Private dental insurance is a way to manage the expenses of visiting the dentist. But when is it worth buying a dental plan and what does it cover? This short guide aims to answer some of the most common questions about dental insurance.
What does private dental health insurance cover in the UK?
In the UK, there are two main levels of coverage that you can consider when obtaining a dental insurance policy:
- A document that covers the cost of NHS treatment: for example, routine exams, extractions, cleaning and polishing, dental and emergency treatments, including crowns, bridges and dentures.
- A policy that also covers private treatment - This can include various types of cosmetic work, teeth whitening, veneers, and quick access to private dentists.
Does private health insurance cover teeth?
This will depend on the policy, but in most cases, private health coverage will not include dental treatment by default. This is taken as an add-on or as a separate policy, so if you want private health insurance with dental coverage, speak with a professional advisor who can guide you to the product that best suits your needs.
How Dental Insurance Works
In most cases, you pay a premium set by the insurance company. When you visit a dentist for a checkup or treatment, you pay the costs as usual and then bill the insurance company.
As long as your dental work is included in the policy, you will be reimbursed the agreed percentage (generally 50-75%) but up to 100% in certain plans) within the time period specified by the insurance company.
Another type of dental coverage that you may find is called a "discount plan" or reimbursement plan, which is not strict insurance, but provides a percentage of the cost of any treatment that you incur while paying for the plan.
As long as your dental work is included in the policy, you will be reimbursed the agreed percentage (generally 50-75%) but up to 100% in certain plans) within the time period specified by the insurance company.
Another type of dental coverage that you may find is called a "discount plan" or reimbursement plan, which is not strict insurance, but provides a percentage of the cost of any treatment that you incur while paying for the plan.
How much?
The cost of your payment will depend on several factors, including:
- The level of coverage you choose (for example, NHS only or NHS and private)
- If you want to include cosmetic work
- The time you wait
- The overflow you select and other optional features you choose to include
- Your health, age, and other lifestyle factors, such as whether you smoke.
The best way to ensure affordable premiums is to work with an independent advisor who has access to the entire market. They can collect offers for the coverage you want and compare policies based on the level of coverage they offer and the price of the monthly fee.
Do i need private dental insurance?
If your oral health is generally good and you only visit the dentist for regular checkups and check-ups, you will probably be better off paying the NHS fees directly as they are likely to be less than the insurance premiums in a private dental plan.
However, dental emergencies can happen at any time, and even if you follow your NHS treatment, it can lead to unexpected bills, so you may prefer to pay in one case. Additionally, most clinics offer NHS and private treatments, where many patients pick and choose "lists", which also results in higher costs.
If you know you want flexibility and comfort in a special treatment, or if you want something cosmetic or other unnecessary additions (including white fillings and fairly common treatments, plus more custom jobs like veneers and teeth whitening), you should give it up. Dental insurance is in a better position than if you simply had to pay out of your own pocket.
However, dental emergencies can happen at any time, and even if you follow your NHS treatment, it can lead to unexpected bills, so you may prefer to pay in one case. Additionally, most clinics offer NHS and private treatments, where many patients pick and choose "lists", which also results in higher costs.
If you know you want flexibility and comfort in a special treatment, or if you want something cosmetic or other unnecessary additions (including white fillings and fairly common treatments, plus more custom jobs like veneers and teeth whitening), you should give it up. Dental insurance is in a better position than if you simply had to pay out of your own pocket.
Does private health insurance cover braces?
If you ensure there are children on your dental plan, orthodontic work, including braces, is generally covered for those under the age of 18. For adults, this would generally be considered an addition that attracts a higher premium, but it is entirely possible.
If you are looking to improve your smile soon, the professional consultants we work with can help you find the best private orthodontic health insurance.
Other treatments and procedures that you may want to include in an enhanced policy may include:
If you are looking to improve your smile soon, the professional consultants we work with can help you find the best private orthodontic health insurance.
Other treatments and procedures that you may want to include in an enhanced policy may include:
- Implants - It can be difficult to find private health insurance for dental implants, but some policies will pay for it in the right circumstances. Remember, for these more expensive treatments, you can quickly increase your plan's benefit limit.
- Wisdom teeth: As a form of extraction, the removal of a clinically indicated wisdom tooth should be covered in most plans, whether you are receiving treatment from the NHS or in private.
Can You Get Private Health Insurance To Cover Your Teeth Without A Waiting Period?
The 'waiting period' refers to the period of time after subscribing to a policy before you can file a claim. This is intended to prevent people from tampering with the system by obtaining insurance before a plan is made to file a claim only to cancel the plan immediately.
Most policies come with a waiting period, which can be up to six months. However, there are some dental plans on the market that offer instant coverage, although these tend to attract a higher premium than those that do not.
Most policies come with a waiting period, which can be up to six months. However, there are some dental plans on the market that offer instant coverage, although these tend to attract a higher premium than those that do not.
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