Is GMS dental insurance right for you? Review 2024
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Discover the methodologyGMS dental insurance (a part of GMS health insurance) offers a diverse range of health and dental insurance plans tailored for individuals, families, and businesses. From preventive care to major services and orthodontics, GMS provides comprehensive coverage options.
Let’s delve into its pros and cons, costs, coverage details, and the claims process, to help you make an informed decision about the suitability of GMS dental insurance for your needs.
Once you know what GMS covers, you can use our comparator to compare it with the best health and dental insurance plans, get personalized quotes, and see if it's the best choice for you or if there's another policy that suits you better.
GMS Dental Insurance: 8 Key Takeaways
- GMS Dental Insurance offers comprehensive coverage.
- It includes preventive care, basic services, major services, and even orthodontics.
- You get the flexibility to choose from various plans — and customize them.
- There are plans for individuals, families, and companies (groups).
- GMS dental insurance is known for its competitive pricing.
- The company is recognized for its responsive customer service.
- GMS dental coverage is integrated with health insurance.
- There's no standalone dental insurance option available.
Our 2024 review of GMS dental insurance
GMS Dental Insurance is a versatile choice for individuals, families, and businesses in Canada, offering comprehensive coverage that spans preventive care, basic and major services, and orthodontics. Its customizable plans, competitive pricing, and responsive customer service make it an attractive option for those seeking affordable and adaptable dental coverage.
However, it's important to note that GMS dental insurance is not available as a standalone option, and some plans may have waiting periods for specific services. It's best suited for those who are looking to integrate dental coverage with their health insurance and value a range of dental services.
If you prioritize standalone dental insurance, you may need to explore other providers. Nevertheless, GMS stands out for its flexibility, accessibility, and affordability in the Canadian dental insurance landscape.
If you would like to compare GMS against other dental insurance options or find standalone dental plans, you can use our comparator below. Compare the best health and dental insurance plans and get free personalized quotes right here in seconds.
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Here are some of its pros and cons to give you a better understanding of the offering:
Pros
- Coverage for a wide range of dental services
- Customizable plans
- Affordable premiums
- Good customer service
Cons
- No standalone dental insurance
- Some GMS dental plans have waiting periods for certain services
Who is GMS dental insurance?
Founded in 1949 in Saskatchewan, Canada, GMS (Group Medical Services) started as a cooperative, non-profit organization, providing affordable health insurance to local residents. Over the years, GMS expanded its services to offer various insurance products, including health, dental, travel, and accident insurance, catering to clients across Canada.
It has also grown to provide coverage options to immigrants and visitors by creating tailor-made plans to suit their unique needs and budgets.
GMS maintained a cooperative model, focused on strong customer service, and adapted to changing industry trends. It has grown to become a prominent insurance provider in Canada, known for its commitment to its clients.
What’s the cost of GMS dental insurance?
The cost of GMS dental insurance varies depending on the type of plan you choose, your age, and your province of residence. However, GMS dental insurance is generally affordable, especially when compared to other dental insurance providers.
Here are some examples of the monthly cost of GMS dental insurance for a 27-year-old individual in Alberta:
- Personal Health + Dental BasicPlan: 65.75/month
- Personal Health + Dental ExtendaPlan: $85/month
- Personal Health + Dental OmniPlan: $105/month
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost (Individual) | Monthly Cost (Family of Four) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Health + Dental BasicPlan | $65.75 | $189.00 |
| Personal Health + Dental ExtendaPlan | $85.00 | $238.25 |
| Personal Health + Dental OmniPlan | $105.00 | $291.75 |
Good to know
Please note that health coverage is already included in these plans since these are health plans. Dental coverage is an add-on, and the cost of these plans will increase if you add more optional coverage, such as drug, travel, and hospital cash.
Businesses can also save money on GMS dental insurance by offering group coverage to their employees.
The cost of GMS group dental insurance varies depending on the size of the business and the type of plan chosen, but it is generally more affordable than individual and family plans.
Dental insurance plans depend on your unique needs and health conditions. Therefore, it is highly recommended to get personalized quotes. You can do it right here using our comparator below. Enter some basic information on what you're looking for into the comparator below and voila get multiple free quotes in a few seconds.
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What are the types of GMS dental insurance?
There are no standalone GMS dental insurance plans, but you can get dental coverage as a part of its health insurance. GMS offers a variety of health insurance plans to individuals, families, and businesses. These plans can be categorized into two main types:
- Individual and family dental plans: These plans are designed for individuals and families who do not have dental insurance through their employer. GMS offers a variety of individual and family dental plans, ranging from basic coverage to comprehensive coverage.
- Group dental plans: These plans are designed for businesses of all sizes to offer to their employees. GMS offers a variety of group dental plans, which can be customized to meet the needs and budgets of different businesses.
Within these two main categories, GMS offers a variety of different dental plans (optional), each with its own unique coverage and pricing. Here are some examples of GMS dental plans:
BasicPlan
- Personal Health BasicPlan: This plan is a good option for individuals and families on a budget. It covers preventive care and basic services, such as cleanings, x-rays, and fillings.
- Personal Health ExtendaPlan: This plan is a good option for individuals and families who want more comprehensive coverage. It covers preventive care, basic services, and major services, such as crowns, bridges, and root canals.
OmniPlan
- Personal Health OmniPlan: This plan is the most comprehensive dental plan offered by GMS. It covers preventive care, basic services, major services, and orthodontics.
- Group Health BasicPlan: This plan is a good option for businesses that want to offer basic dental coverage to their employees. It covers preventive care and basic services.
ExtendaPlan
- Group Health ExtendaPlan: This plan is a good option for businesses that want to offer more comprehensive dental coverage to their employees. It covers preventive care, basic services, and major services.
- Group Health OmniPlan: This plan is the most comprehensive dental plan offered by GMS for businesses. It covers preventive care, basic services, major services, and orthodontics.
Good to know
Please note that the dental coverage under these plans is optional — you can choose if you want to include it in your package.
What does GMS dental insurance cover?
GMS health insurance plans cover a wide range of options.
The plans provide coverage for essential dental services, such as exams, polishing, and fillings, as well as major services like crowns, bridges, and dentures. Additionally, they include 6-month recall exams.
Here's a breakdown of the coverage over three years:
- Year 1: 75% coverage for basic services, up to a maximum of $500.
- Year 2: 80% coverage for basic services and 50% coverage for major services, with a combined maximum benefit of $750.
- Year 3: 80% coverage for basic services and 50% coverage for major services, with a combined maximum benefit of $1,000.
Watch out!
Please note that a 3-month waiting period may apply before the coverage becomes effective.
Here’s a quick overview of other things that the plan covers:
| Benefit | OmniPlan | ExtendaPlan | BasicPlan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dental | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Vision Care | 90% to $250/2 years for frames/lenses, 1 eye exam/2 years | 80% to $250 per 2 years combined | |
| Health Practitioners | 90% to $300 per health practitioner, per person, per policy year | 80% to $350 combined maximum | 70% to $250 combined maximum |
| Counselling Services | Combined maximum of $65 per visit for 15 visits per person, per policy year | Combined maximum of $65 per visit for 10 visits per person, per policy year | |
| Speech Pathologist/Therapist | Combined maximum of $45 per visit for 10 visits, per person, per policy year | Combined maximum of $45 per visit for 10 visits, per person, per policy year | Combined maximum of $45 per visit for 5 visits, per person, per policy year |
| Ambulance | Unlimited | Unlimited | $2,000 / person / year |
| Air Ambulance | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Hearing Aids | $800/5 years | $500/5 years | |
| Mobility Aids | $300/person/year | $300/person/year | |
| Ostomy Supplies | $300/person/year | $2,000/person/year |
Good to know
The above list is not complete. GMS covers many other services. For instance, it offers coverage for accidental dental:
- BasicPlan: $500 / injury
- ExtendaPlan: $2,000 / injury
- OmniPlan: $5,000 / injury
Therefore, it's recommended to get a personalized quote a coverage using our comparator.
Dental insurance is a significant investment and therefore you must compare multiple options before buying a policy. While it may seem daunting, we've made it easy for you. Simply use our comparator below to compare the best health and dental insurance policies in Canada and get free quotes in no time.
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How to file a claim for GMS dental insurance?
To file a claim for GMS dental insurance, you can follow these steps:
- Gather your paperwork. You will need your GMS dental insurance ID card, a copy of your dental receipt, and any other relevant documentation, such as a dental treatment plan.
- Complete the GMS dental insurance claim form. You can download the claim form below.
- Submit your claim. You can submit your claim online, by mail, or by fax.
To submit your claim online:
- Go to the GMS website and log in to your My GMS account.
- Click on the "Submit a Claim" button.
- Follow the instructions to complete the online claim form.
- Attach any supporting documentation, such as your dental receipt and dental treatment plan.
- Click on the "Submit Claim" button.
To submit your claim by mail:
- Complete the GMS dental insurance claim form.
- Attach any supporting documentation, such as your dental receipt and dental treatment plan.
- Mail your claim to the following address:
GMS Claims,
2055 Albert Street,
PO Box 1949,
Regina, SK S4P 0E3
To submit your claim by fax:
- Complete the GMS dental insurance claim form.
- Attach any supporting documentation, such as your dental receipt and dental treatment plan.
- Fax your claim to the following number: (306) 787-1326
Once you have submitted your claim, GMS will process it and send you a payment within 10-15 business days.
What to keep in mind for GMS dental insurance claims?
When submitting HCSA claims, kindly keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Ensure all claims are submitted within 12 months from the date of service.
- Attach original itemized receipts to this claim form.
- GMS does not provide receipt returns, so it's essential to retain a copy for your records.
- If needed, include any necessary physician referrals or orders.
- Accumulate a minimum of $20 in total expenses before submitting your claim.
- When submitting a dental claim, include a Standard Dental Claim form from your dentist.
How to contact GMS dental insurance?
There are a couple of ways to get in touch with GMS for anything related to its dental insurance plans.
- GMS customer toll-free number: 1-800-667-3699
- GMS broker toll-free: 1-855-821-6881
- Email: [email protected]
In-person Service (Regina Head Office): Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CST
Head Office,
2055 Albert Street,
PO Box 1949,
Regina, SK S4P 0E3
Phone: 306-352-7638
Fax: 306-525-6360
Before buying any policy from GMS or any other dental insurance provider, you must shop around to get the best deal. One of the best ways is to use our comparator to get personalized dental insurance quotes from leading Canadian companies, including GMS, Blue Cross, GSC, and more.
