The UK’s public health system, the National Health Service (NHS), offers UK citizens and residents access to affordable, sometimes even free, dental care. Coverage, however, is often limited to treatments and services that are considered “clinically necessary” for maintaining your dental and oral health. If your teeth require more complex procedures, you may be better served by taking out private dental insurance.
Insurance Business explains how this type of coverage works in this article. If you’re still on the fence about purchasing a separate dental insurance plan, this comprehensive guide can help you in your decision. For the insurance professionals who typically make up our reading audience, this is an excellent article to pass along to clients who have questions about dental insurance in the UK.
As the name suggests, dental insurance policies pay for the cost of dental care. Brits can access cover in two ways:
If you have an existing health insurance policy, you can choose to purchase a dental add-on to get access to a full range of treatments and services. Your premiums will likely be higher than if you take out a separate dental insurance plan, but coverage will not be limited to standard procedures.
You can find out how private health insurance works in Australia, North America, and the UK in our global health insurance guide.
A separate private dental insurance policy does not provide the same level of coverage as a health insurance add-on, instead paying for standard procedures up to a capped amount. Emergency treatments can be covered, with some policies offering coverage even if you are out of the country.
Most dental insurance plans come with a waiting period, usually between one and three months, before you can start to claim, although a few insurers offer coverage for certain treatments straight away. If you haven’t visited your dentist in the past 12 to 24 months, however, some policies will not cover procedures or identified treatments at your first check-up.
Dental insurance in the UK follows a reimbursement model, meaning you need to pay for the cost out of pocket first before claiming back your money. Dental procedures and services can be done either through an NHS practice or a private clinic. If you choose an NHS dentist, you’re more likely to reimburse the full cost of your treatment. Otherwise, you can only get back a portion of the costs.
Dental insurance typically covers the following, regardless of whether these procedures are done at NHS practices or private clinics.
The table below lists the common procedures and treatments that private dental insurance policies in the UK cover.
Are you leaving the UK and still want some sort of coverage? Read our article on the European health insurance card.
While private dental insurance covers a broad range of treatments and procedures, there are certain exceptions. Among these are:
Based on the calculations of several insurer websites and price comparison websites Insurance Business consulted, dental insurance in the UK can go for as low as £65 and exceed £300 annually. Dental insurance premiums can vary greatly, depending on a range of factors, including:
One thing to bear in mind when choosing a policy is that cheaper does not necessarily mean better. Opting for a less expensive plan with limited coverage can cost you more in the long run, especially if you require more extensive dental treatments and procedures. When picking a policy, it is best to consider your circumstances carefully to ensure that the protection you are getting suits your needs and fits your budget.
Both dental insurance and dental payment plans allow you to access a broader range of coverage than what the NHS usually provides. The main difference, however, lies in how dental treatments and services are paid.
As mentioned, dental insurance follows a reimbursement system that requires you to initially pay for the services directly before claiming the cost from your insurer. In a dental health plan – also referred to as a capitation plan – you can pay for the cost of treatment in a span of a year through monthly payments. This suits those who cannot afford to settle the full bill immediately after the procedure. The drawback, however, is monthly average costs are about the same as those in more expensive dental insurance policies.
There are two levels of coverage that you can sign up for under a dental payment plan. These are:
You can also use plans designed for children and those that include coverage for dental injuries and emergency treatments even if you are abroad.
In addition, dental payment plans tie you to a particular dentist. This means that if were you referred to a specialist – an orthodontist, for example – for treatment, this will not be covered. If you transfer your residence to a different area and change dentists, you may have to restart the whole process, which can push up your monthly payments.
Dental care is, of course, also accessible through the NHS. Coverage, however, is limited to treatments and services that are considered clinically necessary. These include:
Dental implant treatments may be covered on rare occasions, as long as these are necessary for medical reasons. Orthodontic treatments such as braces are likewise covered but only for those under the age of 18. Still, children must pass eligibility requirements set under the Index of Orthodontic Treatment (IOTN), which grades patients based on dental concerns and if treatment is required due to health and aesthetic reasons. Once qualified, they then will be added to a waiting list.
And just like in many standalone dental insurance plans, cosmetic treatments – including composite bonding and teeth whitening – are generally not covered.
Depending on your circumstances, you can access NHS dental treatments and services at no cost. If you’re not eligible for free dental care, the government will subsidise the cost.
England and Wales implement a three-tier pricing system, while Scotland requires residents to pay 80% of the treatment cost. You can check out the complete details about NHS dental costs in your region through these government websites:
Private dental insurance is not for everyone. If you fall into these categories, you probably won’t be needing private dental coverage:
If you have a healthy set of teeth and only need to visit your dentist for your yearly check-up, then dental insurance may be an unnecessary expense. Still, it is also understandable if you want to take out coverage, so you can access a wider range of treatment options if something unexpected happens.
On the flipside, dental insurance may be a worthwhile investment if your teeth are not in good condition and require regular treatment. Private coverage may also suit you if you do not have access to an NHS dentist or if you prefer to use the services of a private clinic.
You can also consider the following benefits of private dental insurance that NHS cannot provide:
All told, these benefits come with a corresponding cost. The biggest disadvantage of private dental insurance is the price of coverage. Once you purchase a policy, you will need to pay premiums monthly that you may end up not using at all. It is for you then to decide if this drawback outweighs the peace of mind you will be getting by taking out coverage.
Dental insurance works differently depending on where you live. If you’re interested in knowing how this type of coverage works in the US, you can check out our comprehensive American dental insurance guide.
What do you think are the pros and cons of taking out dental insurance in the UK? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
