Dental insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring access to quality dental care while providing financial protection against unexpected dental expenses. It’s essential to find a plan that fits your needs and budget. We’ll look at some top dental insurance companies and their plans to help you decide. If you want to know the best dental insurance overall, we recommend Cigna.
Best Dental Insurance Quick Comparison
|
Insurance Company |
Coverage |
Premium Starts at |
Network |
Overall Star Rating |
|
Cigna |
50 states with 310,000+ locations |
$19 |
93,000+ |
5/5 |
|
Humana Dental Insurance |
50 states with 336,000+ locations |
$18 |
117,000+ |
4.9/5 |
|
Delta Dental |
50 states including Puerto Rico and other US territories |
$24.21 |
152,000+ |
4.9/5 |
|
Renaissance Dental |
50 states with 175,000 participating locations |
$32.19 |
300,000+ |
4.9/5 |
|
UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance |
50 states |
$20.91 |
100,000+ |
4.8/5 |
|
Ameritas |
50 states |
$21.81 |
111,500+ |
4.8/5 |
|
Spirit Dental |
50 states |
$20 |
111,500+ |
4.8/5 |
|
Aetna Dental Insurance |
50 states |
$15.5 |
120,000+ |
4.8/5 |
1. Cigna – Best Dental Insurance Overall
Cigna Health and Life Insurance is a top choice for dental coverage because they offer affordable plans and have a wide network of over 310,000 locations all across the country. With Cigna, you won’t have to pay any deductibles or copays for your regular dental checkups every six months, which include exams, x-rays, and cleanings.
While there’s no waiting time for preventive care like checkups and cleanings, you may have to wait 12 months for major dental work and six months for basic dental services. However, with Cigna’s flexible dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) plan, you have the freedom to choose any dentist you want, whether they’re in Cigna’s network or not.
Benefit:
- Affordable plans starting from $19 per month.
- Wide network with 93,000+ dentists.
- No deductibles for routine dental care.
- No waiting period for preventive care.
Limitation:
- Cosmetic dental implants not covered.
- Some subsidiaries have high complaint rates.
Why Choose Cigna:
Cigna offers flexible plans and comprehensive coverage, making it a top choice for overall dental insurance needs.
Plans and Coverage:
- CignaDental 1500 starting at $39 per month.
- CignaDental 1000 starting at $33 per month.
- CignaDental 3000 starting at $32 per month.
- CignaDental Preventive starting at $19 per month.
Summary:
Cigna provides affordable plans with broad coverage and a vast network, making dental care accessible to many. Check Cigna prices here
2. Ameritas – Best Dental Insurance for the Biggest Number of Access Points
Benefit:
- No waiting periods on most plans.
- Co-insurance rates decrease after one year.
- Basic plans cover major services.
Limitation:
- Limited coverage for orthodontic care.
- Lifetime maximum for orthodontics capped at $1000.
Why Choose Ameritas:
Ameritas offers extensive coverage and a large network of providers, making it a top choice for those needing orthodontic services.
Plans and Coverage:
- Ameritas Dental Insurance provides diverse plans catering to different dental needs.
- Coverage spans preventive care, basic services, restorative procedures, and orthodontia.
- Plans are flexible and can be personalized to suit individual requirements and financial constraints.
Summary:
With affordable rates and comprehensive coverage, Ameritas is a good option for dental insurance with a wide network of access points. Check Ameritas prices here
3. Spirit Dental – Best Dental Insurance for Coverage
Benefit:
- Excellent coverage for major services.
- No waiting period for covered services.
- Maximum annual limit up to $5000 in some states.
Limitation:
- Higher monthly premiums.
- Limited data on customer satisfaction.
Why Choose Spirit Dental:
Spirit Dental offers comprehensive coverage with no waiting periods for major procedures, making it ideal for those needing extensive dental work.
Plans and Coverage:
Spirit Dental provides four main coverage plans:
- Network 1200: Offers a $1,200 annual maximum limit per person with 100% coverage for preventive care, 80% for basic care, and 50% for major care, including dental implants and child orthodontia at 50% coverage.
- Network 3000: Includes a $3,000 annual maximum limit per person with similar coverage percentages as Network 1200.
- Network 5000: Offers a $5,000 annual maximum limit per person with coverage similar to Network 3000.
- Choice No Max: Provides unlimited annual maximum limit with coverage percentages similar to the other plans, but dental implants and child orthodontia are covered at a 25% rate.
Summary:
Spirit Dental is a top choice for individuals seeking comprehensive dental insurance. Check Spirit Dental prices here
4. Humana Dental Insurance – Best Dental Insurance for Value
Benefit:
- Affordable premiums ranging from $19.99 to $39.99.
- Complete coverage for preventive services.
- Plans with no waiting period and one-time deductibles.
- Loyalty Plus Plan offers increasing benefits.
Limitation:
- Annual maximum benefits may be low.
- No coverage for major services like implants.
Why Choose Humana Dental Insurance:
Humana offers customizable plans with excellent value and benefits that increase over time.
Plans and Coverage:
- Multiple plans available.
- Personalized dental plans for where you live, your age, and if you’re a veteran. They offer six kinds of policies, and you can usually get them in just a week, saving you from waiting a whole year.
Summary:
With budget-friendly rates and a focus on preventive care, Humana provides great value for dental insurance. Check Humana prices here
5. Renaissance Dental – Best Dental Insurance for a Bigger Network of Dentists
Benefit:
- No waiting period for preventive care.
- Wide network of 300,000+ dental sites.
- Covers implants and crowns.
- Free online price quotation.
Limitation:
- Maximum annual benefits capped at $1000.
- No coverage for orthodontic care.
Why Choose Renaissance Dental:
Renaissance Dental offers flexible PPO plans with a large network of providers, making dental care convenient and accessible.
Plans and Coverage:
- Essentials Plan, Plan II, Plan III.
Summary:
Renaissance Dental is an excellent choice for comprehensive dental coverage and affordable plans. Check Renaissance Dental prices here
6.UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance – Best Dental Insurance for Families
Benefit:
- Orthodontic care for families.
- No age limitations.
- Some plans offer no waiting period for preventive care.
- Multiple PPO plans available.
Limitation:
- Low coverage for major services.
- Copays for preventive care in some plans.
Why Choose UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance:
UnitedHealthOne offers family-friendly plans with flexible coverage options and a short waiting period for basic care.
Plans and Coverage:
- Plans with orthodontic coverage are available.
- 100% coverage of preventive care offered in most plans.
- Basic services are available after a waiting period of only 4 months.
- Multiple PPO plans available
Summary:
UnitedHealthOne is ideal for families seeking orthodontic coverage plans. Check UnitedHealthOne prices here
7. Delta Dental – Best Dental Insurance for Implants
Benefit:
- Orthodontic services for all ages.
- No waiting period for preventive care.
- Low NAIC complaint index.
- No referrals needed for specialists.
Limitation:
- Coverage for clear aligners varies.
- Annual maximum benefits capped at $1000.
Why Choose Delta Dental:
Delta Dental’s extensive network and major plans make it ideal for those needing coverage for implants and orthodontics.
Plans and Coverage:
- Delta Dental offers various kinds of plans, like Delta Dental PPO, Dental HMO, managed, and dental discount plans, all at good prices.
- Delta Dental is that they provide a wide range of orthodontic services for both kids and grown-ups, even though they only cover 50% of the costs.
Summary:
Delta Dental stands out for its coverage of major dental services and discount plans. Check Delta Dental prices here
8. Aetna Dental – Affordable Dental Insurance
Benefit:
- Dental plans start at $15.5, making them affordable for many people.
- You can get a Dental Discount Card for just $7.99 a month, which helps you save even more.
- Aetna Dental Insurance is available in all 50 states.
Limitation:
- Aetna’s coverage for orthodontic care is limited, so it may not be the best option if you need braces or other orthodontic treatments.
- Some people have mixed reviews about their experiences with Aetna Dental Insurance.
Why Choose Aetna Dental Insurance:
- Aetna Dental Insurance is great for saving money because it covers all preventive care without any extra costs.
- You don’t have to wait long for major services to be covered.
- Aetna also offers a Dental Discount Card starting at just $7.99 a month.
- There are over 250,000 dental providers in their network, so you can easily find one near you.
Plans and Coverage:
- Plans start at just $15.5 per month per person.
- Over 120,000 dentists in their network and 100% coverage for preventive care.
Summary
While their coverage for orthodontic care is limited, their plans are budget-friendly and provide good coverage for preventive and basic dental services. Check Aetna Dental Insurance Prices
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dental insurance usually covers preventive care such as routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays, as well as basic services like fillings and extractions. Some plans may also offer coverage for major services like crowns, bridges, and root canals.
You can enroll in a dental insurance plan by visiting the website of the insurance provider or contacting their customer service. Typically, you’ll need to fill out an application and provide some personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth.
It depends on the specific terms of your insurance plan. Some plans have a waiting period before you can use certain benefits, while others may offer immediate coverage for preventive care. It’s essential to check your plan details to understand any waiting periods.
Many dental insurance plans have a network of preferred providers, and you may receive the most coverage when you visit an in-network dentist. However, some plans offer flexibility to see out-of-network providers, although your out-of-pocket costs may be higher.
Coverage for major dental work varies depending on your insurance plan. Some plans offer comprehensive coverage for major services like implants, while others may have limitations or waiting periods. It’s essential to review your plan details to understand what is covered.
Most dental insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, but coverage for treatments related to pre-existing conditions may be subject to waiting periods or limitations. Review your plan details carefully or contact the insurance provider for specific information about pre-existing condition coverage.
The most common type of dental insurance in Washington DC is a PPO. Many people have dental insurance coverage from Delta Dental and Humana.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dental insurance plan requires careful consideration of coverage, costs, and provider networks. Each of these companies offers unique benefits suited to different needs and preferences. Consider your priorities and budget to find the best option for you and your family. Check Cigna prices here
