What Dental Insurance Covers Dental Implants?

Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?

Whether or not dental insurance covers implants depends on the individual plan. For example, some dental insurance companies consider dental implants as major procedures and may not include them in their coverage. Others consider them medically necessary, which means they are partially covered. 

Note: Some dental implants are more expensive than others. This can impact insurance coverage. 

Here’s an overview of the best dental insurance plans that cover dental implants:

How Much Do Implants Cost With/Without Insurance? 

The costs vary depending on the type of dental implant. Common types include:

Endosteal Implant Cost

These are the most common implants. Dentists use these as an alternative to a removable denture. Endosteal implants cost between $1,000 and $9,000 per tooth. 

Subperiosteal Dental Implant Cost

Although rarely used today, these implants hold dentures in place for those with insufficient bone height. Subperiosteal dental implants cost between $15,000 and $20,000 per dental arch.

Mini-Dental Implant Cost

These are ideal if you don’t want or meet the requirements for conventional restorative procedures. Mini-dental implants cost between $500 and $1,500 per tooth. 

5 Best Dental Insurance Plans for Implants

1. Renaissance Dental: Best Dental Insurance For Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Renaissance Dental insurance is one of the top providers in the U.S. They have many different dental policies to choose from, allowing you to find one that suits your needs. These policies include Plan II (covers dental implants and crowns), Plan III, Essentials Plan, and Healthy Savings.  

Pros

• Freedom to choose an in-network or out-of-network dentist
• Lower monthly premium than most providers who cover dental implants
• No waiting periods for preventative care
• Immediate coverage for dental cleanings twice a year
• No deductibles for preventative care
• Covers up to 50% of costs 
• Offers a $1,000 annual maximum

Cons

• Long waiting periods for dental implants (up to 12 months)
• Some dental insurance plans are unavailable in certain states

2. Delta Dental: Best Dental Insurance For Accessibility 

Delta Dental is the largest dental insurance provider in the U.S. It offers comprehensive coverage in all states and territories.

Delta Dental boasts a network of over 150,000 dentists nationwide and a client base of over 80 million. Their PPO Individual Premium plan partially covers dental implants and other services such as teeth cleanings, x-rays, and other preventive care. 

Pros

• Covers up to 50% of dental implant insurance costs 
• Includes an extensive network of dental care providers
• Available all over the U.S. and its territories
• Offers discounts through participating dentists

Cons

• Long waiting periods for dental implants (up to 12 months)

3. Cigna Group Dental DHMO: Best Dental Insurance For Group Coverage 

Cigna covers dental implants and offers group plans. They also cover implant-supported dentures, including dental repair, placement, restoration, and removal.

Additionally, Cigna covers Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Each plan comes with global emergency and urgent dental care coverage, available 24/7. 

Pros

• No annual maximums or deductibles
• Covers several types of dental implants
• No claim filing when you visit a network dentist (they’ll file it automatically)
• Large network of over 309,000 locations
• Covers two teeth cleanings per year

Cons

• Not available nationwide

4. Spirit Dental: Best Dental Insurance For Fast Approval 

Spirit Dental insurance for implants is one of the best dental insurance providers if you need fast and guaranteed approval. Coverage includes dental cleanings, exams, fillings, implants, crowns, and braces and begins the day after electing a plan.

Receiving care from in-network providers can save you up to 32% per procedure. You can use the online plan finder tool to find nearby offices that provide dental implants.

Pros

• Approval guaranteed
• No waiting periods for most procedures
• One-time deductible of $100  
• Covers three cleanings per year
• Covers dental implants and major dental services
• Available in all 50 states
• Offers individual and group dental insurance plans
• Free online quotes

Cons

• Does not cover missing teeth for dental implants

5. Physicians Mutual: Best Dental Insurance For Seniors 

Physicians Mutual wraps up our list of the top 5 insurances for dental implants. It has numerous benefits, especially for seniors. The plan covers up to 350 dental procedures with no deductibles or maximums. 

There are three plans to choose from: Preferred Plus, Standard Plus, and Economy Plus. They all have the same benefits. The only difference is the amount each plan covers. 

Physicians Mutual has been around since 1902, making it one of the oldest and most popular dental insurance companies in the U.S. It boasts a network of over 500,000 provider locations across the country.

Pros

• Covers more than 350 dental procedures
• Save up to 36% when you visit an in-network provider
• No annual coverage limits or deductibles
• Instant access to preventive dental care benefits
• Acceptance guaranteed 

Cons

• Long waiting periods for dental implants (up to 12 months)

Comparing Dental Insurance Plans

Tips for Choosing the Right Dental Insurance for Implants

When looking for dental insurance, it’s important to find a plan that’s customized to your specific needs. 

Here are some helpful tips to consider:

1. Choose a Plan with a Short Waiting Period

Most providers have a 12-month waiting period for specific dental implant coverage. If you need implants urgently, choose an insurance plan with no waiting periods. 

2. Research the Plan’s Deductible Amount

Decide whether you want to pay a lifetime deductible or annual deductible. Before signing up, make sure you understand the provider's exact policies regarding deductibles.

3. Learn about the Plan’s Annual Coverage Limits 

This is the maximum amount the provider pays for their insurer in a given year. Unless you choose a provider with no maximum coverage, find out how much your insurer will pay for your implant(s). 

4. Don’t Forget about Co-Pay Costs 

This refers to the amount you’ll pay out of pocket after a particular procedure. The amount is usually calculated based on percentages. Most dental insurance plans will cover 50 to 80% of the costs involved, especially for new clients. 

Other Ways to Pay for Dental Implants

You can also pay for dental implants without insurance. Here are some options:

• Discount dental insurance plans, in which some financing companies may provide a zero-interest dental discount plan to make dental implants more affordable
• Credit card payments
• 401(K) or 403(b)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Out of pocket payments, which works for affordable procedures such as mini-dental implants 
• Personal loans