Best Dental Insurance Nova Scotia Plans (2025)
- 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 Sun Life Personal Health Insurance Standard Plan is the most popular option in Sun Life’s personal health insurance lineup. It offers a balanced combination of catastrophic drug coverage, emergency travel insurance, and paramedical benefits, making it well-suited for individuals or families transitioning from group plans or seeking dependable private coverage.
Dental coverage is optional and includes 70% reimbursement for preventive care, up to $750 per year, with a 3-month waiting period. Eligible services include exams, x-rays, white fillings, cleanings, minor extractions, and children’s dental sealants. However, restorative dental care and orthodontics are not included in this plan and are only available through the Enhanced Plan as add-ons.
Prescription drug coverage is a strong feature: the plan reimburses 70% of the first $7,000, and 100% thereafter up to $100,000 annually. There’s no deductible, and the plan includes support for smoking cessation drugs (lifetime maximum of $250). Emergency travel coverage is included, with 100% reimbursement for eligible expenses, a $1 million lifetime maximum, and coverage for trips up to 60 days, until age 80.
Other highlights include 100% coverage for paramedical practitioners (up to $300 per type, per year, no per-visit max), vision care up to $250 every two years, and $2,000 for accidental dental injuries. The semi-private hospital room benefit is optional and includes up to $5,000 annually.
Ideal for: Individuals who want a balanced plan with strong drug and travel benefits, and who are comfortable adding dental care separately. If you expect to need restorative dental or orthodontics, the Enhanced Plan offers more complete dental coverage.
- High drug coverage with catastrophic protection
- Emergency travel medical included (up to 60 days per trip)
- Full reimbursement for paramedical services
- Optional dental and hospital room upgrades
- Vision coverage included
- No coverage for restorative dental or orthodontics
- Dental must be added separately
- 3-month waiting period for dental and 1-year for vision care
- Enrolment is guaranteed
- Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Include orthodontic services
- Enrolment is guaranteed
- Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Include orthodontic services
The GreenShield ZONE 5 Choice plan strikes a strong balance between affordability and expanded dental protection. It’s a step up for those needing more than the basics, especially if you anticipate needing crowns, dentures, or even orthodontic care in the near future. This plan requires a health questionnaire but rewards you with higher annual maximums, faster benefit scaling, and broader dental inclusions.
Dental benefits begin at $800 per year, reaching $1,300 by Year 3. Basic dental services are reimbursed at 80%, while comprehensive services start at 60% in Year 1 and rise to 80% by Year 3. Major dental services, like crowns and bridges, are introduced in Year 3 at 50% reimbursement. Orthodontic services are also available in Year 3 at 50% reimbursement, with a $2,000 lifetime max per person.
The plan includes up to $5,000 in prescription drug coverage, telemedicine, increasing vision care up to $250, and robust health practitioner benefits.
Ideal for: People who expect to need both routine and advanced dental care within a few years. A solid option for families with teens approaching orthodontic age or adults planning restorative dental work in the future.
- Includes major dental starting in Year 3
- Orthodontic coverage with generous lifetime max
- Consistent 80%+ reimbursement across dental services
- Higher annual dental maximums for broader coverage
- Health questionnaire required
- Ortho and major services don’t activate until Year 3
- Six-month recall requirement for exams
- Good quality-price ratio
- Complete basic care coverage
- Good quality-price ratio
- Complete basic care coverage
The Blue Cross Blue Flex Plan is a customizable health insurance solution designed for individuals with or without remunerative work, including self-employed professionals. It offers flexible modules, with strong dental and extended health benefits forming its core. While its dental coverage isn’t the most extensive, it provides a good foundation for routine and essential dental care, making it a solid option for individuals looking to maintain their oral health affordably.
Dental benefits include 80% reimbursement for preventive services (such as exams, X-rays, and cleanings) and 50% for basic services like fillings, extractions, root canals, and periodontal treatments. This Blue Cross health and dental insurance plan has an annual reimbursement maximum of $500 in the first year and $1,000 in subsequent years, with a $50 deductible per person.
Prescription drug coverage is optional for individuals under age 65, covering 80% to 100% of eligible drug costs, including those not listed by RAMQ, provided they meet Blue Cross criteria. Vision benefits include up to $50 every 24 months for ophthalmologist or optometrist visits. Health practitioner services (chiropractors, massage therapists, psychologists, etc.) are covered at $25 per visit, up to a combined $500 annually. Nursing care offers up to 160 hours or $5,000 annually.
Travel coverage is not included, making this plan more focused on domestic, outpatient, and preventive care.
Ideal for: Individuals who want a flexible plan with a solid foundation in dental and outpatient care. It's a great fit for the self-employed or those without group insurance who need essential dental coverage but don't require travel or major extended health limits.
- Includes preventive and basic dental services
- Optional drug coverage and broad range of health practitioners
- Affordable with guaranteed acceptance
- Designed with the self-employed in mind
- Dental reimbursement caps may be low for major procedures
- Basic services only covered at 50%
- Acceptable dental insurance with $1,000 coverage
- Acceptable dental insurance with $1,000 coverage
The GMS EssentialPlan is a foundational replacement health insurance plan designed for individuals transitioning from employer-sponsored group benefits — particularly retirees or new entrepreneurs. It includes essential extended health and dental coverage, with guaranteed acceptance and no medical questions asked.
Dental benefits are solid, with 80% coverage for preventive and basic services and 50% for major procedures, up to a $1,000 combined annual maximum. This includes exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures, making it a dependable option for maintaining routine dental care after leaving a group plan.
The plan also includes vision care up to $100 every two years (including one eye exam), $500 toward hearing aids every five years, and $600 combined for health practitioners like chiropractors, naturopaths, and osteopaths at 50% reimbursement. You also get unlimited ambulance coverage, $2,000 for accidental dental per injury, and access to the GMS Care Network, including virtual care and counselling services.
Ideal for: Recently retired or self-employed individuals who want affordable and essential coverage, especially if drug coverage isn’t needed. If you need prescription drug support or slightly higher health limits, the ChoicePlan is a more well-rounded step up.
- Strong basic dental benefits, including major procedures
- Unlimited ambulance and good medical equipment coverage
- Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions
- Access to GMS virtual care and support services
- No prescription drug coverage
- Lower vision and health practitioner limits compared to other plans
- No travel insurance included
- 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 GMS ExtendaPlan® is a mid-range health insurance plan offering broader core benefits than the BasicPlan, with optional drug and dental add-ons for more complete coverage. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a better mix of paramedical, vision, and extended health care services.
With the dental add-on, the plan provides up to $1,000 in year 3 for both basic and major services (e.g., exams, fillings, crowns, dentures), starting at $500 in year 1 with 75%–80% reimbursement as coverage grows. Preventive care like cleanings and checkups are included, with major dental available from year 2 onward.
The ExtendaPlan also includes vision care (80% up to $250 every 2 years), unlimited ambulance coverage, $2,000 for accidental dental, and $3,000 per year for private duty nursing. It also expands paramedical coverage to $350 annually, including more practitioners like massage therapists and physiotherapists.
Ideal for: Individuals and families who want better health coverage across the board, without jumping to top-tier pricing. For those needing more generous limits and specialist reimbursements, the OmniPlan® may be worth the upgrade.
- Strong balance of coverage and affordability
- Dental add-on includes both basic and major services
- Includes vision, hearing aids, and paramedical benefits
- High accidental dental and unlimited ambulance coverage
- Dental and prescription drugs must be added separately
- Major dental services start only in year 2
- Some limits lower than OmniPlan on specialist care
The provincial healthcare in Nova Scotia does not provide comprehensive dental care. However, there are a number of private insurance companies that offer good dental coverage options.
But how do you know which is the best dental insurance Nova Scotia plan for you? We've got you covered. In this guide, we take you through the best dental insurance plans, what they cover, pros, cons, and more.
You can use our comparator to compare multiple plans and get free health and dental insurance quotes in a few seconds so you can find a plan that fits your needs the best.
Top Dental Insurance Plans in Nova Scotia
- GreenShield dental insurance: Plans for every budget
- Manulife health and dental insurance: Diverse plans to meet your unique needs
- Group Medical Services (GMS): Offers comprehensive coverage
- Blue Cross Dental Insurance Nova Scotia: Tailored flexibility
Our 2025 ranking of Nova Scotia's best dental insurance plans
The best dental insurance in Nova Scotia depends on your individual needs and budget. If you'd like to take a quick look at the various plans available and do a comparison you can do it right here. Use our comparator below to compare Nova Scotia's best health and dental insurance plans and get free quotes based on your unique needs.
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Here's a look at some of the best dental insurance Nova Scotia plans:
GreenShield dental insurance: Plans for every budget
GreenShield provides comprehensive dental coverage as part of its health insurance plans, offering a range of options to fit different budgets and needs. Whether you select a ZONE plan or a LINK plan with dental benefits, you’ll have access to preventive care, basic dental services, and, in some cases, major procedures and orthodontics.
ZONE plans are designed for individuals and families without employer benefits, with coverage that scales up in higher-tier options. Lower-tier plans, such as ZONE 2 Primary and ZONE 3 Basic, focus on affordable preventive and routine dental care, while higher-tier plans, including ZONE 6 Premier and ZONE 7 Ultimate, extend coverage to major dental work and orthodontics starting in Year 3. These plans offer up to 90% reimbursement, subject to the annual dental maximum.
For those transitioning from workplace benefits, the LINK 2, 3, and LINK 4 plans provide guaranteed acceptance and seamless dental coverage. LINK 2 Classic includes preventive dental care, while LINK 4 Elite expands coverage to orthodontics and increases reimbursement rates. LINK plans offer up to 80% reimbursement, based on the plan’s annual dental maximum.
A standout feature of GreenShield’s dental coverage is its progressive benefits, which grow over time to provide greater value. Compared to other providers, GreenShield personal health insurance is notable for including orthodontic coverage in higher-tier plans and offering affordable options for those seeking basic dental care. Additionally, consistent benefits across provinces ensure reliable coverage, whether you live in Ontario, Newfoundland, or elsewhere.
However, major dental and orthodontic treatments only become available in Year 3 for top-tier plans, which may not be ideal for those needing immediate access to these services. Additionally, lower-tier plans have modest annual limits, which might not fully cover extensive dental procedures.
You can explore the full coverage details in the free PDFs below.
If you think GreenShield could be the right choice for you, you can get a free quote using our exclusive partner link below.
Manulife Dental Insurance Nova Scotia: Diverse plans to meet your unique needs
Manulife proudly provides a range of comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans to cater to your specific requirements. Whether you seek dental benefits, prescription drug coverage, or a combination of both, you'll discover a plan that aligns perfectly with your needs.
- Manulife's dental coverage encompasses four overarching plans: DentalPlus Basic, DentalPlus Enhanced, ComboPlus Basic and ComboPlus Enhanced.
- The scope of dental care ranges from fundamental coverage, including routine cleanings and scaling, to extensive coverage, which encompasses major restorative dental procedures based on the selected policy.
Here’s a table detailing the various Manulife health insurance plans featuring dental coverage:
| Plan | Dental coverage | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| DentalPlus Basic | Year 1: 50% of first $1,150 (up to $575 every year) Year 2+: 80% of first $400 and 50% of next $860 (up to $750 every year) Check-ups every 9 months Included: Comprehensive examinations, professional cleanings, thorough scaling, meticulous polishing, cavity fillings, and specific tooth extractions Excluded: Oral surgery, periodontal treatments, endodontics (root canals), orthodontic procedures, dental crowns, dental bridges, and denture services. | $78.5 |
| ComboPlus Starter | 70% of first $575 (up to $400 every year) Check-ups every 9 months Included: Same as DentalPlus Basic Excluded: Same as DentalPlus Basic | $80.9 |
| ComboPlus Basic | 80% of first $400 and 50% of next $860 (up to $750 every year) Check-ups every 9 months Included: Same as DentalPlus Basic Excluded: Same as DentalPlus Basic | $94.6 |
If you like Manulife's dental insurance plans, get a quote from the company and take the first step towards securing dental insurance for yourself or your loved ones.
Group Medical Services (GMS): Offers comprehensive coverage
Group Medical Services presents a spectrum of insurance plans, spanning from fundamental coverage to all-encompassing health protection. Each of these plans allows you the flexibility to incorporate dental benefits and/or prescription drug coverage as per your needs.
- Within GMS health insurance, you'll find dental coverage that encompasses a wide range of services.
- This includes fundamental procedures such as exams, fillings, and polishing, emphasizing the importance of preventive care.
- Additionally, the coverage extends to major services like crowns, bridges, and dentures
Here's a quick overview of GMS’ dental coverage:
| Plan | Dental coverage | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Plan | Preventative Coverage: 80% coverage for regular check-ups, examinations, cleanings and scaling. Basic Coverage: 80% coverage for checkups (every 6 months), polishing, fillings, etc. Major Coverage: 50% coverage for major dental services, inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, dentures, etc. Combined Maximum: $1,000 for dental expenses (includes basic and major services) Accidental Dental: $2,000 per injury | $121.25 |
| Basic Plan | Year 1: $500 (Preventative Care and Basic Services) Year 2: $750 (Preventative Care, Basic and Major Services) Year 3+: $1000 (Preventative Care, Basic and Major Services) Accidental Dental: $500 per injury | $70.75 |
If you liked what GMS offers and you think it could be the right fit for you, your family, or both, you can now get quotes directly from GMS and get a policy that suits your unique needs.
Blue Cross Dental Insurance Nova Scotia: Tailored flexibility
The reputed Blue Cross offers a range of plans that encompass health benefits, prescription drugs, and dental coverage, all adaptable to your specific requirements. Blue Cross health and dental plans exhibit variation across provinces and policies, but all Blue Cross health insurance packages provide the flexibility to include dental coverage.
- Among their offerings are the Flex Plans, which provide 80% coverage for preventive dental care and 50% coverage for basic dental care, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking basic dental support.
- These entry-level plans include essential dental maintenance services such as exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fillings.
- For a more comprehensive option, the Essential plans not only cover the services found in entry plans but also extend coverage to include extractions, root canals, and additional dental procedures.
- Stepping up further, the Enhanced plans encompass periodontal services to support gum health, major dental procedures, and even orthodontic care.
Dental care is an optional benefit that you have the freedom to customize and add to your Blue Cross Health Insurance plan, tailoring your coverage to match your unique needs.
Here's a quick overview of its plans:
| Plan | Coverage | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Flex Plan | Preventive Coverage: Dental Exam & Cleaning, X-rays (3-month wait) Basic Coverage: 60% ($500/year) (Fillings - 3 month wait) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime | $41.22 |
| Entry | Preventive Coverage: Same as Flex plan Basic Coverage: 60% ($500/year) (Fillings - 3 month wait) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime | $48.01 |
| Essential | Preventive Coverage: Same as Flex plan with 6-month wait Basic Coverage: 70% (Fillings, extractions, and root canal - 6-month wait) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime | $65.94 |
| Enhanced | Preventive Coverage: Same as Flex plan with 6-month wait Basic Coverage: 70% (Fillings, extractions, and root canal - 6-month wait) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime | $98.12 |
If you liked what Blue Cross offers and you think it could be the right fit for you, your family, or both, you can now get quotes directly from Blue Cross and get a policy that suits your unique needs.
What does a dental insurance Nova Scotia plan cost?
The Nova Scotia government only covers dental care for children under the age of 15 and for people with special needs. This means that adults and children over the age of 15 have to pay out-of-pocket for dental care unless they have private dental insurance.
Moreover, the cost of dental care can vary depending on the type of service and the location, but it can be expensive, especially for major procedures such as root canals and crowns. Private dental insurance can help to offset the cost of dental care and make it more affordable.
For example
The cost of private dental insurance in Nova Scotia varies depending on the plan and the provider. However, you can expect to pay around $40-$150 per month for individual coverage and $100-$250 per month for family coverage.
The cost however changes based on what your needs are, pre-existing conditions, age, and more. Therefore it's best to get quotes based on your personal preferences and health conditions. While it may seem daunting, you can do it right here.
Use our comparator to compare plans and get free personalized health and dental insurance quotes in a few seconds. All you need to do is share a few basic inputs on what you're looking for, and voila, you have quotes in no time.
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How much does dental care cost without a dental insurance Nova Scotia plan?
The cost of dental care without dental insurance in Nova Scotia varies depending on the type of service and the location. However, you can expect to pay the following for some common dental procedures:
- Checkup and cleaning: $100-$200
- Filling: $150-$300
- Root canal: $500-$1,500
- Crown: $1,000-$2,000
- Bridge: $2,000-$5,000
- Dentures: $3,000-$5,000
If you need major dental work, such as implants or braces, the cost can be even higher.
How do I buy private dental insurance in Nova Scotia?
There are a few ways to buy private dental insurance in Nova Scotia:
- Through your employer: Many employers offer group dental insurance plans to their employees. If your employer offers a group plan, this may be the most affordable way for you to get dental insurance.
- Through an insurance broker: An insurance broker can help you compare different dental insurance plans from different providers and find the best plan for your needs and budget.
- Directly from an insurance company: You can also purchase dental insurance directly from an insurance company. You can find contact information for insurance companies online or in the phone book.
Once you have chosen a dental insurance plan, you will need to apply for coverage. You will need to provide the insurance company with some basic information, such as your name, date of birth, contact, and answer some questions about your health history.
You could alternatively simply use our comparator below to compare plans, get free quotes based on your unique preferences, and buy a policy that suits you best.
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Tips to get cheap dental insurance Nova Scotia plan
Here are some tips to get cheap dental insurance in Nova Scotia:
- Consider a group plan: If you are employed, your employer may offer a group dental insurance plan. Group plans are often cheaper than individual plans.
- Choose a plan with a higher deductible and co-pay: This will lower your monthly premium, but you will have to pay more out-of-pocket for dental services.
- Look for discounts: Some dental insurance companies offer discounts to students, seniors, and veterans. You may also be able to get a discount if you pay your premiums in full annually.
- Consider a dental savings plan: A dental savings plan is not insurance, but it can help you save money on dental care. Dental savings plans typically offer discounts on dental services, such as checkups, cleanings, and fillings.
