Is Tricare dental insurance worth it? 2025 Review
Our expert's opinion on Tricare
ScoreTRICARE offers a specialized and robust dental insurance program tailored for its specific military-affiliated audience in Canada, standing out with comprehensive coverage from day one. The plan's strength lies in its excellent design, featuring 100% reimbursement for preventive care, 80% for basic services, and up to 70% for major procedures, all without waiting periods. The annual limit is a standard $1,500, complemented by a separate $1,750 lifetime maximum for orthodontics.
Compared to many standard private Canadian dental plans, the TRICARE Dental Program is significantly more affordable, especially for families, and uniquely provides extensive overseas coverage with no waiting periods—a feature rarely seen in the general market. This program is ideally suited for its mandated audience: eligible family members of active duty personnel and members of the Selected Reserve or Individual Ready Reserve.
Administered by United Concordia, claims are managed through an online portal with an average 30-day processing time. While financial strength data is not public, customer feedback is mixed; ConsumerAffairs shows a 1.5/5 score from over 100 reviews, while Trustpilot data is unavailable.
- ✅No waiting periods for any benefits
- ✅100% coverage for preventive care
- ✅Orthodontic coverage up to 50%
- ✅$1,750 lifetime orthodontics maximum
- ✅Global coverage including in Canada
- ✅Very affordable family premiums
- ✅Online portal and mobile app for claims
- ❌Recurring claims processing delays reported
- ❌Eligibility restricted to military members and family
- ❌Low customer satisfaction on some platforms
- ❌Standard $1,500 non-orthodontic annual maximum
- ❌No coverage for cosmetic dentistry
Score- ✅No waiting periods for any benefits
- ✅100% coverage for preventive care
- ✅Orthodontic coverage up to 50%
- ✅$1,750 lifetime orthodontics maximum
- ✅Global coverage including in Canada
- ✅Very affordable family premiums
- ✅Online portal and mobile app for claims
Our expert's opinion on Tricare
- ✅No waiting periods for any benefits
- ✅100% coverage for preventive care
- ✅Orthodontic coverage up to 50%
- ✅$1,750 lifetime orthodontics maximum
- ✅Global coverage including in Canada
- ✅Very affordable family premiums
- ✅Online portal and mobile app for claims
- ❌Recurring claims processing delays reported
- ❌Eligibility restricted to military members and family
- ❌Low customer satisfaction on some platforms
- ❌Standard $1,500 non-orthodontic annual maximum
- ❌No coverage for cosmetic dentistry
Score- ✅No waiting periods for any benefits
- ✅100% coverage for preventive care
- ✅Orthodontic coverage up to 50%
- ✅$1,750 lifetime orthodontics maximum
- ✅Global coverage including in Canada
- ✅Very affordable family premiums
- ✅Online portal and mobile app for claims
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.
The Types of Tricare Dental Plans
Tricare provides specialized dental coverage for the U.S. military community, with plans available to eligible members and their families residing in Canada. The structure is based on the sponsor's military status and is not available to the general public.
- TRICARE Dental Program (TDP): This is a voluntary, premium-based dental plan available for eligible active duty family members, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families.
- Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP): Retired service members and their families are not covered by the TDP but can enroll in a dental plan through the separate FEDVIP marketplace.
Tricare's Dental Insurance Coverage
The Tricare Dental Program offers a comprehensive set of benefits to eligible members in Canada. Coverage levels are consistent across most categories, with no waiting periods for any services, which is a significant feature of the plan.
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the dental guarantees available under the Tricare Dental Program.
| Guarantee | Included in plan? | Reimbursement rate | Annual maximum | Waiting period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive care (check-ups, cleanings) | Yes | 100% | $1,500 | None |
| Basic restorative care (fillings, extractions) | Yes | 80% | $1,500 | None |
| Major restorative care (crowns, dental bridges) | Yes | 50% | $1,500 | None |
| Endodontics (root canal therapy) | Yes | 60-70% | $1,500 | None |
| Periodontics (gum treatments) | Yes | 60-70% | $1,500 | None |
| Orthodontics (braces) | Yes | 50% | $1,750 (lifetime) | None |
| Oral surgery | Yes | 60-70% | $1,500 | None |
| Emergency dental care | Yes | 80-100% | $1,200 (per accident) | None |
| Dental implants | Yes | 50% | $1,500 | None |
| Cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers) | No | Not covered | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Anesthesia/sedation coverage | Yes | 60-70% | $1,500 | None |
| Accidental dental injury coverage | Yes | 100% | $1,200 (per accident) | None |
The Cost of Tricare Dental Insurance in 2025
| Type of coverage | Value plan 1 | Value plan 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $12/month | About $31/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $32/month | About $80/month |
| Single-parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $32/month | About $80/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $32/month | About $80/month |
*These are indicative prices and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the selected plan.
Good to know
Tricare is a health care program of the U.S. Department of Defense. The dental plans are only available to eligible U.S. military personnel, retirees, and their families, including those residing in Canada. The premiums shown are based on U.S. dollar rates for Active Duty families (Value Plan 1) and Reserve families (Value Plan 2).
Discount codes for Tricare
| Tricare 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 Tricare?
| Feature | Availability | Expert opinion (one clear sentence of 15–25 words) |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | You can conveniently submit claims through the dedicated United Concordia portal, which eliminates mailing paperwork and simplifies the process. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | The United Concordia mobile app lets you manage your benefits and submit claims directly from your smartphone for convenience. |
| Member portal for claim tracking | ✅ | A secure online portal allows you to independently track your claim status and review your benefits information at any time. |
| Claim reimbursement simulator | ❌ | You cannot estimate your out-of-pocket costs for procedures in advance, making it more challenging to budget for dental work. |
| Reimbursement time frame | ~30 days | The claim processing period can be lengthy, so you should anticipate waiting up to a month for your reimbursement. |
| Adding or removing members without fees | ✅ | You can easily update your family's dental coverage through the online portal to ensure your plan reflects your current situation. |
| Telephone assistance with a healthcare professional | ❌ | Phone support is limited to administrative help and does not offer access to a dental professional for medical advice. |
| Second medical opinion | ❌ | The plan does not provide a formal service for getting a second expert opinion on a complex dental diagnosis. |
| 24/7 travel assistance | ✅ | You receive round-the-clock support for dental emergencies while travelling abroad, including within Canada, via International SOS. |
Tricare Dental Insurance Reviews
| Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| ConsumerAffairs | 1.5/5 (~100+ reviews) |
Here is a summary of the feedback from policyholders:
✅ The wide international coverage is often cited as a significant advantage for members living abroad.
✅ An often-praised benefit is the affordability of the premiums, especially for families.
❌ A recurring issue mentioned by customers involves significant delays in the processing of their claims.
❌ The limited network of participating providers in some regions is a common source of frustration.
Here are examples of reviews left online:
- "TRICARE Dental made it easy for my family to get preventive care while stationed overseas. The online portal is user-friendly.", Anonymous, 2024, ConsumerAffairs
- "It took over two months to get reimbursed for a dental emergency in Canada. Customer service was hard to reach.", John D., 2024, ConsumerAffairs
How to Contact Tricare
| Reason for contact | Contact Tricare |
|---|---|
| For a dental insurance quote 🧾 | Determine your eligibility and find plan details using the plan finder on the Tricare website. For enrollment, call United Concordia at 1-844-653-4060. |
| For proof of dental insurance 🧾 | You can access your proof of coverage and view your benefits card by logging into the United Concordia member portal. For help, call 1-844-653-4060. |
| For dental assistance 🩺 | For 24/7 assistance with your dental plan while you are in Canada, call the dedicated International SOS line at +1-215-942-8393. |
| To report a dental claim or track a reimbursement 🔍 | Submit claims online via the United Concordia member portal. To track a claim or for support, call 1-844-653-4060, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. |
FAQ
Who can apply for Tricare dental insurance?
The Tricare Dental Program is available to eligible U.S. active duty family members, and members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve with their families, including those residing in Canada. It is not open to the general public. You can apply through the official Tricare or United Concordia websites. Before enrolling, you may want to compare other local dental insurance offers to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with Tricare?
Yes, Tricare has specific age requirements for dependent coverage under the dental plan. Children are generally covered as dependents until they reach the age of 21. This coverage can be extended until their 23rd birthday if they are enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited institution and the sponsor provides over 50% of their financial support. These age limits do not apply to a covered spouse.
Can members be added or removed from Tricare dental insurance?
Yes, you can add or remove eligible family members from your Tricare dental plan. Changes to your enrollment, such as adding a newborn or a new spouse, must be made following a qualifying life event. These updates are typically managed through the TRICARE plan administrator, United Concordia, via their online portal or by contacting their customer service department directly to process the change.
Is there a waiting period for Tricare dental benefits?
No, the Tricare Dental Program does not have a waiting period for any of its covered services, which is a significant advantage. Once your enrollment is effective, you have immediate access to all your benefits, including preventive care, basic services, and even major procedures like crowns or orthodontics. This means you do not have to wait several months before being able to claim for extensive dental work.
How do I use my Tricare dental benefits in Canada?
You can use your Tricare dental benefits across Canada by visiting any licensed civilian dentist. While you have the freedom to choose your provider, you may have to pay for the services upfront and then submit a claim to United Concordia for reimbursement. For assistance or to check for network providers in your area, you can contact International SOS or the plan administrator.
Are major services like dental implants and orthodontics covered?
Yes, the Tricare Dental Program provides coverage for major services. Dental implants are covered at 50%, with the cost counting toward your annual non-orthodontic maximum of $1,500. Orthodontic treatment is also covered at 50%, but it has its own separate lifetime maximum of $1,750 per eligible person. This makes the plan quite comprehensive compared to many other dental insurance options.
Who can apply for Tricare dental insurance?
The Tricare Dental Program is available to eligible U.S. active duty family members, and members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve with their families, including those residing in Canada. It is not open to the general public. You can apply through the official Tricare or United Concordia websites. Before enrolling, you may want to compare other local dental insurance offers to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with Tricare?
Yes, Tricare has specific age requirements for dependent coverage under the dental plan. Children are generally covered as dependents until they reach the age of 21. This coverage can be extended until their 23rd birthday if they are enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited institution and the sponsor provides over 50% of their financial support. These age limits do not apply to a covered spouse.
Can members be added or removed from Tricare dental insurance?
Yes, you can add or remove eligible family members from your Tricare dental plan. Changes to your enrollment, such as adding a newborn or a new spouse, must be made following a qualifying life event. These updates are typically managed through the TRICARE plan administrator, United Concordia, via their online portal or by contacting their customer service department directly to process the change.
Is there a waiting period for Tricare dental benefits?
No, the Tricare Dental Program does not have a waiting period for any of its covered services, which is a significant advantage. Once your enrollment is effective, you have immediate access to all your benefits, including preventive care, basic services, and even major procedures like crowns or orthodontics. This means you do not have to wait several months before being able to claim for extensive dental work.
How do I use my Tricare dental benefits in Canada?
You can use your Tricare dental benefits across Canada by visiting any licensed civilian dentist. While you have the freedom to choose your provider, you may have to pay for the services upfront and then submit a claim to United Concordia for reimbursement. For assistance or to check for network providers in your area, you can contact International SOS or the plan administrator.
Are major services like dental implants and orthodontics covered?
Yes, the Tricare Dental Program provides coverage for major services. Dental implants are covered at 50%, with the cost counting toward your annual non-orthodontic maximum of $1,500. Orthodontic treatment is also covered at 50%, but it has its own separate lifetime maximum of $1,750 per eligible person. This makes the plan quite comprehensive compared to many other dental insurance options.
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