FYI: To learn more about vision coverage, read our guide to best dental insurance with vision. Additionally, check out our guides to Medicare Coverage of Eye Exams and Medicare Coverage of Cataract Surgery.
SeniorsList.com is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews.
Best Dental Insurance for Seniors in 2023
The Senior List is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews.
It goes without saying that as we age, our bodies require more attention. This is especially true of one facet of our health that we simply can’t afford to overlook: how we care for our teeth. However, Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, which likely contributes to the nearly ten percent of older adults who don’t maintain their oral health due to costs. While some people receive dental coverage through retirement plans, Medicare Advantage with dental, or employer-based plans, private insurance offers a surprisingly affordable way to pay for dental care, both routine and specialized. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the broad strokes of dental coverage for older adults, and then highlight three providers offering plan options that can work for seniors based on different needs.
Planning Care: As part of your retirement planning, you should also consider planning the costs of long-term care. To help weigh your options, try using our free care planning tool.
How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance for Seniors
Navigating the dental insurance market can be a bit nerve-racking, not unlike going to the dentist. However, when evaluating plans, here’s how we chose the best options for older adults:
- Low Costs: Of course, we always look for providers with affordable premiums, but we also gave high marks to providers with lower deductibles.
- Coverage Limits: Between dentures, crowns, bridges, and implants, dental care for older adults can be costly. Because of this, we looked for providers with high maximum coverage limits.
- Network Availability: We looked for providers that had large networks and nationwide availability of coverage.
- Short Waiting Periods: While most dental insurers will cover routine procedures right away, they’ll often employ waiting periods before you receive coverage for certain procedures. To help you get maximum coverage as soon as possible, we looked for insurers with shorter waiting periods.
Savings Tip: If saving money is of the utmost concern, then take a look at our rundown of affordable dental insurance for seniors.
The Best Dental Insurance for Seniors
- Spirit Dental : No Network Restrictions
- Humana Dental : Best Comprehensive Dental Coverage
- Aetna Dental : No-Cost Preventive Care
- Cigna Dental : Simple Claims Process
- Delta Dental : Best Affordable Option
- UnitedHealthcare Dental : No Waiting Periods
1. Spirit Dental - No Network Restrictions
What We Like Most:
Plans with no network restrictions
Plans made specifically for seniors
Medication Refill Service
Implant, extraction, and prosthetic coverage
of Pill
Overview
Spirit Dental offers a large number of dental plans for people of all ages. While each plan will differ slightly in terms of coverage and costs, they all provide full coverage for cleanings and exams. All of their plans also require no waiting periods for coverage to begin.
Spirit Dental Plans for Seniors
Finding a Dentist: Spirit’s dental plans are underwritten by the Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation, and they utilize the same dental network. To find an in-network dental care provider, you can use their website and search by zip code.
Making a Claim: With Spirit Dental, your in-network dentist can file claims for you, or you can file them through their online claims manager.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Most of Spirit Dental’s plans provide full coverage within their network of dental providers; however, some of their plans, like Senior Preferred Choice, allow you to use any provider, regardless of network.
Restrictions: Some of Spirit Dental’s plans increase in their coverage amount as you hold the policy for a number of years. For example, with Senior Preferred Network, the plan will initially cover 10% of the cost for major procedures. In the second and third years, the plan will cover major procedures at 50% and then 60%.
Waiting Periods: All of Spirit Dental’s plans have no waiting periods.
Pros
Hearing health benefits
No waiting periods
Coverage for major procedures
Cons
Higher costs for senior plans
GoodRx came through on some solid discounts time and again. Although the amount that was discounted sometimes varied, we usually saved more with GoodRx than any other card. Their website and mobile app were also easy to navigate.
2. Humana Dental - Best Comprehensive Dental Coverage
What We Like Most:
Coverage for root canals, oral surgery, and dentures
Plans with no coverage limits
Medication Refill Service
No network restrictions
of Pill
Overview
Humana dental insurance for seniors offers four different dental plans, with options for preventive care, vision coverage, and lifetime deductibles. With a nationwide network of over 270,000 dentists, they make it easy to find affordable care that works with their dental policies. Here’s a closer look at each of their plans.
Humana Dental Insurance for Seniors
Finding a Dentist: To find dental care with Humana, you can use their online “Find a Dentist” tool. Here you’ll be able to enter your ZIP code and find nearby dentists and other dental care professionals in their network.
Making a Claim: Submitting claims with Humana can be done either online or via traditional mail. In our experience, the electronic claims process is quick and simple, as long as you include all necessary National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) on your claim.
Out-of-Network Coverage: All four of Humana’s dental plans are PPOs, meaning you can use your coverage with any dentist; however, seeing an in-network dentist will result in discounts of about 30 percent.
Restrictions: Several of Humana’s plans have coinsurance that decreases the amount you pay in successive years. For example, with their Loyalty Plus policy, you’ll pay 60 percent of the cost of fillings in the initial year of your policy. This lowers to 45 and then 30 percent after the second and third years.
Waiting Periods: With Humana, waiting periods vary with each plan. Complete Dental requires a six-month waiting period on basic procedures and a 12-month period for major procedures. Loyalty Plus, however, has no waiting periods.
Why Should Seniors Consider Dental Insurance?
Oftentimes when we think of our teeth, it’s aesthetically (how they look), functionally (how they help us eat), or physically (if they’re causing us pain). However, we may be failing to realize how they’re affecting our overall health. Our mouths are significant sources of bacteria – which generally work on our behalf, depending on which kind. Our mouths are also the entry point for our digestive and respiratory systems. This means that infections from untreated dental and oral maladies can have wide-reaching implications for our bodies.
Think of dental insurance as you would standard health insurance: your chosen plan has a list of benefits, a provider network, copays, other out-of-pocket costs, and monthly premiums. Every dental insurance plan will have some sort of listed services that they cover. For example, routine checkups and cleanings may be generally covered, while higher-level procedures like root canals, fillings, extractions, and other care like dentures (prosthodontics) may be covered as part of a split between out-of-pocket and insurance-covered expenses. The split can be 50/50, 80/20, and so on, depending on the type of plan you select. Some dental plans even bundle vision insurance together to provide all the supplemental coverage you may need beyond your health insurance.
What Are Dental Discount Cards?
Another facet of dental insurance for seniors is what’s known as dental discount cards or savings plans. These cards are supplemental to dental insurance and not a replacement; instead, a cardholder will pay an annual fee instead of a monthly premium. A discount plan holder will receive special discounts and reduced prices on select procedures outlined in the plan.
While dental discount plans aren’t insurance, they could be a cheaper option for those who can’t afford insurance and instead pay for all dental work out of pocket. Discount plans, like insurance, give customers a limited list of providers to choose from. Practitioners who participate in the dental discount plan have agreed to the reduced pricing structure associated with the card. These discount plans are not insurance, and payment for dental procedures is given directly to dentists.
Bottom Line
The six dental insurance providers we’ve highlighted are just a sampling of what’s available. Regardless of which one you choose, it’s important to remember that good dental health can save you from a host of more serious health risks. The dental insurance market can be difficult to navigate, but hopefully, with a little research, you’ll be showing your loved ones your pearly whites long into your golden years.
Pros
80% coverage for basic procedures
Yearly teeth whitening allowance
No waiting periods on some plans
Low deductibles
Cons
Higher costs for senior plans
Enrollment fees in some states
3. Aetna Dental - No-Cost Preventive Care
What We Like Most:
Extensive network with more than 372,000 providers to choose from
Easy-to-use quote tool and provider look-up portal
Medication Refill Service
No-cost preventive care
of Pill
PPO plans
of Pill
Overview
Aetna dental insurance for seniors offers three different plans to choose from. Aetna Direct Core PPO comes with lower premiums, and Direct Preferred PPO provides more favorable splits in payment for basic procedures like fillings and extractions. They also have Direct Preventive, which only covers the costs of preventive dental care.
Aetna Dental Insurance for Seniors
Pros
Hearing health benefits
No waiting periods
Coverage for major procedures
Cons
Higher costs for senior plans
Finding a Dentist: The Aetna portal is intuitive, allowing members to search from nearly 372,000 practitioners by specialty, area, and the number of miles they’re willing to travel.
Making a Claim: As an industry leader in health insurance, Aetna’s claims and customer service process is one of the best in the business, with a suite of tech tools and apps to help track your claims.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Aetna supports out-of-network coverage, but choosing an out-of-network provider will likely be more expensive as their costs don’t qualify under Aetna’s negotiated prices.
Restrictions: There are several procedures not covered by Aetna, so it’s best to consult their full list of restrictions. Also, it’s important to note that Aetna insurance is unavailable in Massachusetts.
Waiting Periods: If you’ve had insurance within 90 days of switching to Aetna, they will waive the waiting periods for coverage of basic and major procedures. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait six months for basic procedures and 12 months for major procedures.
Pros
Broad network coverage
Easy-to-navigate benefits and provider network
Routine, preventive care is fully covered
High coverage of basic procedures
Cons
High out-of-network costs
Longer waiting periods
Unavailable in Massachusetts
Aetna’s strengths are its ease of use and the size of its network. With intuitive online portals, helpful customer service, and a pool of nearly 400,000 practitioners to draw from, Aetna is one of the best dental insurance providers around.
4. Cigna Dental - Simple Claims Process
4.8/5
What We Like Most:
Three plan options to choose from
Deductibles and copays waived for preventive care
24/7 customer service and simple claims management
Low-premium plans available
Overview
Cigna dental insurance for seniors offers three different plan options: Dental Preventive, Dental 1000, and Dental 1500, with the lowest estimated premium prices for those 65 and older starting at about $25 per month. Overall, they’re an excellent option for those seeking basic and preventive care.
Finding a Dentist: Cigna has a national pool of more than 93,000 in-network dentists to choose from, which can be easily searched on their website. Cigna also offers a “Brighter Score” tool, which rates practitioners on their affordability and patient experience rating.
Making a Claim: With Cigna, your in-network dentist can file claims for you, and online claims management and dedicated apps make it easy to track claims status.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Like most dental insurance plans, out-of-network coverage is available with Cigna, but prices will be higher for that care.
Restrictions: Certain restrictions exist for all of the plans. For example, the Preventive plan covers routine preventive care but nothing else. It’s best to consult the individual plans for a more detailed explanation of restrictions.
Waiting Periods: If you had consistent dental coverage for 12 months preceding Cigna care, you’ll be exempt from waiting periods. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait six months for basic procedures and 12 months for major ones such as crowns or root canals.
5. Delta Dental - Best Affordable Option
What We Like Most:
A wide range of plans including both PPO and HMO options
Deductible-free plan available
AARP discounts available
Coverage offered in all 50 states
Pros
Savings
Over 25 Years in Business
Extras like Ask a Pharmacist and
Nutrition Grocery Guide
Cons
Actual vs. Potential Savings
Requires Personal Information for Sign-Up
Overview
Delta Dental is the largest dental insurance provider in the U.S. – mainly because of its partnership with AARP – with a customer base exceeding 80 million Americans. Because of their relationship with AARP, Delta Dental offers specific services geared toward seniors, unlike most dental insurance providers. Let’s break down some of Delta’s offerings.
Finding a Dentist: Delta Dental has an easy-to-use online portal to search for dentists in your area based on the dental insurance plan you have. You can even filter results based on specialty.
Making a Claim: The claims process for in-network care is handled by the practitioner, while out-of-network claims may need to be filed separately.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Delta Dental’s PPO plans don’t overcharge customers who receive out-of-network care, but prices will still be higher. DeltaCare USA is an HMO-style plan predicated on a customer receiving care from a dedicated primary care dentist, with little flexibility for out-of-network care.
Restrictions: Restrictions for Delta Dental are mostly limited to waiting periods, after which specific procedures are available. Additionally, their Basic PPO offers no coverage for major procedures. DeltaCare USA works primarily off itemized copays for specific procedures, which offer fixed costs on everything from cleanings to orthodontics.
Waiting Periods: Delta Dental requires no waiting periods for preventive care on any of their plans. Basic and major procedures require a six-month waiting period before coverage kicks in.
6. UnitedHealthcare Dental - No Waiting Periods
4.8/5
What We Like Most:
No waiting periods on many services
Hearing aid benefit included
High annual maximums
Overview
UnitedHealthcare dental insurance for seniors comes in the form of four different plans. Each plan comes with minimal waiting periods, hearing health benefits, and comprehensive coverage of preventive care. Currently, this provider can cover you in 44 states.
Finding a Dentist: To find an in-network dentist with UnitedHealthcare, you can use their online “Find a Doctor” tool.
Making a Claim: To make a claim with UnitedHealthcare, you can either file it through mail or through their online claims manager.
Out-of-Network Coverage: UnitedHealthcare’s dental plans are PPOs, which means you’ll be able to use any dental provider. However, you’ll save the most money by using an in-network dentist.
Restrictions: The main restriction with UnitedHealthcare is their scaled waiting periods. While you won’t need to wait for most services, coverage will increase over time. For example, with their Deluxe Dental plan, basic procedures will be covered 50 percent from day one; however, this increases to 65 and 80 percent after years one and two of your policy.
Waiting Periods: One of the best aspects of UnitedHealthcare dental is their immediate coverage. All of their plans have no waiting periods for preventive care, and some have no waiting periods for basic procedures. The most you’ll ever have to wait is six months for major procedures.
Pros
No waiting periods on many services
Vision rider availability
Partial hearing aid coverage included in plans
Cons
Partial hearing aid coverage included in plans
Confusing Data Privacy Policy
Why Should Seniors Consider Dental Insurance?
Oftentimes when we think of our teeth, it’s aesthetically (how they look), functionally (how they help us eat), or physically (if they’re causing us pain). However, we may be failing to realize how they’re affecting our overall health. Our mouths are significant sources of bacteria – which generally work on our behalf, depending on which kind. Our mouths are also the entry point for our digestive and respiratory systems. This means that infections from untreated dental and oral maladies can have wide-reaching implications for our bodies.
Think of dental insurance as you would standard health insurance: your chosen plan has a list of benefits, a provider network, copays, other out-of-pocket costs, and monthly premiums. Every dental insurance plan will have some sort of listed services that they cover. For example, routine checkups and cleanings may be generally covered, while higher-level procedures like root canals, fillings, extractions, and other care like dentures (prosthodontics) may be covered as part of a split between out-of-pocket and insurance-covered expenses. The split can be 50/50, 80/20, and so on, depending on the type of plan you select. Some dental plans even bundle vision insurance together to provide all the supplemental coverage you may need beyond your health insurance.
FYI: To learn more about vision coverage, read our guide to best dental insurance with vision. Additionally, check out our guides to Medicare Coverage of Eye Exams and Medicare Coverage of Cataract Surgery.
What Are Dental Discount Cards?
Another facet of dental insurance for seniors is what’s known as dental discount cards or savings plans. These cards are supplemental to dental insurance and not a replacement; instead, a cardholder will pay an annual fee instead of a monthly premium. A discount plan holder will receive special discounts and reduced prices on select procedures outlined in the plan.
While dental discount plans aren’t insurance, they could be a cheaper option for those who can’t afford insurance and instead pay for all dental work out of pocket. Discount plans, like insurance, give customers a limited list of providers to choose from. Practitioners who participate in the dental discount plan have agreed to the reduced pricing structure associated with the card. These discount plans are not insurance, and payment for dental procedures is given directly to dentists.
Bottom Line
The six dental insurance providers we’ve highlighted are just a sampling of what’s available. Regardless of which one you choose, it’s important to remember that good dental health can save you from a host of more serious health risks. The dental insurance market can be difficult to navigate, but hopefully, with a little research, you’ll be showing your loved ones your pearly whites long into your golden years.
