Average Premium Rates for Dental Insurance Plans
Comparison of Sample Online Dental Quotes
Nov 12, 2009
The following analysis compares monthly premium rates calculated for an IDC Insurance Direct dental insurance plan against 4 sample dental plans that Manulife Financial sells to members of an association.
Dental rates differ so widely principally because of higher maximums, lower insurance reimbursement percentages (also called co-insurance amounts) and different levels of what a dental plan actually covers.
Comparison of Dental Plans
The IDC dental plan discussed below reimburses 75% of basic dental care expenses subject to a $500 annual maximum in the first policy year. However, no major dental services (inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges and dentures) are eligible until the second policy year, when the IDC plan pays 80% of basic dental services plus 50% for major expenses up to a combined yearly maximum of $740. In the third year and after, IDC reimbursement percentages stay the same but the combined annual maximum rises to $1,000 per person.
The annual maximums and reimbursement percentages for Manulife’s different dental plans for association members are listed below.
- Base Dental Plan … Reimburses 70% of basic dental up to $245 annually (no major)
- Bronze Dental Plan … Reimburses 70% of basic dental up to $500 annually (no major)
- Silver Dental Plan … Reimburses 80% of basic dental up to $500 first year, $800 annually thereafter (no major)
- Gold Dental Plan … Reimburses 80% of basic dental and 60% of major starting second year, up to $500 first year, $800 in second year, $1200 in third and fourth year, then $1,500 annually.
Dental Insurance Premium Rates for Singles
For adults, dental insurance premiums may vary slightly by age. IDC dental plan rates cost about a dollar more for applicants age 35 and over. Manulife dental rates for adults are not differentiated by age.
The applicant’s place of residence is more important, since dental claims expenses can be much higher in specific locations. In this review, rates for the province of Ontario were almost twice as high as the average premium would otherwise be.
Below are the average monthly prices for the dental plans in this review. The lowest and highest quoted rates are shown between brackets.
- IDC Dental Plan … $29.29 average monthly premium (from $15.75 to $49.75)
- Manulife’s Base Dental Plan … $50.95 (from $44.10 to $57.80)
- Manulife’s Bronze Dental Plan … $60.25 (from $52.50 to $68)
- Manulife’s Silver Dental Plan … $60.25 (from $57 to $74.90)
- Manulife’s Gold Dental Plan … $94.15 (from $79.80 to $108.50).
Dental Insurance Rates for Couples
Average dental rates for couples doubled for the IDC plan when compared to single rates. In contrast, monthly premiums for the Manulife plans were lower for couples than if each person bought single coverage on their own.
- IDC Dental Plan … $58.64 average monthly premium (from $31.25 to $99.75)
- Manulife’s Base Dental Plan … $84.70 (from $72 to $97.40)
- Manulife’s Bronze Dental Plan … $103.50 (from $88.80 to $118.20)
- Manulife’s Silver Dental Plan … $116.20 (from $99.20 to $133.20)
- Manulife’s Gold Dental Plan … $170.30 (from $142.60 to $198).
Read the Dental Benefit Booklet
Most consumers overlook the level of coverage under each dental plan. For example, dental examinations and X-rays are among the most frequent dental claims. The IDC dental plan covers complete dental exams and full-mouth x-rays once every three years, which is more restrictive than the typical Manulife plan’s 24-month limit.
However, IDC dental coverage allows for recall exams and x-rays every six months while Manulife’s Base, Bronze and Silver Plans only provide these recall services every nine months. The Gold Dental Plan covers recall expenses every six months. These details and others are in the dental benefit description booklet or brochure, which is often available online. Consumers should ask for a copy of the dental benefit material before making an informed decision that considers both rates and the level of dental coverage.
Sources
This analysis provides independent calculations and insights based on comparative premium data on the Group Medical Services website for Individual Dental Plans. All amounts shown are in Canadian dollars.
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