Dental insurance explainedAlternative cover

Dental insurance

You can buy dental insurance over the phone as a stand alone product

Unlike capitation plans, standalone dental insurance is sold by insurers. 

Claims are based on the treatment you receive. Dental policies cover maintenance such as X-rays and treatment such as fillings and extractions at NHS and/or private clinics. As a result, monthly premiums vary from around £7 to nearly £20, depending on the level of cover you require.

Good for: people who have good oral health and rarely need treatment.

Pay-as-you-go

Many dental practices offer a pay-as-you go option. Surgeries decide on fees for check-ups and treatments and set attendance requirements. Paying as you go can prove cheaper than paying for insurance or a capitation plan, although you could be left with a big bill for one-off treatments.

Good for: people who have few oral problems and/or can afford occasional expensive treatments.

Other options

PMIs

Many private medical insurance (PMI) policies cover dental treatment. PMI operates in a similar way to dental insurance, as you claim back the cost of any treatment.

Health cash plans

Health cash plans cost less than PMI. You pay a premium to receive a cash sum for treatment. This may not cover the total bill, but it reduces it to a manageable amount.

Go abroad

Around 35,000 people visited dentists abroad in 2007. While costs can be significantly lower overseas, follow-up appointments can prove costly and inconvenient. 

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