What is dental insurance and do I need it?
This guide includes information about standalone dental insurance. While we don’t currently offer this at MoneySuperMarket, you can compare health insurance quotes with us and add on dental cover with some health insurance providers or it may be included as standard.
Key takeaways
Dental health insurance covers NHS and/or private dental treatments and emergencies, by paying a monthly premium and claiming back the cost of treatments
Dental health insurance costs from £11 a month, depending on cover level, location, and treatment type
Be aware of excess payments, policy limits and exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions
What is dental insurance?
Dental insurance provides cover for NHS and/or private dental treatments and emergencies. When you take out dental insurance, you pay for a policy and if you need to make a claim, your insurance provider helps cover the cost of your treatment.
What types of dental insurance cover can I get?
NHS-only dental treatment policies: Covers the cost of any NHS treatments
NHS and private dental treatment policies: These types of policies usually only pay a contribution towards treatment, rather than the full cost
Is a dental plan the same as dental insurance?
No, dental payment plans are different to dental insurance policies. Dental plans (also known as capitation plans) are often sold by your dental practice. Your dentist will examine your teeth and will then set a monthly fixed fee based on your oral health and dental history.
These are an effective way to spread the cost of your treatment throughout the year, so you don't have to worry about the cost of a filling or hygiene appointment up front. However, they might not offer the best value for money.
How does dental insurance work?
You pay a monthly amount to your insurer in exchange for cover
You pay your dentist for your treatment as normal first, then claim the money back from your dental insurance provider
Top tip: Consider using a 0% purchase credit card to help cover any costs while your claim is being processed. Just make sure you keep on top of your payments by paying the minimum balance each month, and the full amount before the 0% period ends.
What are the benefits of having dental insurance?
Helps cover the cost of routine dental care check-ups
Cover for any emergency or necessary treatment like dental cavities or a broken tooth
Helps you budget for any upcoming treatments
Reduces the cost of expensive dental treatments
Can be relatively low in price compared to other types of health insurance, depending on your specific requirements
Do I need dental insurance?
Whether or not you need dental insurance will depend on personal factors such as:
If you qualify for free NHS dental treatment
Most adults in the UK have to pay for an NHS treatment according to different treatment bands. But there are some circumstances where you don’t pay, such as if you’re pregnant or you’ve had a baby in past the 12 months or if you’re receiving a means-tested benefit
The condition of your teeth
If your teeth are in generally good condition and you only usually have a routine check-up it might not be worth taking out dental insurance. Be aware that if you have a pre-existing condition it’s unlikely to be covered by dental insurance
Where you live
he cost of seeing a dentist can vary and you may find you can’t register with an NHS dentist in your area as they are at capacity
If you see a private dentist
If you prefer or need to see a private dentist it could work out more cost effective to have dental insurance but you’ll need to check the policy documents carefully to understand any limits and exclusions
Your age
Dental insurance policies may have a minimum age, typically 18, and a maximum age, such as 65
Your employee benefits package
You might have dental insurance as part of an employee benefits package at work. This could be a separate policy or part of health insurance or private medical insurance
💡 Top tip: As an alternative to dental insurance, you could put aside some money each month (self-insurance), in case you require any expensive or emergency treatment.
📣 Did you know?
Around one in four patients who tried to see an NHS dentist in the past 2 years were unable to do so, according to the GP Patient Survey 2024.
How much will I pay for dental insurance?
According to recent data from Money Saving Expert, the average person can expect to pay around £11 a month for dental insurance. This depends on certain factors such as the level of cover you choose, where you live, and whether you select NHS or private treatments.
If you make regular claims on your policy it's worth noting that this will increase the cost of your premiums year on year.
What types of dental procedures and treatments am I covered for with dental insurance?
Most dental health policies cover the following:
Routine care: Such as check-ups, X-rays, and scale and polish
Dental treatment: Including fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, bridgework, and dentures
Emergency dental treatment: Urgent and unforeseen issues that may stop you eating or put your health at risk, such as needing to repair your dentures
Dental injury: Treatment that's needed as a result external impact (excluding contact sports)
Mouth cancer treatment: This is usually a one-off payment up to a certain amount
What am I not covered for with dental insurance?
Any limitations and exclusions will vary per insurance provider, but common exclusions are:
Pre-existing dental conditions: Most policies won't cover these, so you can't take out dental insurance to try and fix a problem you're already aware of
Time limits for treatments: Most insurers will have a time restriction that stops you from claiming within a certain time after taking out your policy, often one to three months
Dental insurance excess: Some policies might have an excess, where you're required to pay towards your treatment e.g. if your excess is £50 and your treatment is £200, your insurer would pay you back £150 and you pay £50. Some policies will pay the full cost of routine treatment but ask that you contribute to emergency dental procedures and more expensive treatments
Age limits: Some policies have upper age limits
Treatment cost limits: Many insurers have a set annual limit for treatment, usually between £500-£1,000. Once you reach this amount, you won't be able to claim for any further treatment
Sporting injuries: If you failed to wear a mouth guard or other recommended protection
Will my dental insurance cover orthodontic treatments like braces?
Not all dental insurance providers will cover orthodontics. Some child health insurance policies may agree to cover these costs if your child is under a certain age. Others may only cover traditional metal orthodontics and if they are seen as a medical necessity rather than for aesthetic purposes.
It's important to check your policy documents to see if your insurer will cover this or not.
What happens if I need emergency dental care?
If you have an emergency dental issue, you will have to pay for this upfront and submit a claim to your insurer with all the relevant paperwork and evidence.
Will my dental insurance cover cosmetic dentistry procedures?
Some dental insurance policies exclude purely cosmetic treatments, like veneers or teeth whitening. Check your terms before committing to any cosmetic treatment, as you may not be able to claim the money back.
How can I compare health insurance with MoneySuperMarket?
Finding a cheaper deal on private health insurance for you and your family is easier when you compare quotes online. With MoneySuperMarket, all you need to do is tell us a little about yourself and your lifestyle and we’ll do the hard work for you.
By comparing different policies, you can gauge what level of cover suits your needs and budget. Some providers may give you the option of adding dental insurance to your health insurance or it may be included as standard.
After submitting your details, you'll receive estimates for various insurance plans. An expert will then reach out to discuss your options further, helping you secure the best policy at the most affordable price.
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