Do You Need Individual Dental Insurance?
What is individual dental insurance?
Individual dental insurance is a health plan you purchase on your own, separate from a work-sponsored plan, to take care of your teeth and oral health.
- Instead of or in the absence of employer or group plans: Individual dental coverage is a good choice for freelancers, self-employed people, contract workers, retirees, or those who do not have access to employer benefits.
- In addition to employer or group plans: Individual dental coverage can help cover dental treatments where group benefits (or government programs) leave gaps.
Dental insurance in Canada can help you manage out-of-pocket costs and get the dental care you need to maintain good oral hygiene and address any issues.
Read more: The best dental insurance plans in Canada
What does individual dental insurance cover?
An individual dental insurance plan may cover a wide range of dental treatments (similar to a group plan). Your exact coverage will depend on the plan you select.
Here’s how dental insurance works: Dental coverage usually falls into three categories—preventive, basic, and major. Each policy will cover each category with a different coverage model, such as 80% covered for preventive services up to $750 per year.
Preventive care
Many policies will cover 80 to 100% of preventive dental treatments, such as:
- Routine check-ups
- Cleanings
- X-rays and exams
- Fluoride treatments
Basic services
Some policies will cover between 50 and 90% of basic dental treatments, such as:
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Periodontal care
Major procedures
Some higher-tier policies will cover major procedures, typically at a lower percentage and with a mandatory waiting period for eligibility. These services could include:
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Root canals
- Dentures
Some plans include orthodontic coverage, though it’s usually around 50 to 70% reimbursement and often with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $3,000. Dental insurance does not typically cover cosmetic procedures, like veneers or teeth whitening.
“Usually, any plan that covers north of 75% of the health expenses is considered a strong plan.” —Andrew Ostro, CEO & Co-founder, PolicyMe
Individual vs. group dental insurance
The main difference between individual and group dental coverage is who provides the plan and how flexible it is.
- Individual insurance in Canada gives you more control over coverage, providers, and add-ons. You keep your coverage even if you switch jobs (or lose your job).
- Group coverage is offered through employers or associations, and the company decides which providers and plans to offer. Coverage is tied to your employment and ends if you leave the company.
Whether you go group or individual (or both), remember: price matters, but it’s not the only factor. You need a policy that covers the services you actually need.
Here are two different examples that illustrate when dental coverage is useful.
Scenario 1: Freelancer with no workplace benefits
Alex is a self-employed graphic designer and pays $50 per month for private dental insurance. Steady premiums help cover Alex’s two teeth cleanings per year ($600 out-of-pocket otherwise) and partially cover a root canal ($1,200 out-of-pocket otherwise).
Scenario 2: Married with partial workplace coverage
Priya’s workplace plan only covers 50% of basic care with zero coverage for major dental coverage. Priya buys a family dental plan for herself and her partner at $110 per month, which helps cover a crown that would cost $1,500 out-of-pocket if she only had workplace coverage. Priya pays more monthly to supplement her coverage, but this limits her financial risk if she needs a major dental treatment.
Individual dental insurance typically costs $75 to $150
The average cost of individual dental insurance in Canada is between $75 to $150 per month, but it depends on the policyholder, the plan, and the province.
Costs less for: Young people, healthy people, basic plans, low cost-of-living provinces
Costs more for: Older people, unhealthy people, more coverage, higher cost-of-living provinces
Here are sample premiums from PolicyMe for dental-only policies:
A monthly premium is worth it if it saves you from spending more on out-of-pocket expenses.
As an example, 12 months of insurance premiums for a 30-year-old adds up to about $875 every year. But without coverage, out-of-pocket expenses could amount to $1,200+ for semi-annual cleanings, annual exams with X-rays, and occasional work like fillings—and far more if any major work is needed.
Is individual dental insurance worth it?
Individual dental insurance is worth it if it saves you money on out-of-pocket dental expenses for dental care you really need and can’t get elsewhere.
What about the CDCP? The CDCP, or Canadian Dental Care Plan, is a federal program for Canadian residents that has eligibility requirements. Coverage varies by province or territory, so it may not cover what you need, and you have no choice in provider—the government chooses for you.
What about work coverage? If you have access, employer health benefits can be great. But they come at a cost, may not cover what you need, and you’re stuck with the insurance company your company chooses. Your coverage is also tied to your employment.
What if my teeth are perfect? Good for you! People with perfect oral health who need only basic cleanings may not save money with an individual dental insurance plan. However, unexpected dental issues can be painful and expensive. If you anticipate major work in the near future, it might be worthwhile to explore your options.
The top 5 individual dental insurance providers in Canada
Some of the top providers of private dental insurance in Canada right now are PolicyMe, GreenShield, Manulife, Sun Life, and Canada Life. You can get health coverage and dental benefits with all five, including prescription drug coverage and vision care.
Here’s why each of these companies earned a top spot across affordability, customer experience, and coverage options for Canadians who need dental coverage:
PolicyMe
- Simplicity for uninsured and underinsured individuals and families
- Health and dental plans with fast, affordable quotes and easy online applications
GreenShield
- Non-profit insurer with flexible policies for freelancers and self-employed people
- Lower premiums with a focus on basic care and prevention
Manulife
- Flexible options for a variety of policyholders, from retirees to freelancers
- Rewards health behaviours with “Vitality” program
Sun Life
- Multiple tiers of dental coverage, including for major treatments
- Well-established company (though with higher premiums)
Canada Life
- Dental plans for people who are about to lose group benefits or retire
- Nationally recognized with broad network of representative support
How to choose the right individual dental insurance plan
Choosing an individual dental insurance plan starts with evaluating your needs and ends with applying for coverage. Here’s how to do it.
- Assess your dental needs. Do you need regular cleanings or do you also anticipate major dental work? Do you have others in your household who may need dental coverage? What are you currently paying out of pocket for these types of medical expenses?
- Compare plans. Look for companies that offer the services you need. For instance, if you know you need coverage for major procedures, then you should look for providers and tiers that include these services. Find out about exclusions and waiting periods, too.
- Consider costs. Every plan has a unique price model, from the monthly premium to co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles, and annual/lifetime limits. Do they follow a reimbursement model or direct billing? Do the math and understand how to balance your budget with the coverage you need.
- Listen to the customers. Price matters, but so does the customer experience. Read online reviews and ask your friends and family. Who processes claims quickly? Who is friendly on the phone? Whose application process is needlessly complex?
- Apply for coverage. Some providers, like PolicyMe, have easy online applications with guaranteed acceptance; others require you to answer medical questions. Gather what you need and request quotes.
FAQ: Individual dental insurance
Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of October 2025. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.