provinces, government programs like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) cover basic dental care for certain demographics (e.g., children or seniors). However, these programs usually have limitations. Also, coverage varies across provinces. So it's recommended to check coverage for private family dental insurance Ontario or BC plans based on your location.
The cost of family dental insurance in Canada varies depending on the provider, the level of coverage, and your location. You may pay premiums monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Before making any decision, don't forget to explore other options and compare costs. This will ensure that you get the best deal. If you want to compare dental insurance quotes from leading companies in Canada, you can use our comparator and get 20+ health and dental insurance quotes in minutes.
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How much is family dental insurance in Canada?
The cost of family dental insurance in Canada varies depending on a number of factors, including the province you live in, the age and number of dependents in your family, the type of coverage you choose, and the insurance company you go with.
That said, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 per month for family dental insurance in Canada.
For example
For example, a basic dental insurance plan for a family of four in Ontario costs around $150 per month.
If you need more comprehensive coverage, such as coverage for orthodontics or major dental work, you can expect to pay more.
For example
For example, a dental insurance plan that covers orthodontics for children could cost around $200 per month.
Here are some cost estimates for the dental insurance plans we discussed above — for a family of 4 in Canada:
| Insurance company | Plan name | Monthly cost for family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Life Canada | PHI plans | $100-$200 |
| Green Shield Canada | Basic Comprehensive Major | $120 $150 $200 |
| Group Medical Services (GMS) | Supplemental | $50-$100 |
| Manulife | FlexCare FollowMe | $150 $200 |
Which factors can influence the cost?
The following factors can influence the cost of family dental insurance in Canada:
- Province of residence: The cost of dental insurance varies from province to province. This is because the cost of living and the cost of dental care vary from province to province.
- Age: It increases with age. This is because older people are more likely to need dental care.
- Number of dependents: Increases with the number of dependents in your family. This is because you are paying to insure more people.
- Type of coverage: The cost goes up with the level of coverage you choose. For example, a plan that covers orthodontics will be more expensive than a plan that does not.
The cost also varies from insurance company to insurance company. It is important to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies before you choose a plan.
Other factors include:
- Health history: If you or your family members have a history of dental problems, you may pay more for dental insurance.
- Occupation: If you work in a high-risk occupation, you may pay more for dental insurance.
- Tobacco use: If you or your family members use tobacco, you may pay more for dental insurance.
You can also ask about discounts that may be available, such as discounts for families with multiple children or discounts for employers who offer group dental insurance plans.
To get the best possible deal on family dental insurance, it is important to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. You can use our comparator to compare the best health and dental plans and get free dental insurance quotes in minutes.
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What are the best family dental insurance plans in Canada?
Sun Life Canada family dental insurance
Depending on your Sun Life Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plan — whether it's the Basic, Standard or Enhanced — you have access to various dental coverage options.
Here's a breakdown of the offerings for each plan:
PHI Basic Plan: Sun Life’s most affordable plan
- Covers preventative dental care
- 60% reimbursement for preventative dental care
- $500 annual maximum
- Recall visits every 9 months
Standard Plan: Sun Life’s most popular choice
- Enhanced coverage for preventative dental care
- 70% reimbursement for preventative dental care
- $750 annual maximum
- Recall visits every 9 months
PHI Enhanced Plan: Sun Life’s comprehensive offering
- Extensive coverage for preventive dental care, restorative dental care, and orthodontics
- 80% reimbursement for preventative dental care
- $750 annual maximum for preventative care
- Recall visits every 9 months
- 50% reimbursement for restorative dental care, with a $500 annual maximum
- 60% reimbursement for orthodontics, with a $1,500 lifetime maximum
The specifics of your coverage may vary based on the plan you choose — review the details of each plan to select the one that best suits your dental care needs.
GreenShield Canada’s Group Insurance
GSC offers health plans that incorporate dental insurance.
- In their most basic form, these plans encompass coverage for accidental dental damage and a portion of regular check-ups.
- For the more extensive plans, they extend their coverage to encompass major dental reconstructions and surgical procedures.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the dental treatments covered by various GSC health insurance plans:
| Plan | Dental coverage |
|---|---|
| Prism Continuum® | Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exam, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anesthetics Coverage: 80% Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining Coverage: 80% throughout Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges Coverage: 50% starting in 3rd benefit year |
| PrismSpectra® | Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exam, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anesthetics Coverage: 80% Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining Coverage: 60% in the first 12 months, 70% in the next 12 months, 80% thereafter Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges Coverage: 50% starting in the 3rd benefit year |
| Prism Precision® | Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exams, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anesthetics. Coverage: 70% Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining. Coverage: 60% in the first 12 months, 70% in the next 12 months, 80% thereafter Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges. Coverage: 50% starting in the 3rd benefit year |
You can use our comparator below to get personalized dental insurance quotes from GSC and other leading companies that offer dental insurance in Canada. Just fill in some basic details and get dental insurance quotes in minutes.
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GMS dental insurance
GMS is a popular option for individuals and families in Canada. The company offers a variety of supplemental dental insurance plans to choose from, so you can find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
GMS dental insurance plans typically cover the following services:
- Preventive care (cleanings, checkups, x-rays)
- Basic services (fillings, root canals, extractions)
- Major services (crowns, bridges, dentures)
- Orthodontics
Here is what a supplemental dental insurance plan from GMS offers:
| Year | Basic service | Major services | Up to combined reimbursement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $500 | |
| Year 2 | 80% | 50% | $750 |
| Year 3 | 80% | 50% | $1,000 |
Like many dental insurance plans, GMS dental insurance may have coverage limits and waiting periods for certain services — review the policy details to understand these limitations.
Manulife health and dental insurance
Manulife's FlexCare and FollowMe plans are two popular options for family dental insurance in Canada. Both plans offer a variety of coverage options, so you can choose a plan that fits your needs and budget.
FlexCare dental plans offer a variety of coverage options for families, including:
- Preventive care (cleanings, checkups, x-rays) at 100%
- Basic services (fillings, root canals, extractions) at 80%
- Major services (crowns, bridges, dentures) at 50%
- Orthodontics at 50% (up to a lifetime maximum of $2,500)
FlexCare dental plans also offer a variety of optional coverages, such as:
- Accidental dental coverage
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Prescription drugs
- Vision care
- Travel insurance
FollowMe dental plans are designed for people who are between jobs or who have lost their employee health coverage. They offer the same coverage as FlexCare plans, but with a few key differences:
- FollowMe plans have no medical underwriting, so you can be approved for coverage regardless of your health history.
- FollowMe plans have no waiting period for preventive care.
- FollowMe plans offer a special rate for families with three or more children.
Expert advice
The best way to choose between a FlexCare and FollowMe plan is to consider your specific needs and budget.
- If you are looking for a plan with comprehensive coverage and no medical underwriting, then a FollowMe plan may be a good option for you.
- If you are looking for a plan with more affordable rates, then a FlexCare plan may be a better choice.
