How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost in Canada? (Average Rates)
How much does dental insurance cost?
Private dental insurance in Canada can range in cost from about $75 and $150 per month on average. This amount varies based on a number of personal and regional factors. These include your age, the province you live in, and the type of dental care you want your plan to cover.
It’s worth highlighting that dental care is not typically covered by your provincial health plan. Unless you’re a child, senior, or in a very low-income bracket, you’re expected to pay for most dental services out of pocket unless you have insurance.
At PolicyMe, dental coverage is included as part of a health and dental insurance plan, which means you’re covered for both routine dental care and other essentials like prescription medications and paramedical services. For example, a 35-year-old individual living in Manitoba could expect to pay $95.79 per month for a plan that includes basic dental care, such as routine cleanings and checkups.
Many Canadians are wondering whether the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will eliminate the need for private dental insurance. While the CDCP is a step in the right direction, it comes with income caps, limited coverage, and a rollout that could take years.
The CDCP does not cover everyone and won’t provide the same level of flexibility or access as private dental insurance. That’s why it may not be a fit for many Canadians who want more control over their care.
Factors that impact the cost of a dental insurance plan in Canada
There’s no one-size-fits-all rate for dental insurance. Here are the 4 main things that will affect your monthly premium:
- Your age – Older adults generally pay more for dental coverage.
- Your province – Premiums vary based on regional dental fees.
- Coverage level – Basic plans cost less, but cover less dental procedures.
- Individual vs. family – A family of four will generally pay more than a single adult.
Cost of dental insurance by age
Age is one of the biggest drivers of dental insurance cost. Here’s how rates from PolicyMe’s Economic health insurance plan stack up by age for individuals in Alberta:
If you're self-employed or retired and no longer on your workplace’s group plan, these are the kind of rates you'd be looking at for basic coverage.
Cost of dental insurance by province
Dental insurance rates can differ widely across provinces. That affects how much insurers charge. While rates will vary by provider, here’s a general overview of how PolicyMe’s Economic plan changes by region for a 35-year-old individual:
Premium tiers decoded: basic, comprehensive, major dental pricing
Your dental insurance premium depends a lot on what kind of dental care your plan covers. At PolicyMe, our guaranteed issue plans are grouped into different tiers based on the level of dental coverage included.
Here’s a quick breakdown of our most affordable versus our most comprehensive plans, though we do have some options in between as well:
Economic Plan (Basic Tier)
- Covers preventive dental services such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
- Annual maximum of $500 for dental claims.
- Intended for people who mainly want coverage for regular checkups and cleanings.
Advanced Plan (Comprehensive Tier)
- Covers both preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) and minor restorative services like fillings and extractions.
- Annual maximum of $750 for dental claims.
- A good fit for people who want more robust coverage beyond just cleanings.
These plan tiers allow you to choose what fits your needs and budget. If you mostly go for regular cleanings, a basic plan like the Economic tier might be enough. But if you want help covering fillings and more involved dental work, the Advanced plan offers broader protection.
How to compare Canadian dental insurance quotes side by side
When comparing quotes from different insurance providers, don’t just look at the monthly premium. Ask yourself these questions to weigh out the value of your dental insurance:
- What dental services are included? Are there any key exclusions in the policy?
- Are there annual or lifetime maximums?
- How much is covered (80%, 100%)? What is the co-pay? What is the deductible?
- What is the insurance company’s method of reimbursement?
- Are there waiting periods before certain procedures? (Most dental insurance coverage has waiting periods – especially for services like orthodontics, so take note!)
How to use tax deductions to save on your dental expenses
Dental insurance premiums can sometimes be claimed as eligible medical expenses when filing your taxes in Canada. If you pay for dental insurance out of pocket, you may be able to include the premiums as part of the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) on your federal income tax return. This credit helps offset the cost of eligible health-related expenses, reducing your overall tax burden.
For individuals who are self-employed, dental insurance premiums may also be deductible as a business expense, provided the plan meets certain eligibility criteria. This can be especially valuable for freelancers, contractors, or small business owners who don’t have access to employer-sponsored benefits.
Since eligibility for tax deductions can vary based on your income, the type of plan you have, and your filing status, it’s a good idea to consult a tax professional or accountant. They can help determine whether your specific dental insurance plan qualifies and guide you on how to properly claim the deduction.
Bottom line: private dental insurance costs
If you’re looking for peace of mind, dental insurance might be worth it. You’ll avoid big out-of-pocket expenses and make preventive oral health care more accessible.
Expect to pay between $75 and $150 per month, depending on your age, province, and the type of plan you choose. And remember: if you don’t have workplace benefits or need more than the CDCP offers, a private dental plan is one of the few ways to make dental care more affordable in Canada.
Note: Rates may fluctuate slightly depending on your provider, rates are based on PolicyMe’ Economic Plan from July 2025.