Posted by Dental care can be really expensive, especially if you need major treatment. But you must have dental insurance in British Columbia, as your oral health is so crucial for your overall well-being, as it can affect your self-confidence, your ability to eat, and even your risk of developing serious medical conditions.
We have taken the time to research the dental plans in British Columbia, and we have put together a list of the 6 best dental insurance plans in British Columbia. We’ll compare their coverage, premiums, and features so you can find the best plan that fits your needs.
Are you excited? Let’s Go!
Table of Contents
Overview of Dental Insurance in British Columbia
In British Columbia, dental insurance provides you coverage for a range of services, including:
- Preventive
- Basic, and
- Major dental treatments.
The key benefits of dental insurance in British Columbia include financial protection from unexpected dental expenses and encouragement to maintain regular oral healthcare.
By paying monthly premiums as a policyholder, you gain access to a network of dentists who have agreed to provide services at reduced rates. Dental insurance plans often include provisions for regular check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and even more extensive procedures like root canals or orthodontic treatments.
Exploring different coverage options, understanding the policy terms, and comparing plans from reputable providers are essential steps to finding the best dental insurance in British Columbia.
See the 7 Best Dental Insurance Providers in New Brunswick
Cost Of Dental Insurance in British Columbia
You can expect to pay between $30 and $100 monthly for a basic plan in British Columbia. More comprehensive plans can cost upwards of $200 per month.
Various factors influence the cost of dental insurance in British Columbia. Some of these factors include:
- The Plan Type
- Age
- Location.
- Plan provider
Let’s quickly discuss them
-
The Plan type:
There are two main types of dental insurance plans: comprehensive and basic. Comprehensive plans cover a wider range of services, such as crowns, bridges, and root canals while basic plans typically only cover preventive care, such as checkups and cleanings.
Depending on which one you go for, the cost could be low or high.
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Age
The truth is that younger people typically pay less for dental insurance than older people. This is because younger people are less likely to need expensive dental work. After all, their teeth are generally in a better state of health than that of older people.
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Location
The cost of dental insurance can vary depending on where you live. In general, dental insurance is more expensive in urban areas than in rural areas.
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Plan Provider
The cost of dental plans varies from provider to provider. If you are looking for dental insurance in British Columbia, it is important to compare plans from different providers. You can use an online comparison tool to find the best plan for your needs. It will help you save costs.
You may love to see the 7 Best Health and Dental Insurance Plans in Ontario
How to Get Dental Insurance in BC
Here are a few ways you can get dental insurance in British Columbia:
- Your Employer
- Private Insurance Companies
- The Government
Let’s see how it works!
1. Through your employer:
Many employers in BC offer dental insurance as a benefit to their employees. If your employer offers dental insurance, you can usually enroll during your annual benefits enrollment period.
2. Through a private insurance company:
Several private insurance companies offer dental insurance plans. So, you can purchase a plan directly from the insurance company or through a broker.
3. Through the government:
The government of British Columbia offers dental insurance to low-income residents through the Medical Services Plan (MSP). You must meet certain income and asset requirements to qualify for MSP dental coverage.
If you are not sure if you qualify for MSP dental coverage, you can contact the MSP office in your area.
However, here are some of the steps you can take to get dental insurance in BC:
-
Research different plans:
We always advise you to research the different dental insurance plans available in BC, before you make a decision. You can compare plans online (just like you are doing now).
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Compare prices:
Dental insurance plans can vary in price, so it is important to compare prices before you make a decision.
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Choose a plan that fits your needs:
Once you have compared prices, you need to choose a plan that fits your needs. Consider the type of coverage you need, the cost of the plan, and the deductible and co-pays.
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Enroll in a plan:
Once you have chosen a plan, you need to enroll. You can enroll online, by mail, or by phone.
Read Also: 4+ Best Dental Insurance in Quebec
Tips for Maximizing Dental Insurance Benefits in British Columbia
If you want to maximize your dental insurance benefits then you must be strategic in how you utilize your coverage to ensure optimal oral health while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.
Below are some tips to help you make the most of your dental insurance benefits in British Columbia:
- Prioritize Preventive Care
- Understand your coverage details and limitations.
- Choose in-network dentists whenever possible
- Keep track of your annual maximum
- Familiarize yourself with the claim process
- Consider Flexible Spending Accounts(FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
- Maintain communication with your provider and dentist.
Let’s talk about each point…
#1. Prioritize Preventive Care.
Take advantage of covered services like regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and preventive treatments. Preventive care can help you identify and address dental issues early on, saving you from more extensive and costly procedures in the future.
#2. Understand Your Coverage Details And Limitations.
As much as possible review your dental insurance policy so that you can familiarize yourself with what is covered and what may have certain restrictions or exclusions.
This knowledge will be of help to you when making informed decisions about treatment options and avoiding unexpected expenses.
#3. Choose Network Dentists Whenever Possible.
In-network dentists have agreed to pre-negotiated rates with your insurance provider, resulting in lower costs for you.
Before scheduling an appointment, you have to confirm whether your preferred dentist is within the network or consider switching to a network dentist to maximize your benefits.
#4. Keep Track Of Your Annual Maximum.
The annual maximum is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for covered services within a year. By monitoring how you utilize your treatments appropriately time and make the most of your coverage without exceeding the limit too early in the year.
#5. Familiarize Yourself With The Claims Process.
We always advise that you take some time to understand how to file claims and what information is required for reimbursement. Timely and accurate filing of claims ensures a smooth process and minimizes delays in receiving your benefits.
#6. Consider Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax funds for dental expenses. By utilizing these accounts, you can further reduce your out-of-pocket costs while taking advantage of tax savings.
#7. Maintain Communication With Your Provider And Dentist:
Regular communication with your insurance provider and dentist can help you navigate any questions or concerns along the way, and help you make the best dental insurance decisions for yourself.
By following these tips, we are sure you will be able to optimize your dental insurance benefits in British Columbia, maintaining good oral health while making the most of your coverage.
List Of Dental Insurance in British Columbia
| S/N | BC Dental Insurers | Coverage Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SBIS | 3 Cost-effective plans |
| 2 | BCAA | 2 Health and dental plans |
| 3 | Manulife | Plans for University of British Columbia members. |
| 4 | Pacific Blue Cross | 700 health experts right here in BC |
| 5 | Government of British Columbia | A government-funded dental coverage plan |
| 6 | BIIS | Health and Dental Insurance Plan |
| 7 | Sun Life | Individual, family, group plans |
| 8 | Green Shield Canada | Individual, family, group plans |
| 9 | Canada Life | Great Individual Plans |
| 10 | Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance | Group plans for Chamber members |
| 11 | Empire Life | Individual and family dental plans with various coverage levels |
| 12 | Equitable Life | Coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major restorative care |
6+ Best Dental Insurance in British Columbia
Here are the 6 best dental insurance in British Columbia:
- Special Benefits Insurance Services BC
- BCAA Health and Dental Insurance
- Manulife
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Bridges International Insurance Services (BIIS)
- Government of British Columbia
#1. Special Benefits Insurance Services BC
The popular SBIS offers you a number of BC dental insurance plans to help you and other residents of British Columbia offset the cost of their dental care.
Your coverage from SBIS will cover the expenses of routine checkups, emergency visits to your dentist, and many others.
Green Shield and SBIS work together to provide you with the below cost-effective plans:
- Prism Spectra®
- Prism Precision® and
- Prism Continuum® programs.
These plans come in several levels of coverage, so review them and purchase the right one for your situation.
#2. BCAA Health and Dental Insurance
BCAA is a member of CAA that offers the BCAA Health & Dental Insurance plan that can help you fill in the gaps that are not covered by your BC’s Medical Service Plan (MSP).
Also, if you’re not fully protected through a private health insurance plan or if your dental coverage is about to end or just recently ended, then we advise you to take advantage of this plan.
BCAA offers you two different health & dental insurance plans namely:
- BCAA health and dental plans
- FollowMe health and dental plans.
Use the button to check them out.
#3. Manulife
Are you a member of the University of British Columbia or do you intend to be a member? Then the good news is that Manulife offers Health and dental Insurance plans for the University of British Columbia members.
This plan can help you fill in those gaps in dental coverage, and all at an affordable cost.
They offer amazing coverage options and benefits, so you can simply select the package that offers the benefits that suit you and your loved ones best.
From our research, we observed that they have a cool cancellation policy whereby if you are not completely satisfied with the policy after you have examined it carefully, then you can simply contact them within 30 days and they will cancel your coverage and refund your premium in full, no questions asked.
Feel free to learn more about them.
#4. Pacific Blue Cross
In their words, Pacific Blue Cross will say “Our plans pick up where government MSP leaves off”. They provide quality dental insurance coverage to all their members.
By being their member you will be supported by over 700 health experts right here in BC.
Feel free to learn more about them.
#5. Government of British Columbia
This is a government-funded dental coverage you can take advantage of. If you already receive income or disability assistance, then you may be able to have your basic dental and emergency dental services costs covered.
They cover both adults and children.
As an adult, you may be able to get basic dental coverage if you:
- Are eligible for general health supplements
- Receive disability assistance
- Qualify as a person with persistent multiple barriers
This government dental plan provides basic dental coverage for you and your spouse, including:
- Up to $1,000 over two calendar years, beginning on January 1 of every odd-numbered year
- Basic dental services, such as extractions restorations, and preventative services
- Crowns and bridges, under certain circumstances
- Partial dentures, replacement dentures or reline/re-base of dentures
Kindly check them out.
#6. Bridges International Insurance Services (BIIS)
BIIS through Pacific Blue Cross offers you a Health and Dental Insurance Plan especially if you have no benefit plans from a group.
They offer one of the best individual Dental and Extended Health Insurance plans available in British Columbia.
The BIIS plan provides you:
- Core Health
- Prescription drug options (essential or enhanced)
- Dental options (essential or enhanced), and
- Stand-alone dental plan.
You can check them out.
Government-sponsored Dental Insurance Programs in British Columbia
British Columbia offers government-sponsored dental insurance programs that provide coverage to specific groups. The BC Healthy Kids Program, for example, aims to ensure children from low-income families have access to essential dental care.
Eligibility criteria for most of these government-sponsored programs typically include income thresholds and residency requirements. The program covers preventive and basic dental services, such as:
- Exams
- Cleanings
- Fillings, and
- Extractions.
Additionally, the BC Dental Association Fee Guide sets recommended fee guidelines for dental procedures, which can impact the cost of treatments for all residents.
Understanding the eligibility requirements and coverage details of these government programs is essential for individuals and families seeking affordable dental insurance options in British Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion
The best plan in British Columbia for you will depend on your individual needs and budget, but we have taken the time to research and give you at least six affordable dental insurance options in this article. Do well to check out each of them yourself.
We would like to know the plan you eventually settle for. Feel free to tell us in the comment box.
See you another time!
Bye!