Is Dental Insurance Worth It in Canada?
TL;DR Is dental insurance worth it?
Private dental insurance may be worth it in Canada if:
- You don’t have access to dental coverage through your province, your workplace, or the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP);
- You spend a significant amount out of pocket each year on dental care; and
- You also need health insurance coverage for prescription drugs, vision care, paramedical services, or extended health benefits
When dental insurance is worth it
Dental insurance is worth it if it saves you money on necessary dental care. That includes routine dental expenses like regular checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, as well as unexpected costs for major procedures like root canals and extractions.
Private dental insurance is primarily worth it if you don’t have access to other coverage, such as:
You may also need private dental insurance—either as primary coverage or to supplement an existing group plan—if you anticipate needing major dental services in the future. A personal or family history of oral health problems might make the cost of dental insurance worth it.
If you think dental insurance is worth it for your household, use PolicyMe’s guide to the best dental insurance plans in Canada to find a good match for your dental needs and budget.
When dental insurance may not be worth it
A private dental insurance plan may not be worth the cost if:
If your current dental spending fits comfortably in your budget and you’re willing to pay out of pocket for any expensive procedures you may need down the line, an individual dental insurance plan may not be a worthwhile investment.
Dental insurance vs. paying out of pocket
In households with high dental needs, a dental insurance policy can significantly reduce costs vs. paying out of pocket.
The table below compares average dental bills without insurance for common services to the out-of-pocket cost for the same services with private dental coverage. Keep in mind that these are general price estimates and may not reflect the actual bill you’d see from a provider in your area.
* With $900 annual maximum applied (Year 1 maximum is $750).
** Two-year waiting period applies to this coverage.
Now let’s see how these costs might play out in some real-life examples.
If you’re single, without kids, and only get your two recommended routine dental cleanings per year, the $160–$400 you’d save by getting dental insurance coverage might not be worth the monthly premiums.
Verdict: Dental insurance likely isn’t worth it.
Let’s say you have three kids and live in a province that doesn’t cover dental cleanings for children. Routine biannual check-ups for a family of five could cost up to $1,250 per year without insurance. A health insurance policy with dental coverage could save your family an average of $1,000 per year on routine dental treatments alone.
Verdict: Dental insurance may be worth it.
Maybe you’ve let things slide a little when it comes to dental care. We get it—flossing is hard. But now your tooth is exploding with pain and you learn that you need an emergency root canal.
Without insurance, you could be looking at a total cost of thousands of dollars once you factor in an examination, x-rays, anesthesia, and the actual root canal procedure. But a private insurance policy with emergency dental coverage could offset the cost significantly, allowing you to focus on healing rather than on emptying your savings account to pay for your surprise bill.
Verdict: Dental insurance is worth it.
The bottom line: Dental insurance is worth it if it helps you reduce routine out-of-pocket spending on necessary care, or if it lessens the financial blow of an unexpected health crisis.
How much does dental insurance cost in Canada?
Dental insurance costs in Canada vary by age, province, coverage level, and insurance company. Most adults pay between $100 and $150 per month for health insurance plans that include dental coverage.
Your dental insurance costs also depend on the other coverage your plan includes. Some health insurance plans focus narrowly on dental, vision, and extended health coverage, while others include prescription drug coverage, too.
To compare costs in your area, check out the table below, which compares monthly premiums for PolicyMe’s Dental Care plan with the Classic plan, a complete health insurance policy that includes comprehensive coverage for both drugs and dental needs.
How to decide if dental insurance is worth it for you
Still not sure if you need dental insurance? Follow this checklist or speak with a licensed insurance advisor to weigh your options.
- Consider other coverage avenues. Are you eligible for group dental coverage through your workplace (or your partner’s)? Can you get dental benefits through a pension plan, a provincial program, or the federal CDCP?
- Add up your current dental costs. How much are you spending each year on dental costs not covered by your existing health insurance?
- Compare plan limits, reimbursement rates, deductibles, and co-pays. Most dental insurance plans won’t cover 100% of the cost of all services. Compare coverage limits with your actual dental needs to see what out-of-pocket costs you’d carry.
- Watch out for waiting periods and exclusions. Most private dental insurance plans won’t cover orthodontics or cosmetic procedures like teeth cleaning and teeth whitening. Many plans have at least a 3-month waiting period for certain coverage.
- Look beyond dental coverage. Dental insurance goes hand in hand with supplemental health coverage. Consider your overall health insurance needs and whether a private policy would be a cost-effective way to manage your expenses.
FAQ: Is dental insurance worth it?
Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of January 2026. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.