Login
Affordable Dental Insurance for Seniors
Dental insurance and dental savings plans both provide crucial dental savings for seniors. The best dental plan option depends on your specific needs and budget.
Discover the ideal dental savings plans and dental insurance plans in your area.
Senior dental plan options.
Which plan is right for you?
At DentalPlans.com, we offer PPO dental insurance and dental savings plans (also known as a discount dental plan). We’ll help you find the savings solution that fits your unique needs and budget. Here’s what to know about the various dental insurance plan options:
Inexpensive dental care for seniors
Most affordable health insurance options designed for seniors, such as Medicare, don’t include regular dental coverage. But there are ways to reduce the cost of preventive care and expensive restorative treatments typically needed by older adults such as crowns, bridges, dentures and more. Your options include purchasing a dental insurance plan, or joining a dental savings plan.
Dental savings plans are an affordable alternative to dental insurance that can save you money on virtually any dental procedure, at more than 140,000 dentists nationwide. While dental insurance often has an annual deductible, annual limits, and pre-existing conditions, dental savings plans do not. Dental savings plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care.
*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. Savings range from 10-60% off.
Dental Preferred Provider Organization (Dental PPO)
Dental insurance plans are intended to reduce the cost of dental care, which is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing dental disease. Older adults who qualify for Medicare might find the best dental coverage from a Medicare Advantage plan, though it often comes with coverage limitations. People over a certain age may want to review state-specific AARP plans, which offer coverage for treatments seniors often need.
A dental insurance company will typically negotiate lower fees with in-network dentists, and also pay (“cover”) a percentage of the reduced fee for the dental service. But once you exceed your insurance’s spending limit (typically $1,000 – $1,500) you have to pay for dental care out of your own pocket. Spending limits pose problems for many seniors trying to cover costly treatments. One tooth treatment, like a root canal or and crown can exhaust your insurance coverage for the year.
Let’s see what you can save.
Dental savings plans vs dental insurance coverage
We want you to live life with great oral health—and both dental savings plans and dental insurance can help you do that. It’s important to consider the differences between these plans and choose the one that will benefit you the most and meet all your dental needs. Finding the best dental insurance or dental savings plan is essential to maintaining optimal oral health and managing dental care costs effectively. Let’s dive in.
Dental savings plans
Dental insurance
Dental savings plans
Dental Insurance
Does dental insurance for seniors cover everything?
When exploring dental insurance for seniors, it’s important to understand what a plan typically includes—and what it doesn’t. Most plans do not provide full coverage for pre-existing conditions or cosmetic treatments like implants. In fact, costs for these services may fall entirely on you unless you choose a dental savings plan that offers discounted rates on those specific treatments.
Existing dental problems?
Dental insurance plans typically do not cover costs for dental work to treat problems that you have prior to purchasing insurance. For some seniors, not having this coverage can be difficult.
Dental implants?
Typically, no. Dental implants, both standard-size and “mini,” used to secure lower dentures are considered cosmetic treatments. Many dental insurance policies don’t cover cosmetic care.
Dentures and bridges?
Dental insurance usually covers dentures and bridges, up to your annual spending limit. However, there is usually a year-long waiting period before certain procedures, such as dentures or bridges, are covered.
If you have dental issues that need immediate treatment or that will cost more than $1,000, consider joining a dental savings plan.
Dental savings plans – sometimes called “dental discount plans” – are an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance for seniors. Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their oral care. Simply pay the reduced rate directly to the dentist, after receiving care. The dental savings from these plans are straightforward and without common drawbacks of traditional insurance plans.
What advantages do dental savings plans offer seniors?
- Save more: Use as often as you’d like. Dental savings plans have no annual limits or restrictions.
- Immediate savings: You get discounts on all the dental treatments included in your plan as soon as it activates, typically within 72-hours of joining.
- Flexibility: Most dental savings plans offer discounts on treatments for existing conditions and in-progress dental care. This means you can save on a necessary dental service, including a treatment addressing an existing dental issue. You get significant cost savings without the restrictions common with insurance.
- Inexpensive: Dental savings plans start at $79.95 annually, while individual dental insurance plan premiums can start at $290 per year.
- Easy to join: Everyone is accepted. No age limits or background checks.
- Easy to use: No need to worry about pre-authorizations, approvals, or paperwork.
- Additional discounts: Many plans include savings on prescriptions, senior vision plans, discounted hearing care, and other healthcare services, offering comprehensive savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dental insurance for seniors on a budget?
The best dental insurance for seniors on a budget typically balances low monthly premiums with essential coverage for preventive and basic services. Plans that include routine cleanings, X-rays, and simple procedures like fillings, without long waiting periods or high deductibles, offer the most value. Many seniors also explore dental savings plans, which provide access to discounts at a large network of participating dentists. Unlike traditional insurance, these plans have no annual limits, no waiting, and no exclusions for existing dental conditions.
Are there dental plans with no annual maximums or waiting periods?
Yes, dental savings plans are a great option for seniors looking for flexibility without the typical insurance limitations. These plans have no annual limits and no waiting periods, so you can start saving on dental treatments just days after sign-up. They’re ideal for those managing ongoing dental conditions or needing quick access to care.
Is it better to choose a PPO or a discount dental plan in retirement?
It depends on your dental needs and budget. PPO dental insurance plans offer structured coverage, often paying a percentage of treatment costs after you meet a deductible, within a yearly maximum. These plans are a good fit if you prefer traditional insurance benefits, don’t need extensive restorative care, and are comfortable with some waiting periods.
For retirees looking for more flexibility and immediate savings, discount dental plans (also known as dental savings plans) may be a better fit. For one low annual fee, you get savings on virtually all dental procedures – big or small – with no deductibles, no annual limits, and no restrictions on existing dental conditions. Plus, they provide access to a large network of dentists and specialists nationwide, making them ideal for seniors seeking cost-effective care without the red tape often found with traditional insurance.
Find a dental plan that’s right for you.
We connect our customer to the best plans for better dental health in minutes.
Dental plans. Vacation plans.
Let’s talk about it all.
Search for a plan near you.
We’re here to answer your call.
Need a plan, a dentist, or just have questions? We’re here for all of it. Give us a call today.