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 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
- 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
- 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
- Enrolment is guaranteed
- Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Include orthodontic services
- Enrolment is guaranteed
- Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Include orthodontic services
GreenShield’s Zone 5 Choice plan delivers a high-end dental insurance solution with steadily increasing benefits over time. It begins with $700 in the first year, rises to $900 in year two, and peaks at $1,100 by year three, with up to 80% reimbursement on eligible preventive and basic dental services. Unlike many competitors, this plan also includes orthodontic coverage—an uncommon feature in individual dental plans—and offers guaranteed enrollment without medical underwriting, making it accessible to those with pre-existing conditions. With no deductible or age limit, Zone 5 Choice combines flexibility with long-term value.
Ideal profile: This plan is best suited for families, especially those with children or teens who may need orthodontic treatment, and for adults seeking stability and breadth in their dental coverage. It's also ideal for individuals previously denied coverage due to medical history.
- Includes orthodontic services—a rare feature in individual plans
- Progressive annual limits up to $1,100
- 80% reimbursement for preventive and basic care
- No deductible or age restriction
- Guaranteed acceptance and coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Lower first-year coverage compared to its full potential
- May come at a higher premium due to orthodontic inclusion
- Not optimal for short-term or low-usage dental needs
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.
