Oral health insurance

Oral health insurance covers diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental services such as cleanings, X-rays, and fillings as a specialized subset of health insurance. U.S.

Oral health insurance plans often pay 100% for preventive care like two annual checkups and cleanings, according to Delta Dental’s 2023 policy summaries. Oral health insurance premiums averaged $20–$50 per month in 2024 across providers including Cigna and MetLife, as confirmed by the Insurance Information Database.

Insurers typically impose annual maximums between $1,000 and $2,000 per person, confirmed by the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP). Plans frequently include waiting periods of 6–12 months for major treatments such as crowns or root canals, based on Aetna dental plan brochures.

Policies commonly exclude cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers, per UnitedHealthcare coverage guides. Dependent children may receive orthodontic coverage–such as braces–under some employer-sponsored oral health insurance plans, with an average lifetime maximum around $1,500.

Most policies require copays or coinsurance for basic and major services; for example, Guardian Insurance reports 20% coinsurance for basic care and 50% for major procedures. You can purchase individual oral health insurance directly from insurers or through healthcare.Gov during open enrollment.

Medicare does not cover routine dental services, but some Medicare Advantage plans include limited oral health benefits according to CMS data. Oral health insurance claims are submitted electronically by participating dentists who belong to insurer networks including those managed by Blue Cross Blue Shield or Humana.