Is Sun Life Dental Insurance the best? Review 2024
verified information
Information verified by Adeline Harmant
Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.
Discover the methodologyCanada's public healthcare system lacks comprehensive dental coverage which can result in a significant financial burden when dental care is required. That's why private insurance like Sun Life dental insurance is critical.
Sun Life dental insurance gives you access to preventive care, basic treatments, and major procedures, filling the gaps left by provincial healthcare. But is it the right choice for you?
In this review, we take you through Sun Life health and dental insurance: its coverage, costs, pros, cons, and more. You can use our comparator to compare Sun Life plans with other insurances and get free quotes to find a policy that's best for you.
Sun Life Dental Insurance: 8 Key Takeaways
- Sun Life offers dental coverage through its Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plans.
- The plans include options like Basic, Standard, and Enhanced Plans.
- Provides varying levels of coverage for preventive and restorative dental care — and orthodontics.
- Sun Life boasts a solid financial strength rating from AM Best.
- Dental insurance premiums are reported to be higher than the industry average.
- It also offers a stricter underwriting process for individuals with prior health conditions.
- You can apply for Sun Life dental insurance online, through phone assistance, or by working with a Sun Life advisor.
- Monthly premiums range from $57.53 to $100.79 for the next 12 months.
Our 2024 review of Sun Life Dental Insurance
Sun Life Dental Insurance provides essential coverage options through its Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plans, offering varying levels of dental care, including preventive, restorative, and orthodontic services.
Sun Life health and dental insurance has a wide network of dentists and comprehensive coverage. The three PHI plans (Basic, Standard, and Enhanced) cater to different needs, with varying reimbursement percentages and annual maximums.
With a solid financial strength rating from AM Best, Sun Life is a reliable option for those seeking comprehensive coverage, although its premiums are reported to be higher than the industry average and are probably not the best for those seeking budget plans.
You must compare Sun Life plans with other insurance policies before deciding on one that suits you best. You can do it right here using our comparator below and get free personalized quotes for Canada's best health and dental insurance plans in seconds.
Start Saving Today!
Compare Health and Dental Insurance Rates
Pros of Sun Life Dental Insurance
- Sun Life has a superior financial strength rating from AM Best.
- Good customer service.
- Plans cover many services, including preventive care, basic services, and major services.
- It has a large network of dentists.
Cons of Sun Life Dental Insurance
- It has a stricter underwriting process for people with prior health conditions.
- Sun Life's dental insurance premiums are higher than average.
How much does Sun Life dental insurance cost?
Here’s what the cost for Sun Life PHI plans would look like for a 27-year-old (male) BC resident who is covered by provincial healthcare coverage:
- Basic: $57.53 per month for the next 12 months
- Standard: $73.41 per month for the next 12 months
- Enhanced: $100.79 per month for the next 12 months
| Plan type | Monthly cost | Yearly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $57.53 | $690.36 |
| Standard | $73.41 | $880.92 |
| Enhanced | $100.79 | $1,209.48 |
Good to know
Before you buy a dental insurance plan, you must be covered by your provincial healthcare plan like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan or the MSP in BC or AHCIP, etc. It is a mandatory requirement.
What are the Sun Life dental insurance plans?
Depending on your PHI Sun Life plan (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced), you can get access to a range of different dental coverage. All these plans are a mix of Sun Life health and dental insurance plans, but we will focus on the dental part mostly. Here’s a quick overview of each plan:
PHI Basic plan
Sun Life’s most affordable option, the Personal Health Insurance Basic plan, is designed to assist you in covering essential medical and dental costs. If you require greater benefits and expanded coverage limits, you should explore our Personal Health Insurance Standard or Enhanced plans.
Here are its dental coverage details for preventive care:
- Reimbursement: 60%
- Annual Maximum: $500
- Recall visits every 9 months
- A 3-month waiting period before coverage begins
Preventive Dental Coverage includes:
- Examinations and Diagnosis
- Tests, x-rays, and lab exams
- White fillings
- Space maintainers for children under 12 years of age
- Scaling and minor extractions
- Pit and fissure sealant for children under 19 years of age
This plan doesn't offer any coverage for restorative dental or orthodontics.
PHI Standard plan
Sun Life’s most sought-after plan is the Personal Health Insurance Standard, known for its popularity. It encompasses catastrophic drug coverage and emergency travel medical benefits.
If you seek a more budget-friendly option that takes care of fundamental expenses, Sun Life’s Personal Health Insurance Basic plan is a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you desire elevated coverage much beyond your provincial healthcare like the Medical Services Plan for example, and including restorative dental and orthodontic benefits, the Personal Health Insurance Enhanced plan is worth considering.
Here are its coverage details for dental preventive care:
- Reimbursement: 70%
- Annual Maximum: $750
- Recall visits every 9 months
- A 3-month waiting period applies before coverage begins
Preventive dental coverage includes the same things as those covered by the Basic plan. Just like the Basic plan, this plan doesn't offer any coverage for restorative dental or orthodontics.
<strong>Does Sun Life insurance cover dental implants? </strong>
Whether or not Sun Life dental insurance covers dental implants depends on your specific plan. The three main plans don't cover dental implants, but there could be an option for adding add-on services based on your unique situation. You can also check out comprehensive dental insurance plans using our comparator.
If you want to look at private health and dental insurance plans that also cover dental implants, you can do so right here using our comparator below. You can also get multiple quotes based on your unique needs for free using our comparator.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds
PHI Enhanced plan
Sun Life’s most extensive coverage option is the Personal Health Insurance Enhanced plan. It provides the highest prescription drug maximum and includes coverage for psychology services. You also have the option to include dental coverage for restorative and orthodontic care.
For those seeking more budget-friendly alternatives with reduced coverage, Sun Life’s Standard plan or Basic plan is a better choice.
Here are its details for preventive dental care:
- 80% reimbursement
- $750 annual maximum
- Recall visits every 9 months
- There’s is a 3-month waiting period before your coverage begins
Restorative dental care details:
- 50% reimbursement
- $500 annual maximum
- There’s a 1-year waiting period before your coverage begins
Restorative dental coverage includes:
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Oral surgery
- Crowns
- Onlays
- Bridges
- Dentures (and repairs to dentures)
Orthodontics coverage details:
- 60% reimbursement
- $1,500-lifetime maximum
- There’s a 2-year waiting period before your coverage begins
Orthodontic coverage includes:
- Interceptive, Interventive, or Preventive Orthodontic Services (Excluding Space Maintainers): This category covers early orthodontic interventions designed to prevent or address orthodontic issues.
- Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment: This involves the use of removable or fixed appliances, or a combination of both, to provide complete orthodontic care. It encompasses diagnostic procedures, formal treatment, and the retention phase.
What does Sun Life dental insurance cover?
Here’s a quick overview of Sun Life dental insurance plans and their coverage levels:
| Plan type | PHI Basic Plan | PHI Standard Plan | PHI Enhanced Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Preventive Care | |||
| Reimbursement | 60% | 70% | 80% |
| Annual Maximum | $500 | $750 | $750 |
| Recall Visits | Every 9 months | Every 9 months | Every 9 months |
| Waiting Period | 3 months before coverage begins | 3 months before coverage begins | 3 months before coverage begins |
| Restorative Dental Care | |||
| Reimbursement | No | No | 50% |
| Annual Maximum | No | No | $500 |
| Waiting Period | No | No | 1 year before coverage begins |
| Covered Services | No | No | Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Crowns, Onlays, Bridges, Dentures (and repairs to dentures) |
| Orthodontic Care | |||
| Reimbursement | No | No | 60% |
| Lifetime Maximum | No | No | $1,500 |
| Waiting Period | No | No | 2 years before coverage begins |
| Covered Services | No | No | - Interceptive, Interventive, or Preventive Orthodontic Services (Excluding Space Maintainers): This category covers early orthodontic interventions designed to prevent or address orthodontic issues. |
We recommend that you compare multiple health and dental insurance policies before buying one. You can do it using our comparator below and also get free quotes for Canada's best health and dental insurance plans.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds
Who is eligible for Sun Life health and dental insurance?
You are eligible for coverage if:
- You are physically present in Canada at the time of completing and submitting your application.
- Both you and your family members are Canadian residents with active provincial or territorial health and drug coverage.
- Your dependent children are under the age of 25, with the exception that dependent children aged 21 to 24 must be full-time students.
You are not eligible for coverage if:
- You have had or currently have any of the specified illnesses or conditions.
- You are presently awaiting doctor-recommended tests or investigations.
- You have a pending surgery.
How to apply for Sun Life dental insurance?
There are three ways to get Sun Life dental insurance.
- Online Application: Share your information, choose your coverage, and receive a quote.
- Phone Assistance: Feel free to reach out to Sun Life’s licensed advisors. They'll evaluate your coverage requirements and provide tailored recommendations. Call them at 1-866-292-2517.
- Personalized Guidance: Collaborate with a Sun Life advisor who will carefully assess your unique needs. They'll craft a customized plan based on your goals and aspirations.
How to contact Sun Life dental insurance?
You can use Sun Life dental insurance phone number to get in touch with them: 1-866-292-2517 or 1-800-361-6212. You can also contact them online. Create an online account on the Sun Life website and log in to view your coverage, submit claims, and contact customer service.
Or, you can mail a letter to Sun Life dental insurance at the following address:
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
Attn: Individual Customer Service
P.O. Box 9106
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
For fax, you can send a letter to Sun Life dental insurance at 1-888-863-8311. Also, be sure to shop around and compare prices before buying a policy. You can use our comparator tool to get personalized dental insurance quotes on the go.
