How to Get the Best of Dental Insurance Plan for You
Dental care in Canada isn’t covered by provincial health plans for most adults, so unless you’ve got great workplace benefits, you're paying out of pocket. This guide breaks down how dental insurance plans work in Canada, who needs them, what they cover, and how to find one that fits your budget and smile.
Do You Need A Dental Insurance Plan in Canada?
It feels like nowadays we need insurance for everything. Our cars, our health and even our homes. The last thing we want to do is think about taking on another plan like dental insurance! Cost is the top reason people avoid dental care—especially those without coverage, according to Statistics Canada.
With so many dental benefit plans available, each with different coverage and costs, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. But don't worry, understanding the basics can make it easier. If you’re weighing the cost of a dental insurance plan in Canada, you’re not alone. Whether it’s worth it depends on how often you see a dentist, what care you might need, and whether you already have some coverage through work or a spouse.
Whether you need private dental insurance will depend on a few things. Here’s when a dental plan might be worth it:
- You don’t have dental benefits through work
- You go to the dentist at least once a year
- You expect to need fillings, crowns, or other dental work
- You’d rather pay monthly than deal with big surprise bills
- You’ve got kids who may need braces down the road
For some Canadians, insurance is peace of mind. For others, it’s just another monthly bill. The key is knowing where you fall on that spectrum.
When Dental Insurance is Worth It (And When It’s Not)
Your dental habits and history play a huge role in whether insurance is actually worth it. If you're the type to book cleanings twice a year and catch issues early, a basic plan that covers preventive care might easily pay for itself.
Think back over the last 2–3 years. Have you needed fillings, crowns, or root canals? Has your dentist flagged issues you’ve been putting off? Those are clues that a more comprehensive plan with major care coverage might be a better fit. On the flip side, if your teeth have been low-maintenance and you just want routine checkups, you could get by with a cheaper plan or even pay out of pocket and skip insurance entirely.
Bottom line: if you’re likely to use your plan regularly or have expensive work coming up it’s usually worth it. If not, you may be better off saving the premium money for when you actually need care.
What Does a Typical Dental Plan Cover in Canada?
Dental insurance plans in Canada can vary quite a bit, but most follow a similar structure when it comes to what’s included and what isn’t. While no two plans are exactly the same, they often break coverage into three categories: preventive, basic, and major care. Some plans may offer additional coverage for orthodontics, oral surgeries, or even cosmetic services, but that’s less common and often comes with specific limits or waiting periods.
Preventive care includes cleanings, exams, and x-rays. These services help catch issues early. Plans often cover them at a higher percentage.
Basic care covers things like fillings, simple extractions, and scaling. It’s the kind of work you might need once in a while. Some plans cover these at a lower percentage than preventive care.
Major care includes crowns, bridges, dentures, and endodontics. These treatments cost more. Not all plans cover them, and if they do, you might need to wait before the coverage kicks in.
Orthodontics may be included, especially for kids. There’s usually a cap on how much the plan will pay.
Cosmetic treatments like whitening or veneers are usually not covered.
Each dental insurance product is different. Coverage levels, waiting periods, exclusions, and limits can vary. Always check the fine print so you know what’s included and what isn’t.
Some dental plans only cover major care if the issue wasn't diagnosed before your policy started — meaning pre-existing dental problems may be excluded.
4 Things to Look for in Your Dental Insurance Plan
When evaluating dental insurance plans, many factors play into what makes a dental insurance plan great. We want the best for you, so let’s take a look at what you should look for when shopping around:
1. Coverage & Benefits
Check what range of services are covered under the plan. Look for plans that have benefits like preventive care like routine cleanings and check-ups and more extensive dental procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals. Some plans also cover orthodontics (i.e. braces) and cosmetic procedures. Make sure the plan meets your specific dental needs.
2. Waiting Periods
Some plans have waiting periods for certain procedures, meaning you must wait a specified time before coverage kicks in. Check the waiting periods for services you might need soon, and choose a plan with shorter or no waiting periods if necessary. Some waiting periods can last for a month to even a whole year! So before you sign anything, read the fine print and make sure to check when your policy is ready to cover you. Especially if you are looking to get a dental procedure done in the near future!
Our recommendation you have a buffer period of at least 3 months from when you get your plan and any major dental procedure.
3. Exclusions & Service Limitations
Read the fine print to understand what needs to be covered by the plan. Some plans exclude specific procedures or limit the number of visits or dental treatments per year. Knowing these exclusions can help you avoid surprises and make a more informed decision.
4. Customer Service
Good customer service is essential for resolving issues quickly and effectively. Check reviews and ratings for the insurance company's customer service. Getting help when needed can make a big difference in your overall satisfaction with the plan.
Comparing Dental Insurance Coverage
Comparing plans isn’t about memorizing insurance jargon. It’s about matching the plan to your real-life oral health care needs and knowing what to watch out for. Here’s how to make sense of your options:
1. Know what you need
Start by thinking about your dental history. Do you go for cleanings twice a year? Need a filling every so often? Have kids who might need braces? A basic plan might work for routine care, but if you’re expecting major work, you’ll want a plan that includes coverage for things like crowns, bridges, orthodontics, or oral surgery.
2. Look at what’s actually covered
Most plans include preventive care, like cleanings and check-ups. But coverage for basic and major services varies. Some only pay part of the cost. Others have waiting periods, or won’t cover certain procedures at all. Don’t assume everything’s included.
3. Add up the real cost
Premiums are just part of the picture. You’ll also want to factor in:
- Deductibles (what you pay before coverage starts)
- Coinsurance or co-pays (your share of each bill)
- Annual maximums (the most the plan will pay each year)
A lower premium might look good upfront, but it could mean higher out-of-pocket costs later.
4. Check the fine print
Watch for things like:
- Long waiting periods before major work is covered
- Exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- Age or dollar limits on orthodontics
If something seems unclear, don’t be shy to ask the insurer to explain it in plain language!
5. Ask around
While you can’t always compare company to company, you can ask friends, family, or your dentist about how different plans have worked for them. A trusted recommendation can point you in the right direction.
Get the Best Dental Insurance Plan for You
For those looking for an easy and efficient way to secure dental insurance, PolicyMe offers a great solution. PolicyMe is a Canadian digital life insurance platform designed to make financial protection for families simple and affordable.
We make getting a quote and applying for health and dental insurance easy. You can get a quote in just 30 seconds and complete your application in 5 minutes. You can apply online, either with the help of a phone advisor or on your own, making it a convenient option for securing the dental coverage you need.
Summary: Guide to Dental Plans in Canada
Your oral health has a massive impact on your overall health, so having the right dental plan isn’t just about your teeth; it’s about your long-term wellness.
- For most Canadians, dental care isn’t covered by public health plans, so most adults either pay out of pocket or use private insurance for their peace of mind.
- Plans usually include preventive, basic, and major care, but coverage levels and exclusions vary a lot between insurance companies.
- The right plan depends on your dental needs — if you expect major work or have no workplace benefits, insurance could save you money.
- Watch for waiting periods, annual limits, and exclusions, especially if you need immediate care or orthodontic coverage.