What is the best student dental insurance in 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
- 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
- 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%
- 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
Whether you're a Canadian citizen or an international student, securing the right dental coverage is crucial for your peace of mind and maintaining excellent oral health. But how do you choose a policy that's right for you?
The best student dental insurance for you depends on your unique needs and budget, and we're here to help you explore some of the most reputable and highly regarded options, including GSC, York University, Manulife, and Blue Cross.
Join us as we take a thorough look at their coverage options and rates so you can have a better idea. You can also use our comparator to compare the best health and dental insurance plans in Canada and choose a plan that truly suits you the best.
Best Student Dental Insurance Canada Plans
- Green Shield Canada: Variety of options to suit your needs.
- York University: Plans for full-time and part-time undergraduates.
- Manulife Financial: Affordable options with comprehensive coverage.
- Blue Cross: For students of all ages.
What does student dental insurance cover in Canada?
Dental care can be expensive, even in Canada. That's why it's important for students to have dental insurance.
Most provinces and territories in Canada do not offer public dental coverage, leaving students to fend for themselves when it comes to oral health. However, there are exceptions. Students in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario enjoy public dental coverage.
The good news is that many post-secondary institutions across the country offer student dental insurance plans. These plans are typically provided through private insurance companies and are available to all students, regardless of their province or territory of residence.
But what exactly does student dental insurance cover in Canada? Such plans typically cover a variety of dental services, including:
- Preventive care: checkups, cleanings and x-rays
- Basic dental care: fillings, root canals, and extractions
- Major dental care: crowns, bridges, and implants
Before buying a dental insurance policy, make sure to shop around and compare their rates and coverage. You can use our comparator to get free health and dental insurance quotes from leading companies in Canada.
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What is the cost of student dental insurance in Canada?
The cost of dental insurance for students in Canada varies depending on the plan you choose, the province you live in, and your age. However, most student dental insurance plans are very affordable, ranging in price from $20 to $50 per month.
Here is an estimate of the monthly rates for some of the most popular dental insurance plans for students in Canada:
| Plan | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Green Shield Canada | $25-$40 |
| York University | $25-$35 |
| Manulife Student Dental Plan | $30-$45 |
| Blue Cross | $35-$50 |
To get personalized quotes from leading Canadian companies, you can use our free comparator — enter your basic details and get dental insurance quotes in minutes.
What is international student dental insurance?
International student dental insurance is a type of dental insurance that is designed specifically for international students.
It typically covers a variety of dental services, including preventive care, basic dental care, and major dental care. Some plans also cover orthodontic services and prescription drug coverage.
- International dental insurance for students is important because dental care can be expensive, especially in Canada.
- International students who do not have dental insurance may have to pay out of pocket for all of their dental care, which can be a financial burden.
International dental insurance plans for college students are typically offered by private insurance companies. There are a variety of different plans available, such as GSC, Blue Cross, Manulife, and more.
When choosing an international student dental insurance plan, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Coverage: Make sure the plan covers the dental services that you need.
- Cost: Choose a plan that fits your budget.
- Deductibles and copays: Be aware of the deductibles and copays that you will have to pay before your insurance coverage kicks in.
- Network of dentists: Choose a plan that has a network of dentists in your area.
Do universities offer student dental insurance in Canada?
Yes, many universities and colleges offer dental plans that are affordable and offer good coverage for students. Here are some of them:
- McMaster Student Dental Insurance Plan: Available to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students at McMaster University.
- Carleton University Student Dental Insurance Plan: Available to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students at Carleton University.
- Reyson Student Dental Insurance Plan: Available to all full-time and part-time students enrolled in a post-secondary institution in Canada.
Other options include the Concordia Student Dental Insurance Plan, Humber Student Dental Insurance Plan, and Seneca Student Dental Insurance Plan.
<strong>What is Student Dental Insurance Ontario</strong>?
These plans are offered by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and are available to all full-time students enrolled in a post-secondary institution in Ontario. They cover preventive care, basic dental care, and major dental care.
To learn more about each plan and to enroll, you can visit the website of the university/college or the insurance company that offers the plan. For instance, York University’s dental insurance is offered by GSC.
And if you want to get personalized dental insurance quotes from various providers to compare their cost and coverage, you can use our comparator below. It's free to use and gives results in no time.
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Best student dental insurance in Canada 2025
The best options for student dental insurance in Canada vary depending on your individual needs and budget. However, some of the most popular and highly rated options include the following:
GreenShield Canada student dental insurance
GreenShield Canada offers a variety of student dental insurance plans, depending on your needs and budget. All plans cover preventive care (checkups, cleanings, and x-rays), and most plans also cover basic dental care (fillings, root canals, and extractions). Some plans also cover major dental care (crowns, bridges, and implants).
Here are some of the specific coverage highlights of Green Shield Canada's dental insurance plans for students:
- Preventive care: All plans cover 100% of preventive care costs, including checkups, cleanings, and x-rays.
- Basic dental care: Most plans cover 100% of basic dental care costs, including fillings, root canals, and extractions. Some plans have a deductible or copay.
- Major dental care: Some plans cover major dental care costs, such as crowns, bridges, and implants. However, there is typically a deductible and copay for major dental care services.
- Orthodontic services: Some plans cover orthodontic services, such as braces and Invisalign. There is typically a deductible and copay for orthodontic services as well.
York University student dental insurance
York University students have access to two dental insurance plans:
- York University Student Dental Insurance Plan: This plan is automatically included in tuition fees for all undergraduate students, regardless of their province or territory of residence. The plan covers a variety of dental services, including preventive care, basic dental care, and major dental care.
- YFS Health and Dental Plan: This plan is offered by the York Federation of Students (YFS) and is available to all undergraduate students, regardless of their year of study or program of study. The plan offers more comprehensive coverage than the first plan, including orthodontic services and prescription drug coverage.
The York University Student Dental Insurance Plan covers the following dental services:
- Preventive care: checkups, cleanings and x-rays
- Basic dental care: fillings, root canals, and extractions
- Major dental care: crowns, bridges, and implants
- The plan also covers emergency dental care, but there is a $250 deductible.
Read our comprehensive review of York University’s dental insurance to know more.
Before deciding on a plan, don't forget to compare the options available. You can use our comparator below to compare the best Canadian health and dental insurance plans and get personalized quotes in no time.
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Manulife student dental insurance
Just like GSC, Manulife student dental insurance plans in Canada offer a variety of coverage options, depending on your needs and budget. The specific coverage for each dental procedure may vary depending on your plan, but all plans cover:
| Category | Services |
|---|---|
| Preventive Care | Checkups, Cleanings, X-rays |
| Basic Dental Care | Fillings, Root canals, Extractions, Scaling and root planing |
| Major Dental Care | Crowns, Bridges, Implants |
| Orthodontic Services | Braces, Invisalign |
There are two types of standalone dental plans from Manulife: DentalPlus Basic and DentalPlus Enhanced with different levels of coverage:
- DentalPlus Basic is the more affordable plan and it covers preventive care, such as checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, as well as basic dental care, such as fillings, root canals, and extractions.
- DentalPlus Enhanced is a more comprehensive plan, and it covers everything that DentalPlus Basic does, plus major dental care, such as crowns, bridges, and implants, and orthodontic services, such as braces and Invisalign.
To know more about their coverage and other services like accidental dental, go to our Manulife health and dental insurance review.
Blue Cross student dental insurance
Blue Cross student dental insurance covers a variety of dental services, including:
- Preventive care: checkups, cleanings and x-rays
- Basic dental care: fillings, root canals, and extractions
- Major dental care: crowns, bridges, and implants
- Orthodontic services (some plans)
Blue Cross dental plans are available to students of all ages and levels of education, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and professional students.
To be eligible for Blue Cross dental plans, you must be enrolled in a full-time accredited educational institution.
Good to know
Blue Cross dental plans for students are typically very affordable and many schools offer student discounts.
