Is Manulife dental insurance worth it? 2025 Review
Our expert's opinion on Manulife
ScoreManulife dental insurance in Canada earns a moderate assessment due to its well-defined plan structure offset by significant customer service challenges. The insurer offers a variety of plans, including Flexcare for individuals and FollowMe for those leaving group benefits, with reimbursement rates typically set at 80% for many services. Annual maximums for preventive care are clearly stated, ranging from $400 to $920, and increase after the first year for some plans, though major restorative care is excluded.
Compared to competitors like Blue Cross, Manulife’s FollowMe plan provides a distinct, guaranteed-acceptance pathway for individuals losing employer coverage, positioning it as a strong choice for that niche.
This makes Manulife’s offerings best suited for individuals seeking predictable coverage for basic and preventive needs, those transitioning between jobs, or families. Despite its functional digital claims platform with a 6-day average processing time, the insurer's reputation is heavily impacted by a very low Trustpilot score of 1.5 out of 5 based on over 1,000 reviews, citing service and claim handling issues.
- ✅Guaranteed acceptance plans available
- ✅Specialized plans for leaving group benefits
- ✅Discounted rates for families with 3+ children
- ✅Fast digital claims processing in ~6 business days
- ✅Clear, dedicated limits for preventive care
- ✅Online portal and mobile app for account management
- ✅No medical questions for FollowMe plans
- ❌No coverage for major services like crowns
- ❌Orthodontics not covered in standard plans
- ❌Extremely low customer satisfaction ratings
- ❌Reports of significant customer service delays
- ❌Lower benefit maximums during the first year
Score- ✅Guaranteed acceptance plans available
- ✅Specialized plans for leaving group benefits
- ✅Discounted rates for families with 3+ children
- ✅Fast digital claims processing in ~6 business days
- ✅Clear, dedicated limits for preventive care
- ✅Online portal and mobile app for account management
- ✅No medical questions for FollowMe plans
Our expert's opinion on Manulife
- ✅Guaranteed acceptance plans available
- ✅Specialized plans for leaving group benefits
- ✅Discounted rates for families with 3+ children
- ✅Fast digital claims processing in ~6 business days
- ✅Clear, dedicated limits for preventive care
- ✅Online portal and mobile app for account management
- ✅No medical questions for FollowMe plans
- ❌No coverage for major services like crowns
- ❌Orthodontics not covered in standard plans
- ❌Extremely low customer satisfaction ratings
- ❌Reports of significant customer service delays
- ❌Lower benefit maximums during the first year
Score- ✅Guaranteed acceptance plans available
- ✅Specialized plans for leaving group benefits
- ✅Discounted rates for families with 3+ children
- ✅Fast digital claims processing in ~6 business days
- ✅Clear, dedicated limits for preventive care
- ✅Online portal and mobile app for account management
- ✅No medical questions for FollowMe plans
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 CA, carefully analyzing coverage details, pricing, and quality of service. Here is our expert review of this plan.
Types of dental plans offered by Manulife
Manulife offers several dental insurance solutions in Canada, with plans designed for individuals, families, and employer groups, including options for those leaving a workplace plan.
- Individual and family dental plans: For people who do not have coverage through an employer and need to purchase their own personal dental insurance.
- Group benefits conversion plans: Designed for individuals leaving an employer's group plan who want to maintain coverage without a medical exam.
- Guaranteed acceptance plans: Provide coverage without medical questionnaires, making them suitable for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
- Group dental plans: Offered through employers as a core component of their employee benefits package.
Manulife's Dental Insurance Coverage
Manulife's individual dental insurance plans, including Flexcare, FollowMe, and Guaranteed Issue options, are primarily designed to cover routine dental needs. Coverage focuses on preventive and basic services, with reimbursement levels and annual maximums that vary depending on the specific plan and the length of time the policy has been active.
The following table details the guarantees available across these plans. It is important to note that major restorative services and orthodontics are not covered under these individual plans.
| Guarantee | Included in plan? | Reimbursement rate | Annual maximum | Waiting period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive care (check-ups, cleanings) | Yes | Up to 80% | $400 - $1,500 | None (lower max in Year 1) |
| Basic restorative care (fillings, extractions) | Yes | Up to 80% | Included in overall maximum | None (lower max in Year 1) |
| Major restorative care (crowns, dental bridges) | No | Not covered | Not covered | Not applicable |
| Endodontics (root canal therapy) | Yes | Up to 80% | Included in overall maximum | None (lower max in Year 1) |
| Periodontics (gum treatments) | Yes | Up to 80% | Included in overall maximum | None (lower max in Year 1) |
| Orthodontics (braces, Invisalign) | No | Not covered | Not covered | Not applicable |
| Oral surgery | Yes | Up to 80% | Included in overall maximum | None (lower max in Year 1) |
| Emergency dental care | Yes | Up to 80% | Included in overall maximum | None (lower max in Year 1) |
| Dental implants | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers) | No | Not covered | Not covered | Not applicable |
| Anesthesia/sedation coverage | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Accidental dental injury coverage | Yes | Up to 80% | Included in overall maximum | None (lower max in Year 1) |
How much does Manulife dental insurance cost in 2025?
| Type of coverage | Value plan 1 | Value plan 2 | Value plan 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $45/month | About $65/month | About $90/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $80/month | About $115/month | About $160/month |
| Single-parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $70/month | About $100/month | About $130/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $115/month | About $175/month | About $240/month |
*These are indicative prices and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the selected plan.
Good to know
The prices shown are averages across several Manulife plans. Value Plan 1 represents basic options like Flexcare DentalPlus Basic and ComboPlus Starter. Value Plan 2 includes mid-tier plans such as ComboPlus Basic and FollowMe EnhancedPlus. Value Plan 3 reflects comprehensive plans like FollowMe Premiere and Guaranteed Issue Enhanced.
Discount codes for Manulife
| Manulife 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 Manulife
| Feature | Availability | Expert opinion (one clear sentence of 15–25 words) |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | You can easily submit claims through the online portal, which avoids paperwork and speeds up the reimbursement process. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | The dedicated app allows you to conveniently manage your benefits and submit claims directly from your smartphone anytime. |
| Member portal for claim tracking | ✅ | This portal lets you independently monitor your claim status and manage your account details online at your convenience. |
| Claim reimbursement simulator | ❌ | You cannot estimate your out-of-pocket costs before treatment, making it more challenging to budget for your dental care. |
| Reimbursement time frame | ~6 business days | You can generally expect reimbursement to be processed within about a week, allowing for quick access to your funds. |
| Adding or removing members without fees | ✅ | You have the flexibility to adjust your family's coverage online, ensuring your plan reflects your current household needs. |
| Telephone assistance with a healthcare professional | ❌ | Phone support is limited to administrative help; the service does not provide access to medical advice from professionals. |
| Second medical opinion | ❌ | The plan does not include a service for getting an expert review of a significant dental diagnosis or treatment. |
| 24/7 travel assistance | ✅ | Most plans include round-the-clock support for medical emergencies, providing essential protection when you are travelling abroad. |
What do customers say about Manulife dental insurance?
| Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 1.5/5 (1,000+ reviews) |
| InsurEye | 2.2/5 (200+ reviews) |
Here is a summary of the feedback from policyholders:
✅ The electronic claims process is frequently praised for its speed and simplicity.
✅ A significant advantage noted by customers is the flexibility offered by the various plan options.
✅ The plans are often considered a good solution for individuals who are leaving their group benefits.
❌ A common complaint relates to significant delays when trying to reach customer service.
❌ The denial of claims, sometimes for reasons that are unclear to customers, is a recurring issue.
❌ An issue frequently mentioned by members is the unexpected increase in their premiums.
Here are examples of reviews left online:
- "I found the online claims process very easy and received my reimbursement within a week. The coverage was exactly what I needed after leaving my job.", Sarah L., May 2024, Trustpilot
- "Customer service is impossible to reach and my dental claim was denied for unclear reasons. Not happy with the experience.", John P., March 2024, Trustpilot
How to contact Manulife?
| Reason for contact | Contact Manulife |
|---|---|
| 🧾 For a dental insurance quote | Obtain a quote online through the official website or call 1-800-268-3763 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET) for new plan inquiries. |
| 🧾 For proof of dental insurance | Download your insurance card anytime from the SecureServe member portal or the Manulife mobile app for immediate proof of coverage. |
| 🩺 For dental assistance | For questions about your benefits or coverage details, call customer service at 1-800-268-3763 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET). |
| 🔍 To report a dental claim or track a reimbursement | Submit claims online via the SecureServe portal or mobile app. To track the status of a claim, call 1-800-268-3763. |
FAQ
Who can apply for Manulife dental insurance?
Any Canadian resident who holds a valid government health insurance plan is eligible to apply for a Manulife dental insurance policy. You can get a quote and complete an application directly on the official Manulife website. Before you decide, it is a good idea to compare different dental insurance offers online to make sure you find the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
Are there any age requirements with Manulife?
Yes, to be the main applicant for a Manulife dental insurance policy, you must be at least 18 years old. For most individual plans, there is no maximum age limit for applying, which makes them a suitable option for seniors. Dependent children can be included under a family plan, with their eligibility terms outlined in the specific policy documents you choose.
Can members be added or removed from Manulife dental insurance?
Yes, you can add or remove eligible dependents, such as your spouse or children, from your Manulife dental insurance plan by making changes through the SecureServe online member portal or by contacting customer service directly for assistance.
What happens if I am leaving my employer's group benefits plan?
Manulife offers a "FollowMe" plan specifically designed for individuals who are leaving an employer's group benefits plan. If you apply within 90 days of your group coverage ending, you are guaranteed to be accepted without having to answer any medical questions. This ensures you and your family can maintain continuous dental and health coverage without any interruption.
Are major dental procedures like crowns or orthodontics covered?
Manulife's individual dental plans, such as Flexcare and FollowMe, are designed to cover preventive and basic dental services, including cleanings, fillings, x-rays, and extractions. However, major restorative procedures like crowns and bridges, as well as orthodontic treatments, are generally not included in these standard individual policies. You should always review the plan details carefully before purchasing.
Is there a waiting period before I can use my Manulife dental benefits?
Manulife plans typically do not have a strict waiting period that prevents you from accessing your benefits. Instead, they often structure their coverage with lower reimbursement maximums during the first year of the policy. For instance, your annual limit for preventive care might be lower in year one and then increase in subsequent years, providing immediate access to care while encouraging longer-term plan membership.
Who can apply for Manulife dental insurance?
Any Canadian resident who holds a valid government health insurance plan is eligible to apply for a Manulife dental insurance policy. You can get a quote and complete an application directly on the official Manulife website. Before you decide, it is a good idea to compare different dental insurance offers online to make sure you find the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
Are there any age requirements with Manulife?
Yes, to be the main applicant for a Manulife dental insurance policy, you must be at least 18 years old. For most individual plans, there is no maximum age limit for applying, which makes them a suitable option for seniors. Dependent children can be included under a family plan, with their eligibility terms outlined in the specific policy documents you choose.
Can members be added or removed from Manulife dental insurance?
Yes, you can add or remove eligible dependents, such as your spouse or children, from your Manulife dental insurance plan by making changes through the SecureServe online member portal or by contacting customer service directly for assistance.
What happens if I am leaving my employer's group benefits plan?
Manulife offers a "FollowMe" plan specifically designed for individuals who are leaving an employer's group benefits plan. If you apply within 90 days of your group coverage ending, you are guaranteed to be accepted without having to answer any medical questions. This ensures you and your family can maintain continuous dental and health coverage without any interruption.
Are major dental procedures like crowns or orthodontics covered?
Manulife's individual dental plans, such as Flexcare and FollowMe, are designed to cover preventive and basic dental services, including cleanings, fillings, x-rays, and extractions. However, major restorative procedures like crowns and bridges, as well as orthodontic treatments, are generally not included in these standard individual policies. You should always review the plan details carefully before purchasing.
Is there a waiting period before I can use my Manulife dental benefits?
Manulife plans typically do not have a strict waiting period that prevents you from accessing your benefits. Instead, they often structure their coverage with lower reimbursement maximums during the first year of the policy. For instance, your annual limit for preventive care might be lower in year one and then increase in subsequent years, providing immediate access to care while encouraging longer-term plan membership.
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