Best Dental Plans for Seniors in 2024
The best dental plans scored well in all of our review categories, including cost, availability, and in-network providers.
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- Easy-to-navigate patient portal app
- 24/7 customer service for select plans
- Affordable preventive services
- No waiting period
- More than 400,000 in-network provider locations
- 100 percent coverage for preventive treatments
- 100% coverage for preventative treatments
- Low monthly premiums
- Coverage for dentures after a waiting period
- No waiting periods for most types of dental care
- All plans come with two free exams and three annual cleanings
- Option to add vision, life, and disability policies
- Major discounts available when bundling dental and vision
- Consultation-free access to specialists
- More than 335,000 providers in its network
Contents
Seniors over the age of 65 are typically at increased risk of oral problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancers. However, only 53 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have dental insurance to cover costs for treatment of these oral problems.1 Unfortunately, many older adults face the issue of losing company health coverage when they retire, and most Medicare-sponsored plans offer minimal or no dental coverage. This can leave a majority of aging individuals in need of a dental insurance plan at an affordable cost.
We have put together a list of the top dental companies based on availability, in-network providers, coverage options, and cost. Below, you’ll find an updated listing of the top senior dental plans for 2024.
Money-saving Tip: Check out our list of free and low-cost dental plans for seniors to learn how you can save on oral care.
Our Methodology: How We Chose Our Top Dental Insurance Picks
Shopping for a quality dental plan? Our list covers everything you need to know. We researched the best dental insurance plans for seniors by looking at premiums, benefits and discounts, waiting periods, deductibles, and more. Our content was reviewed by dental experts to ensure we showcased the best options of older adults.
If you’re a retiring senior, read our guide to help you find the perfect dental plan customized for your needs.
The Highest-Ranked Senior Dental Plans for 2024
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1. Cigna - Best App
What we like most
- Easy-to-navigate patient portal app
- 24/7 customer service for select plans
- Affordable preventive services
CignaWith more than 88,000 dentists and over 309,000 provider locations nationwide, Cigna is a well-known dental insurance provider. If you love traveling, or have considered living abroad for an extended period, Cigna might be a great choice for affordable dental insurance coverage.
Cigna offers three coverage options, including an affordable preventive care package that covers 100 percent of associated costs such as exams, X-rays, basic cleanings, and fluoride treatments. The Cigna Dental Preventive Plan has no deductibles or copays for office visits, and an approximate $19 average monthly premium. Many seniors appreciate that Cigna Dental PPO plans don’t require patients to self-submit claims or pay the entire cost of treatments up front. Cigna’s dentists always file claims, and you simply pay the remaining balance. Keep in mind that you can choose from low deductible plans, high annual maximum plans, or bundled plans for more comprehensive coverage.
Did You Know? In some cases, you can choose a Cigna dental care insurance plan through your workplace or employer.
Pros About Cigna
- Nationwide coverage
- Biannual exams, cleanings, and X-rays are included in plans
- No primary dentist required for patients with a PPO
- No claims for patients to file
- Easy-to-navigate patient portal app
- 24/7 customer service for Cigna Dental Preventive Plan
- Offers three-in-one bundled plans (dental, vision, and hearing with monthly premiums low as $32 per month)
- Over 17 million customers
- Great customer service
- Offers affordable dental savings program
Cons About Cigna
- Coverage and benefits vary depending on your state
- One-year waiting period before higher-level coverage is active
- Payout percentages for basic services are lower than other providers
Pricing
The Cigna Dental Preventive Plan covers the cost of cleanings, fluoride applications, oral exams, X-rays, sealant, and non-orthodontic space maintainers. These are covered 100 percent twice per year. The Cigna Dental 1000 plan, conversely, maxes out at $1,000 per person annually and has a $50 and $150 deductible for individual and family plans, respectively. The average monthly premium starts at $33 but may vary. In comparison, Cigna Dental 1500 is best for those who may need additional dental care such as orthodontia with an average monthly premium of $39.
With the highest amount of coverage, Cigna Dental 5000/250 Insurance Plan is capped at $5,000 per person per year and has a maximum $250 deductible per person. Both plans have a one-year waiting period for major procedure coverage, but they cover a portion of dental work, including root canals, crowns, and fillings. The Cigna Dental 5000/250 plan covers orthodontics, while the Cigna Dental 1000 plan does not, but Cigna has you covered with a range of plans and coverage levels between the two. Specific plan pricing varies tremendously by state, but typically ranges from $20 to $60 per person per month.
The Bottom Line
Seniors seeking flexible dental insurance at great rates with global coverage should consider Cigna. As a PPO, you have no primary dentist and have a large network of providers. Cigna also pays a portion of most services from out-of-network providers, making it very convenient. Older adults will find the company’s website easy to navigate and won’t have to worry about processing claims or paying out of pocket for covered expenses.
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2. Mutual of Omaha - Best coverage without waiting periods
What we like most
- No waiting period
- More than 400,000 in-network provider locations
- 100 percent coverage for preventive treatments
Mutual of OmahaMutual of Omaha was founded in 1909 and now offers a comprehensive array of insurance services, including Medicare plans, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and dental insurance. The company also offers financial services, including mortgage, investment, and annuities services.
With more than 400,000 in-network dental providers, Mutual of Omaha is a popular choice for many older adults. The company offers two dental plans, as well as a vision rider and a dental savings plan. The least expensive dental plan starts at an estimated $34.85 per month, although costs will vary by location. You can choose from annual maximum benefits up to $5,000 to customize the coverage to your needs.
Pros About Mutual of Omaha
- Option to choose your annual maximum benefit
- More than 400,000 in-network dental provider locations
- No waiting period for preventive, basic, and major services
- Also offers a dental savings plan
- Optional rider for add-on vision benefits
- Easy online enrollment, and phone support is also available
Cons About Mutual of Omaha
- Plan availability varies by area
- Not available in all 50 states
Pricing
Premiums vary, and plans are not available in all 50 states. We accessed plan information for Minnesota and found available two plans. The Mutual Dental Protection plan costs $34.85 per month with a $100 calendar year deductible. It covers preventive services in full, 50 percent of basic services, and 20 percent of major services on day one, and then 50 percent after year one.
The Mutual Dental Preferred plan costs $63.58 per month. It has no deductible for preventive services, and there’s a $50 deductible for basic and major services. Its preventive and major services coverage is the same as the Protection plan, but the Preferred plan covers 80 percent of basic services compared to the Protection plan’s 50 percent.
The costs are nearly double Guardian’s costs, but they’re very similar to Aetna’s costs. There are other benefits to Mutual of Omaha coverage that help to justify the plan’s cost, however, such as no waiting period. Plus, Mutual of Omaha’s large network of 400,000 dental facilities gives you plenty of choices for care.
The Bottom Line
Mutual of Omaha’s two dental insurance plans are affordably priced and offer impressive coverage, including full coverage of preventive services. There is no waiting period, and you can choose from three maximum benefits up to $5,000 per year. Coverage isn’t available in every state, but Mutual of Omaha’s network of more than 400,000 providers means you’ll have numerous dental offices to choose from.
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3. Aetna - Most Comprehensive Plans
What we like most
- 100% coverage for preventative treatments
- Low monthly premiums
- Coverage for dentures after a waiting period
AetnaAetna, with its nationwide network of more than 420,000 providers, is one of the most popular insurers in the U.S. for individuals and families. Aetna is a solid dental insurance provider with numerous options to consider. Currently, Aetna offers three main PPO plans with the most inexpensive one starting at $19.80 per month. Plus, they offer a dental discount card, Aetna Vital Savings, for instant savings of 15 to 50 percent off most dental services, with card rates starting at $7.99 per month.
Pros About Aetna
- Plans cover 100 percent of preventive treatments
- Easy-to-navigate website with convenient online claim forms and tracking
- Coverage for dentures after a waiting period
- PPO plans
- Can add vision coverage to your dental plan
- Offers dental discount card for more savings
Cons About Aetna
- Waiting periods range from six months to a year and a half
- Payments must be made online
- Aetna Vital Savings (dental discount card) not available in some states
Pricing
Premiums vary depending on your state of residence and current health condition. On average, the lowest premiums cost between $20 and $31, while upgraded plans average $45 to $70. Those are some of the most reasonable rates on the market, making Aetna dental insurance a great deal for eligible seniors.
The Bottom Line
With low rates and exceptional coverage through a wide network of top-notch dentists, Aetna dental plans offer a great way to save money and maintain oral health. Seniors with Aetna will enjoy up to 50 percent coverage for denture repairs and affordable coverage for new dentures and replacements.
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4. Spirit Dental & Vision - Best Loyalty Program
What we like most
- No waiting periods for most types of dental care
- All plans come with two free exams and three annual cleanings
- Option to add vision, life, and disability policies
Spirit Dental & VisionSpirit Dental stands out among dental insurance providers for a number of reasons. In addition to plans with in-network providers and those that allow you to pick your own dentist, Spirit Dental has no waiting period for basic dental care or even major services such as bridges or crowns. Customers receive two free exams and three annual cleanings with every plan, which is rare for the industry. Moreover, the longer you maintain policies, the higher your savings. Spirit Dental offers vision, life, and disability add-on policies in addition to dental benefits. It doesn’t deny any applications, but it does exclude certain pre-existing conditions such as broken dentures, teeth, or implants.
Pros About Spirit Dental & Vision
- No applications are denied
- No waiting periods
- Senior-specific plan called the Senior Preferred Network
- Senior-friendly policies
- $100 lifetime deductible
- Up to $5,000 annual benefit maximum is higher than most competitors
- Three dental cleanings per year
- Can save up to 25 to 50 percent with PPO plans
- Guaranteed acceptance
Cons About Spirit Dental & Vision
- Only covers dental issues obtained during coverage periods
- Out-of-network providers cost more
Pricing
Spirit Dental plans cover two people, but the company also offers family plans for more comprehensive coverage. Rates for couples depend on the plan you choose and your location, with averages ranging from $45 to $200 per month. Family plans cost more, but include up to $5,000 maximum coverage with a lifetime $100 deductible. Preventive care is 100 percent covered, and vision insurance can be added for as little as $7 monthly. Additionally, if you have a Spirit Dental Senior Preferred Plan, you can choose to opt in for hearing coverage.
Did You Know? Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, along with other benefits and perks. Read our guide to the best dental supplement plans to find out if one of these plans might be a better fit for you.
The Bottom Line
Seniors looking to stick to a single dental provider long-term may enjoy greater benefits with Spirit Dental. Along with guaranteed acceptance, policy rates are affordable, with most basic procedures covered at up to 65 percent in the first year. These savings can increase to 90 percent by the third year of coverage. Plus, you can choose your dentist, giving you more autonomy over your dental care. You can also save on more expensive treatments such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, and more.
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5. Humana - Best Coverage
What we like most
- Major discounts available when bundling dental and vision
- Consultation-free access to specialists
- More than 335,000 providers in its network
HumanaHumana is one of the nation’s largest dental insurance providers, offering plans for employers, groups, and individuals. With highly-rated customer service and affordable plans, Humana is popular among seniors because it offers special veterans’ programs and a loyalty program to most consumers. These plans may include discounts on hearing exams, alternative medical therapies, and prescription discounts. They can even be combined with vision insurance. With over 335,000 dental care providers in its network, finding care with Humana is a breeze online, via the mobile app, or by calling customer service.
Pros About Humana
- Benefits increase annually for three years under Humana’s Loyalty Plus Dental Plan
- Affordable preventative care dental plans starting at $18 per month
- Combining dental and vision coverage gets policyholders great discounts on multiple services
- Patients can see specialists without consulting a primary-care dentist with a PPO plan
- Convenient online features and a mobile app streamline the experience
- Special discounts and packages for veterans
- Recognized for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power in 2023
Cons About Humana
- Higher fees for smokers
- One-time enrollment fees and monthly administrative fees for select dental plans
- Not all plans are available in every state
Pricing
Humana offers numerous programs, such as the Dental Savings Plus Discount Plan. It’s an affordable dental discount plan that is accepted by participating dentists, rather than a typical insurance plan. Customers pay a flat monthly rate of $6.99 and a $15 enrollment fee with an average of $14 savings on copays for non-emergent office visits. A few of the plans have a $35 enrollment fee, and costs vary depending on your home state, age, smoking status, and the package you choose. Top options include Humana Bright Plus Veterans, Preventive Value, and Loyalty. The latter has a one-time deductible rather than an annual one, making it the most comprehensive (and expensive) plan.
Did You Know? You might be able to get a $0 monthly premium Humana Medicare Advantage plan with extra benefits like dental coverage and vision coverage if eligible. Contact Humana for more information.
The Bottom Line
Convenient and cost-effective, Humana dental insurance is the best deal in today’s market for people who have served in the military under the Bright Plus Veterans plan. Only a one-year commitment is required to enjoy the immense benefits of this exclusive program. Seniors can easily find a dentist, review benefits and coverage, access account information, claim statuses, check prescription prices, locate a pharmacy, and refill prescriptions through the MyHumana app.
Why Is Dental Insurance Important for Older Adults?
Taking care of our oral health becomes more important as we age. Older adults have specific dental needs, such as dealing with gum disease and gum recession, root decay, broken or lost teeth, and even arthritic conditions that can lead to dental problems. It’s a good idea for older adults near retirement age to begin looking for a plan to avoid costly coverage gaps, since Medicare doesn’t offer dental coverage.
Most dental insurance companies offer an array of plans, ranging from basic preventive-only coverage and discount savings plans to comprehensive traditional packages and “gold-level” plans. Except for dental discount plans, most programs have at least a six-month waiting period for coverage to kick in, especially for major dental work. This makes finding a new policy before losing any current coverage essential for older adults.
How Much Is Senior Dental Insurance?
Stand-alone dental insurance plans can range anywhere from $30 per month to over $100 monthly for individual plans, and family programs average triple those estimates depending on coverage levels. Deductibles typically average between $50 and $150 per year, but some plans offer a one-time deductible for premium policies. The most affordable option for people seeking temporary or low-cost care is to invest between $75 and $150 in a dental insurance discount program that offers enrollees substantial discounts on all services within days of signing up. Costs vary for different types of coverage by state, age, number of enrollees, and your selected plan.
Senior Dental Plans and Dentures
Dentures are often covered under certain dental insurance plans and/or dental savings or discount programs. However, under most traditional dental insurance programs, members will have to wait a year or more to qualify for denture-related services. The good news is that most dental discount plans offer some level of denture coverage within days of enrollment for a small annual enrollment fee. It’s important to check each plan carefully to see if there is a pre-existing condition clause that prohibits dentures and repairs unless the teeth are lost or broken during a period of coverage under the policy.
KFF. (2021). Medicare and Dental Coverage: A Closer Look.