Everyone knows that there are no correct answers in life. Except when it comes to choosing the best dental insurance plan for you and your family. There is a correct answer, and it depends on many variables, including your current coverage, premiums, and deductibles. And you would like to believe that choosing the best dental insurance for implants is not too dissimilar from choosing the best auto insurance for teenagers or motorcycle insurance for college students.
Dental implants replace tooth roots with permanent, screw-like posts and prosthetic teeth that can appear identical to natural teeth. Dental implants feel and function identically to natural teeth and are designed to last for decades. In contrast, dentures may need to be replaced as early as five years. Dental insurance may cover some or all of the costs associated with dental implants.
The best dental insurance for implants provides affordable options from companies with solid reputations and industry experience, as well as coverage that is tailored to your particular dental needs.
Best Dental Implant Insurance of 2022
Best Overall: Delta Dental Insurance
Runner Up, Best Overall: Denali Dental
Top Choice for no Waiting List: Spirit Dental & Vision
Best Value: Ameritas
Best Group Benefits: Cigna Dental
BEST OVERALL
Delta Dental Insurance
Policy Types: 3
Coverage Limit ($): Varies
States Available: 50
Why We Selected It
Delta provides multiple dental plans, is accessible nationwide, and provides online quotes.
Pros versus Cons
Pros
- Several plans cover dental implants.
- Coverage adapted to your requirements
Cons
- Maximums and deductibles per year
- Not all pre-existing conditions are covered
- 50% coverage for major procedures like dental implants
Overview
Delta Dental, which was founded in 1954, has become a well-known dental insurance provider that insures over 80 million Americans. Plans are created for individuals, families, retirees, and corporations. PPO, HMO, and Direct Dental Plans with varying coverage options and deductibles are available to meet your needs.
Delta Dental plans vary in cost and coverage based on your location, but you can obtain a free quote online by visiting the Delta Dental website and entering your zip code into the Cost Estimator tool. There are three types of implant coverage plans available for individuals:
Delta Dental PPO Plan provides 50% implant coverage.
Delta Dental Premier Plan provides 40% implant coverage
The Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier Plan covers implants at a rate of 40% in-network and 30% out-of-network.
As an additional pricing example, we can examine the Delta Dental PPO Plan. This plan covers one hundred percent of routine and preventive diagnostic procedures, eighty percent of basic procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions, and fifty percent of major procedures such as bridges and implants. Noting that waiting periods, annual maximums, and deductibles may drastically reduce the amount of coverage available for implants is important.
Expect to be unable to purchase dental implant insurance if you already lack teeth, as not all policies cover pre-existing conditions such as missing teeth.
The cost of a Delta Dental dental insurance plan will vary based on your location, age, the number of people requiring coverage, and the plan you choose. However, standard PPO plans can begin at approximately $20 per month.
RUNNER UP, BEST OVERALL
Denali Dental
Policy Types: 2
Dollar Limit of Coverage: $6,000
States Available: 34
Why We Selected It
Denali Dental plans can be customized to meet your specific requirements, are accessible in numerous states, and the coverage amounts increase annually.
Pros versus Cons
Pros
- Obtain a higher level of protection the longer you wait.
- Major services such as implants are included in both plans.
- Tailor your dental insurance coverage
Cons
- Maximum of $6,000 for individual and family coverage
- Prices varied across the nation.
- Not available in 16 states
Overview
Denali Dental has insured individuals for dental care for over six decades. This coverage is underwritten by Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America, which holds a “A” rating from AM Best for financial stability.
This company offers two dental implant-specific insurance options:
In the first year, the Denali Summit Plan covers 100% of preventive services, 50% of diagnostic services, and 30% of basic and major services. Coverage amounts increase through the fourth year, when 60% of basic and major procedures are covered.
In the first year, the Denali Ridge Plan covers 100% of preventive services, 50% of diagnostic services, and 10% of basic and major services. Coverage amounts increase through the fourth year, when diagnostic services are covered at 80% and basic and major procedures are covered at 50%.
Implants fall under the category of major procedures, so you will have limited coverage for this aspect of your dental health each year. Also, note that there is an annual maximum for individual and family plans, as well as a $100 to $200 lifetime deductible, depending on the plan you have.
The cost of a plan varies greatly depending on who you are purchasing coverage for, the plan you choose, and your location. Individual Denali Summit Plan premiums can range between $51 and $116.
BEST FOR NO WAITING PERIOD
Spirit Dental & Vision
Policy Types: Numerous
Coverage Limit in Dollars: Up to $5,000
States Available: 50
Why We Selected It
We chose Spirit Dental & Vision because there is no waiting period and coverage begins immediately.
Pros versus Cons
Pros
- There are no waiting periods; coverage begins immediately
- Get a free online estimate.
- Major services like dental implants covered
Cons
- Not covered are pre-existing conditions, such as missing teeth.
- Graduated annual maximums; until the third year of coverage, low annual coverage limits are in effect.
Overview
Spirit Dental & Vision has been providing its services for over 20 years from its location in St. Paul, Minnesota. This coverage is underwritten by Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation, which has an A rating from AM Best and an A+ rating from Standard & Poor’s for its financial strength. 23
Spirit Dental & Vision provides coverage for dental implants in addition to other major services. A plan with $1,200 in coverage the first year, $2,500 in coverage the second year, and $5,000 in coverage the third year and beyond can begin at $60 per month for an individual. Each plan has a $100 annual deductible.
Spirit is also known for its coverage that does not require a waiting period, although coverage for dental implants does not apply to missing teeth. Pricing varies based on variables such as the number of people on your plan and your location.
BEST VALUE
Ameritas
Policy Types: Numerous
The coverage maximum: $2,500
States Available: Enter ZIP code to determine service areas
Why We Selected It
Ameritas offers plans for major procedures with coverage up to the limits, and you can get a free online quote.
Pros versus Cons
Pros
- There is no waiting period between plans.
- Implants covered up to plan maximums
- Free online estimate
Cons
- Annual maximums
- Limited initial coverage limits
- Limited coverage during the first year
Overview
Ameritas provides dental coverage directly to consumers with an A rating from AM Best and an A+ rating for financial strength from Standard & Poor’s.
32 This organization was established in 1887 and began offering dental insurance in 1959.
Benefits begin on day one for a number of its insurance plans, and preventive visits are covered in full if you use a provider in-network. Similar to other providers, Ameritas offers plans with a wide range of coverage and costs based on your age, location, and other factors.
The annual maximums for the company’s dental insurance plans range from $1,000 to $2,500, according to the quotes we received. Additionally, its dental plans cover up to 20% of major procedures, such as dental implants, during the first year, and up to 50% after the first year.
A dental plan for a single individual with a maximum benefit of $2,500 per year, including dental implants, can cost approximately $50 per month.
BEST GROUP BENEFITS
Cigna Dental
Policy Types: 2
Coverage Limit ($): Varies
States Available: Contact for details
Why We Selected It
Cigna is a highly rated company that offers two group plans that cover implants to employers.
Pros versus Cons
Pros
- Strong credit ratings
- Well-known business
- Premier group benefits plan
Cons
- There are few plan details available online.
- Implants are not included in all plans.
- Implant limits
Overview
When it comes to group dental insurance coverage, Cigna Dental is difficult to beat. There are two types of dental implant coverage available for purchase by employers on behalf of their employees.
You can save with copayments, coinsurance, and discounts on Cigna Dental Care DHMO plans, which offer coverage for dental implants, crowns, and even teeth whitening.
Cigna Plus Savings is a dental discount plan that allows participants to save money on all dental procedures performed by participating dentists.
Due to the fact that these are group plans implemented by employers and no quotes are available, it is difficult to ascertain the exact benefits. Employers must consult with an insurance agent in order to determine the cost per employee.
Implants are subject to certain restrictions, including a maximum of one crown, inlay, or prosthesis replacement every five years. Additionally, the surgical addition of an implant is limited to one per year, and the replacement of existing implants is restricted to one every ten years.
How to Choose the Best Dental Implant Insurance
Always investigate your options to determine whether dental insurance for implants is the best option for you. Assess your needs and determine if implants are the best option or if you should consider dentures or other alternatives. Then, compare implant prices with and without insurance.
Comparing Implant Dental Insurance
It’s important to shop around and compare different plans and companies to ensure you’re receiving the necessary coverage at the lowest possible cost. Compare and contrast deductibles, monthly payments, services and procedures covered, waiting periods, and in-network providers to ensure a fair comparison when comparing dental insurance for implants. Verify that coverage is available in your state and investigate the insurer’s reputation, reviews, and ratings.
Choosing Dental Implant Insurance
When selecting dental insurance for implants, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Consider how simple it is to apply, obtain a quote online, manage your account, and whether or not the company offers additional perks or discounts.
Consider the following when selecting dental implant insurance:
You should investigate the types of coverage options that are available, the number of plans, what each plan offers, and their respective costs.
Sign-up method: How simple it is to sign up is essential. Can you sign up online, or do you need to sign up over the phone with an agent?
Geographic availability: Determine where the company offers coverage, and then research local providers who accept this type of insurance.
Customization: Determine if plans can be modified and how to do so. You want to pay for only the coverage you need, not extras you won’t utilize.
What Does Dental Implant Insurance Cover?
Because many basic dental insurance policies do not cover major procedures or surgery to replace newly missing teeth, dental implant insurance is crucial. Because dental implants are costly, having additional coverage for a portion of the cost can make them considerably more affordable.
Two primary types of dental implants exist. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, endosteal implants are placed in the jawbone, whereas subperiosteal implants are positioned beneath the gum but above the jawbone. 4
Endosteal implants are typically preferred, but subperiosteal implants make more sense for patients who lack sufficient healthy jawbone and do not wish to undergo a second procedure to strengthen their jawbone.
What Does Typical Dental Implant Insurance Exclude?
Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and oral surgeries that must be performed in a hospital setting are typically excluded from dental insurance coverage.
While the highlighted insurance plans do cover dental implants, it is important to evaluate how much this coverage will help. Numerous dental insurance policies have annual maximum limits of a few thousand dollars, which will only cover a portion of an expensive dental implant procedure. Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments are additional out-of-pocket expenses that may apply in addition to your monthly insurance premiums.
Many dental implant insurance policies do not cover implants for missing teeth at the time of enrollment. In the same way that you cannot purchase homeowners insurance for a burning house, you cannot purchase dental implant insurance for missing teeth.
What Are the Anticipated Dental Implant Insurance Costs?
The cost of dental insurance depends on your desired level of coverage, your age, and other factors. In addition to your monthly premiums, you may be required to pay coinsurance or copayments when you visit the dentist, and you will likely be subject to an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Each plan covers a percentage of preventive, basic, and major procedures; you will be responsible for the remainder. For instance, the least expensive plan, Denali Ridge, covers 100 percent of preventive dental care but only 80 percent of diagnostic dental care and 50 percent of major dental work.
Note that deductibles may range from $100 to $200 or higher, depending on the plan you choose.
Is Dental Implant Insurance Worth the Cost?
It may be worthwhile to pay for dental insurance in order to receive coverage for dental implants, depending on your specific situation and the extent of dental work you require. With annual maximums on policies reaching as low as $1,000 in some cases, it is essential to choose a dental insurance plan that provides adequate coverage to assist with the expense of dental implants. Many policies cover only a portion of major services, so you will be responsible for the remainder of your implant surgery.
Typically, having some coverage is preferable to having none. In addition, dental insurance can pay for preventive care, such as cleanings and X-rays, as well as any fillings you need throughout the year.
Before you purchase a dental insurance plan, you should compare prices to find the best deal. You should look for a plan with an affordable monthly premium, a high annual maximum coverage amount, and low copayments and out-of-pocket costs.
The price of dental implants can be intimidating, but keep in mind that healthy teeth are priceless. When searching for dental insurance coverage for implants, it is a good idea to investigate your options and compare quotes. In addition, if you shop around and find a plan that works for you, you may be pleasantly surprised by what is available.
Do you need dental insurance? Are you looking for the best local dentist? Stop your search at Dentnearme.
Dentnearme is the only website where you can find and compare the prices of the best dentists in your area. We also assist patients in determining which plans they are eligible for, allowing them to apply for those plans without having to spend hours on the phone or online trying to determine their eligibility.