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- Insurance
- Health Insurance
By
Lindsay Frankel
Full Bio
A freelance writer with more than three years of researching and writing about personal loans, insurance, credit cards, and more, Lindsay's work has appeared on sites such as Insurify, Bankrate, and The Simple Dollar.
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Updated February 24, 2024
Fact checked byBobby L. Hickman, FLMI CLU
Older adults are more prone to dental health issues that require costly treatment, such as gum disease and tooth loss. It’s therefore important to choose the right dental insurance policy with coverage for “major” care, which includes such services as implants and dentures. In our analysis, Delta Dental was the top-scoring dental insurance company for older adults because it offers a plan with strong coverage for most care services and a relatively high annual coverage limit. However, the right dental insurance provider for you will depend on your dental health needs and your budget. To help you find the perfect plan to protect those pearly whites, we researched 17 major providers and made our picks based on 11 criteria, including overall costs, consumer complaint data, and coverage amounts. Here are our top picks for older adults seeking a private dental insurance plan. Best Dental Insurance Companies for Older Adults Best Dental Insurance Companies for Older Adults Our Expert Pick Compare Providers How to Choose How to Get Implants Covered Cost of Dental Care Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Methodology Investopedia's Rating 4.8 Why We Chose It Delta Dental has extensive coverage for dental care seniors might need at a price that's reasonable for that coverage. Plans vary by state, but the Premium PPO offers 100% coverage for preventive care (such as cleanings and X-rays) and 80% coverage for basic care (such as fillings) after a $50 deductible. The plan also covers 50% of major care services, including periodontics, implants, and dentures, up to a relatively generous annual maximum of $2,000. Note that basic and major care are only covered after a six-month waiting period (which may vary in some states). Delta also offers the highest coverage for implants of the companies we reviewed, earning the top spot on our list of the best dental insurance for implants. While Delta’s premiums for the Premium PPO plan are relatively high, the plan also comes with a low deductible and a high annual limit, leading to a better-than-average overall cost-for-value score. Delta PPO plans also include a large network of more than 112,000 dentists. In some states, policyholders can even enjoy perks such as discounts on dental care products, LASIK, and hearing aids, which can help older adults save money. Delta’s low complaint index with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) also indicates that Delta policyholders are generally satisfied with the company. All of these factors landed Delta at the top of our list of the best dental insurance companies as well. Delta Dental also administers the AARP Dental Insurance Plan in most states. Note that this plan offers different benefits than the plan we reviewed, and premiums may vary. Pros & Cons Pros Relatively high annual coverage cap Better coverage for implants than most companies Low complaint rate with the NAIC Cons Relatively high premiums Plan value varies by state Overview Delta Dental Plans Association was formed in 1966 to serve businesses with employees in multiple states, but some of Delta’s state dental associations have been around since 1954. Today, the 39 companies that comprise Delta Dental provide coverage for 80 million people, making Delta the nation’s largest dental benefits provider. Members can use Delta’s online portal to manage their policies. The company also offers mobile apps for iPhone and Android users, but both have poor ratings from app store customers. You can find more information at the Delta Dental website or enter your state here to get local assistance. Overview of Dental Plans Note that coverage options vary by state. The following quotes are based on a 68-year-old female applicant living in Los Angeles. Prices were rounded to the nearest dollar. Also note that a $10 enrollment fee applies. Investopedia's Rating 4.4 Why We Chose It The MetLife sample plan we reviewed offers the same coverage for major care as Delta Dental at a lower premium. However, the plan’s annual limit is $1,500 (vs. Delta’s $2,000), the waiting period for major care is 12 months (vs. Delta’s six months), and it only covers 70% of basic care costs (Delta’s plan covers 80%). That said, MetLife also offers a higher-premium plan with a $2,000 annual limit, a $25 deductible, and coverage equivalent to Delta’s comprehensive PPO, while still at a lower cost in some states. This plan may provide a better value for folks who can wait a year for major care. The company also offers affordable DHMOs (dental HMOs, or health maintenance organizations) in some states. All PPO plans cover 100% of preventive care before the deductible, with two covered cleanings per year. MetLife offers a large network of more than 146,000 providers. The company’s PPO plans provide out-of-network coverage as well, without additional paperwork. While MetLife scored below average on the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study, it ranked fifth out of nine companies. We also checked the NAIC complaint database for red flags and found that MetLife has fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size. Pros & Cons Pros Robust coverage for major dental care Lower-than-average premiums for seniors Fewer complaints than expected for its size Cons 12-month waiting period for major care Overview MetLife’s history dates back to 1868, when the company was founded as a life insurance provider. The company now offers a variety of insurance products, including dental, and covers 100 million people in 40 countries. While MetLife is known for its employer-sponsored coverage, the company also allows individuals and families to purchase TakeAlong dental plans directly through its official website. MetLife has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating with AM Best. To get support with buying a policy or anything else, you can email customer service or call 1-800-942-0854. MetLife also offers a feature-packed mobile app. Beyond managing your policy or finding a local dentist, you can also use the app to track your dental hygiene with reminders and timers. Overview of Dental Plans Although coverage options vary by state, to give you an idea of the kinds of plans MetLife offers, we’ve gathered quotes for plans offered in Los Angeles. The plan offerings below are based on a 68-year-old female applicant, and premiums are rounded to the nearest dollar. Investopedia's Rating 3.9 Why We Chose It Though Physicians Mutual’s lowest-premium plan isn’t the cheapest we could find, all plans come with a $0 deductible and no annual cap on benefits, which means older adults can access more benefits with fewer out-of-pocket costs. The company’s Economy PPO only provides 25% coverage for basic and major care but comes with a relatively low premium. The Physicians Mutual Premier Plan, which covers 70% of basic care costs (less than Delta’s 80%) and 70% of major care costs (more than Delta’s 50%), is offered at a lower premium than the sample Delta plan we researched in California. In many states, this plan may provide the best value considering the unlimited coverage cap. However, there are a few caveats. There’s a 12-month waiting period for major care on all plans, which isn’t ideal if you need coverage right away. And preventive care is only covered 100% when you use an in-network provider. That said, Physicians Mutual’s provider network is large, encompassing more than 500,000 locations. There’s also evidence that the company may have issues with customer satisfaction. The company’s underwriter, Ameritas, came in last in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study and received more complaints than expected with the NAIC relative to its market share. In most states, Physicians Mutual offers the most budget-friendly plans for older adults who need major care. If your only concern is preventive coverage, however, other companies offer cheaper options. Pros & Cons Pros Plans offer great value for the price No deductible or annual limits Offers four PPO options with major coverage Cons Less coverage for basic care than other companies Underwriter ranked last by J.D. Power 12-month waiting period for major coverage Overview Physicians Mutual, which was founded in 1902, originally specialized in healthcare coverage for physicians and surgeons, hence the name. The company now offers several insurance products, including PPO dental plans. It is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Physicians Mutual is highly rated for financial strength, with an A (Excellent) grade from AM Best. You can request a dental information kit to get details about the company’s plans or learn more on the Physicians Mutual website. Policyholders also get access to an online portal for policy management and the company’s mobile app. Should you need support from the customer service team, you can call one of these phone numbers: Overview of Dental Plans The quotes below are based on a 68-year-old female applicant living in Los Angeles, and prices are rounded to the nearest dollar. Note that premiums and plan offerings may vary by state, and Physicians Mutual doesn’t offer coverage in every state. Investopedia's Rating 3.3 Why We Chose It Spirit Dental plans have no waiting periods, so you can get access to basic and major care right away. However, the company only covers a small share of those services in year one, with benefits and annual maximums increasing in subsequent years. Coverage is subject to a $100 lifetime deductible, so you won’t have to worry about meeting an annual deductible if you stay with the company. While Spirit’s lowest-cost comprehensive PPO (Spirit Preventive Plus PPO) only covers up to $750 in year one and $1,000 in years two and three, that plan also comes with very low premiums. Furthermore, Spirit Dental offers an excellent comprehensive plan specifically designed for seniors at a relatively affordable price. In years two and three, the Spirit Senior Preferred PPO plan covers three yearly cleanings, two exams, and one series of X-rays at 100%. Plus, it covers 50% of the costs for fillings and major care such as dentures, up to a high annual maximum of $3,000. It also covers 50% of the cost of hearing aids up to $400 in year three. When comparing Spirit’s plan offerings, be sure to check the list of covered services in each category, since some plans classify services traditionally considered basic care as major care. Spirit members have access to the Ameritas network of more than 130,000 dentists. Ameritas underwrites Spirit plans, and there are some indications that the company may have issues with customer satisfaction. For example, Ameritas was ranked last in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study and received about 50% more complaints with the NAIC over the last three years than expected for a company of its size. Pros & Cons Pros Offers a senior dental plan with hearing benefits Covers up to three cleanings per year No waiting periods Low premiums with some comprehensive plans Cons Poor coverage for basic and major care in year one High complaint rate with the NAIC Overview Spirit Dental & Vision has offered dental coverage for more than 20 years and was one of the first companies to have plans with no waiting periods. The insurer is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ameritas, the underwriter for Spirit Dental plans, has an A (Excellent) financial strength rating with AM Best. If you need help purchasing a policy, call 1-844-833-8440 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. The company is committed to fast service and claims to answer 98% of calls in 30 seconds or less. You can also learn more about Spirit’s plan offerings by visiting the company’s Spirit Dental website. Overview of Dental Plans We collected quotes for a 68-year-old female applicant living in Los Angeles. Premiums were rounded to the nearest dollar. Note that some services traditionally categorized as basic may fall under Spirit’s major coverages for select plans. Investopedia's Rating 3.5 Why We Chose It DentaQuest stands out for customer satisfaction because the company had the lowest average NAIC complaint index of the companies we reviewed. Additionally, the company was ranked fourth out of nine companies in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study, scoring higher than the industry average. However, DentaQuest plans provide poor value for the price when compared to the other companies we reviewed. While the company offers cheaper premiums than other insurers, coverage is capped at $1,250 per year, with deductibles up to $100. The deductible doesn’t apply to preventive services, which are covered 100% immediately. DentaQuest also offers a cheap preventive plan with no deductible or annual coverage limit for budget-strained folks who don’t need major care. There’s also an 18-month waiting period for major care, so DentaQuest isn’t a good fit for older adults who will need complex dental services this year. Depending on your state, DentaQuest’s most comprehensive plan only covers 50% for basic care and 30% or 50% for major care. Plans are also only available in 12 states. In some states, DentaQuest’s plans are EPO (exclusive provider organization) plans that don’t provide any out-of-network coverage, and the company has a relatively small network of 100,000 dentists. Pros & Cons Pros Lowest complaint rate with the NAIC Low premiums relative to industry average Ranked above average by J.D. Power Cons Only available in 12 states Comprehensive plan has a $100 deductible 18-month waiting period for major care Overview DentaQuest, which was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Boston, serves 33 million members and is the second-largest dental insurance provider in the nation by membership. It’s also the largest provider of dental coverage to Medicaid recipients. Sun Life, which acquired DentaQuest in 2021, has an A+ (Superior) financial strength grade with AM Best. To learn more about DentaQuest, visit the company’s website or use the online form if you have specific questions. You can also get customer support at the phone numbers below: Overview of Dental Plans Since DentaQuest does not offer coverage in California, we collected quotes for a 68-year-old female applicant living in Chicago. Note that the premium estimates don’t provide an apples-to-apples comparison to other provider quotes in this article. Prices were rounded to the nearest dollar. Delta Dental is our top pick for older adults, especially seniors who need major care, as the company offers plans with high coverage levels and a high annual limit in year one. However, if you can wait at least a year for major coverage, MetLife, Physicians Mutual, and Spirit Dental all offer more value at a lower price. Out of those three companies, MetLife is best for customer satisfaction, Physicians Mutual is great for expensive procedures because it provides unlimited annual benefits, and Spirit is great for older adults who need an extra cleaning or hearing aids. If customer satisfaction is a priority for you, DentaQuest may be a good fit. It has both a low incidence of customer complaints and a strong J.D. Power rating, but it offers weak coverage for basic and major care compared to other companies. Still, DentaQuest may be a good option for older adults seeking affordable coverage for preventive care only. Note that our evaluations were based on sample plans that may not be available everywhere, so be sure to compare plan benefits and costs from a few companies that offer coverage in your state. Sample Dental Insurance Plans and Cost Across 5 States To get an idea of what Delta’s PPO Premium plan might cost in your state, we collected quotes for a 68-year-old female applicant, including premium, deductible, and maximum annual benefit, across five states. The details below pertain to the lowest-premium PPO plan available for older adults. When comparing dental insurance plans, seniors should consider what services they may need and calculate the expected out-of-pocket costs based on the features of each plan and the benefits they provide. Also bear in mind that a standalone private dental insurance plan isn’t your only option. Seniors can also get dental coverage as an add-on to a Medicare Supplement plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan. The dental benefits included with Medicare Advantage vary greatly from one plan to the next, according to Dr. Kyle Gernhofer, CEO of DenScore. “For instance, some Medicare Advantage plans only cover a limited number of procedures such as cleanings and X-rays, whereas other Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage that is far superior to any individual plan on the market,” Gernhofer said. Older adults can get dental implants covered by a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare Supplement dental rider, or a standalone private dental plan. However, it’s important to understand that most plans only cover up to half the cost of dental implants, and the amount of coverage you can receive is also limited by the plan’s annual maximum benefit. Because dental implants are expensive, you may still get hit with a costly bill, according to Gernhofer. “Beware of the plans that use ‘bait and switch’ messaging,” Gernhofer said. “For instance, some plans say they cover dental implants but because the plan has a low annual maximum and/or high coinsurance, the member is forced to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for a dental implant procedure that was supposed to be covered.” Without dental insurance, dental care costs can be tough on your budget. Below are the average costs you can expect for various procedures, according to the American Dental Association. Costs are rounded to the nearest dollar. Investopedia collected 595 key data points from 17 dental insurance companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a dental insurance company and plan. We used this data to review each company for premiums, waiting periods, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best dental insurance companies since 2020. Dental insurance is neither required for retirees nor included with Original Medicare. However, because older adults tend to have greater dental healthcare needs than younger folks, a comprehensive dental plan can help retirees save money on dental services. Without dental insurance, some major care services may be unaffordable for retirees. Original Medicare only covers dental care that is required to treat another covered condition or necessitates hospital admission. For example, if you needed an extraction to treat infection before safely receiving certain treatments, that would be covered. If you opt to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, dental coverage may be included, depending on the plan. If you’re choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, you might get the best value from picking a plan that includes robust dental coverage. Still, note that benefits and networks vary from one plan to the next. Medicare Supplement riders and private dental insurance plans are also an option, so be sure to compare benefits and pricing for each one. If you want to narrow down your options, check out our list of the best dental insurance for older adults on Medicare. To determine which dental insurance companies to review, we tapped into both market data and public sentiment. We used business and industry databases to get insights into market share, and user-generated data from Google to understand trends and public interest in stand-alone dental plans. This analysis narrowed our focus to 17 key companies offering dental coverage to individuals, regardless of whether their health insurance was purchased through state or federal marketplaces or independently. We collected data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a standard-setting and regulatory support organization that maintains a database of customer complaints. We also gathered data directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process took place between Oct. 9, 2023, and Dec. 23, 2023. We then developed a quantitative model that scored each dental insurance provider based on 35 criteria that fall into four major categories and are crucial in evaluating the company’s offerings and benefits. We weighted the four categories as follows for this article: To learn more about our process for finding the best dental insurance companies, read our full methodology. Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Older Adult Oral Health.” J.D. Power. “Dental Plan Satisfaction Rising as Communications and Plan Coverage Increase, J.D. Power Finds.” Healthcare.gov. “How to Pick a Health Insurance Plan.” American Dental Association. “Results From the 2020 Survey of Dental Fees.” Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Dental Services.” Investopedia is part of the Dotdash Meredithpublishingfamily. Please review our updatedTerms of Service.Best Dental Insurance Companies for Older Adults
Best Overall : Delta Dental
Plan Monthly Premium Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage Annual Deductible PPO Premium $65 Delta pays 100% Delta pays 80% Delta pays 50% $50 PPO Basic $29 Delta pays 100% Delta pays 50% Not offered $50 DeltaCare USA HMO $9 You make $0 to $20 copays You make $15 to $230 copays You make high copays, no coverage for implants None Runner Up : MetLife
Plan Monthly Premium Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage Annual Deductible PPO Low $20 MetLife pays 100% MetLife pays 50% Not offered $75 PPO Medium $44 MetLife pays 100% MetLife pays 70% MetLife pays 50% $50 PPO High $52 MetLife pays 100% MetLife pays 80% MetLife pays 50% $25 DHMO Low $8 You make $0 to $70 copays You make $15 to $225 copays You make $85 to $525 copays; you pay 75% coinsurance for adult orthodontics None DHMO High $11 You make $0 to $65 copays You make $0 to $110 copays You make $85 to $400 copays; you pay 75% coinsurance for adult orthodontics None Most Affordable : Physicians Mutual
Plan Monthly Premium Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage Annual Deductible Premier $57 100% 70% 70% $0 Preferred $47 100% 55% 55% $0 Standard $37 100% 40% 40% $0 Economy $31 100% 25% 25% $0 Best for Waiting Periods : Spirit
Plan Monthly Premium Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage Lifetime Deductible Preventive Plus PPO $22 100% 50% 20% $100 Core PPO $38 100% 50% (80% by year three) 25% (50% by year three) $100 Flex $44 100% 50% (80% by year three) 15% (40% by year three) $100 Senior Preferred PPO $48 100% 65% (100% by year three) 20% (50% by year three) $100 Pinnacle PPO $52 100% 50% (80% by year three) 25% (60% by year three) $100 Flex Plus $61 100% 50% (80% by year three) 20% (50% by year three) $100 Best for Customer Satisfaction : DentaQuest
Plan Monthly Premium Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage Annual Deductible Personal Dental Plan Preventive $21 100% None None $0 Personal Dental Plan Basic $32 100% 50% None $50 Personal Dental Plan Plus $42 100% 50% 50% $100 Our Expert Pick for Senior Dental Coverage in Any State
State (ZIP Code) Delta PPO Premium New York (10001) $48 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefitFlorida (34787) $49 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefitTexas (79936) $42 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefitCalifornia (90011) $65 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefitPennsylvania (15006) $38 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefit Compare the Best Dental Insurance Companies for Older Adults
Company Coverage Limit Plan Availability Major Care Coverage Year 1 Deductible Delta Dental Best Overall $2,000 Nationwide 50% $50 MetLife Runner Up $1,500 Nationwide 50% $50 Physicians Mutual Most Affordable Unlimited 42 states + D.C. 25% $0 Spirit Dental Best for No Waiting Periods $750 Nationwide (except Washington) 20% $100 (lifetime) DentaQuest Best for Customer Satisfaction $1,250 12 states 50% $100 How to Choose the Best Dental Insurance for Older Adults
How to Get Dental Implants Covered By Insurance
Average Cost of Dental Procedures for Older Adults
Procedure Average Cost Established patient dental exam $55 Comprehensive dental exam $87 Dental cleaning $98 Complete dental X-rays $143 Periodontal scaling and root planing $190-$267 Periodontal maintenance $149 Complete upper or lower dentures $1,737-$1,740 Surgical placement of implant $2,014 Porcelain or ceramic crown $827 Treatment of root canal obstruction $487 Why You Should Trust Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Retired People Need Dental Insurance?
Does Medicare Cover Dental Work?
What Is the Best Insurance to Go With Medicare?
Companies We Reviewed
How We Review the Best Dental Insurance Companies for Older Adults
Guide to Dental Insurance