As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert insight into the UK private medical insurance market. In this guide, we analyse whether dental and optical add-ons, popular extras for many health insurance plans, truly offer value for money as we head into 2026.
Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to give you peace of mind, offering prompt access to high-quality medical care when you need it most. But while a core policy covers the big, unexpected health issues, what about the routine yet crucial aspects of your wellbeing, like your teeth and eyesight?
This is where dental and optical add-ons come in. These optional extras bolt onto your main PMI policy, extending your cover to include everyday health maintenance. But with household budgets under pressure, a key question arises: are they a smart investment or an unnecessary expense?
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we'll break down the costs, benefits, and potential pitfalls of these add-ons to help you make an informed decision for you and your family.
What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)? A Quick Refresher
Before diving into the extras, let's quickly recap what standard private medical insurance in the UK is for. At its heart, PMI is an insurance policy that covers the cost of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for a hernia.
The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
It is vital to understand that standard UK private health cover is not designed to cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and often has no known cure. It can be managed with treatment and medication, but it persists. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Similarly, PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions – any health issue you knew about or had symptoms of before your policy began.
The primary benefits of PMI include:
- Bypassing NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments.
- Choice of specialist or consultant.
- Access to a private, comfortable room in a hospital.
- Access to drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS.
Understanding Dental and Optical Add-Ons
Dental and optical add-ons function as a separate component of your health insurance. They are not designed for major, unexpected surgery (which might be covered under a core PMI policy, for example, for jaw cancer or a detached retina). Instead, they focus on routine care and maintenance.
What Does a Typical Dental Add-On Cover?
Dental cover is typically split into levels, covering routine treatments, restorative work, and emergencies.
Common Inclusions:
- Routine Check-ups: This includes your regular dental examinations, scaling, and polishing. Most policies cover 1-2 visits per year.
- Minor Restorative Work: Covers common treatments like fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions.
- Major Restorative Work: This can include more complex procedures like crowns, bridges, and dentures. The cover limit for this is often higher, but you may only be able to claim a certain percentage of the cost.
- Dental Accidents & Emergencies: Provides cover for urgent treatment needed as a result of an accident, for example, repairing a tooth chipped in a fall.
Common Exclusions:
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Treatments purely for aesthetic reasons, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding, are almost never covered.
- Orthodontics: Braces and other teeth-straightening treatments are usually excluded, although some high-end policies may offer a contribution.
- Pre-existing Dental Issues: Any problem you were aware of before the policy started will not be covered.
- Sports-related Injuries (without a mouthguard): Some policies may reject claims for injuries sustained while playing sports if you weren't wearing the recommended protective gear.
What Does a Typical Optical Add-On Cover?
Optical add-ons are generally more straightforward than dental plans. They are designed to help with the predictable costs of maintaining your eyesight.
Common Inclusions:
- Eye Tests: Covers the cost of a routine eye examination with an optician, usually once every two years (or annually if clinically necessary).
- Contribution Towards Glasses/Lenses: The main benefit is a set amount you can claim back towards the cost of new prescription glasses or contact lenses. This is an annual or biennial allowance, for example, £150-£250.
Common Exclusions:
- Laser Eye Surgery: This is rarely covered by a standard optical add-on. Some comprehensive PMI policies may offer it as a separate, high-value benefit, but it's not a given.
- Designer Frames: While you can use your allowance towards any frames, the policy won't pay extra just because you chose a premium brand.
- Non-prescription Sunglasses: Your cover is for corrective eyewear only.
The Financial Case for 2026: Do the Numbers Add Up?
To determine if an add-on is worth it, we need to compare its annual cost against what you might spend out-of-pocket. Let's look at the average costs for private dental and optical care in the UK.
The Average Cost of Private Dental Care in the UK
NHS dental charges are fixed in bands, but accessing an NHS dentist who is accepting new patients remains a significant challenge in many parts of the country. As a result, many people turn to private care, where costs can vary significantly.
Here’s a table outlining estimated private dental costs for 2026, compared to the 2025 NHS charge bands for context.
| Treatment | NHS Charge (2025) | Estimated Average Private Cost (2026) |
|---|
| Check-up & Scale/Polish | £26.80 (Band 1) | £80 – £150 |
| Single Filling | £73.50 (Band 2) | £120 – £250 |
| Root Canal (Front Tooth) | £73.50 (Band 2) | £400 – £800 |
| Crown | £319.10 (Band 3) | £700 – £1,200 |
| Hygienist Appointment | N/A (often private) | £70 – £120 |
Source: Estimates based on 2024/2025 data from major UK dental providers and the Oral Health Foundation, with a small inflationary adjustment for 2026.
The Average Cost of Optical Care in the UK
While some people are eligible for free NHS eye tests, many working adults pay for them privately. The cost of eyewear also adds up, especially for those needing complex prescriptions.
| Service / Product | Estimated Average Cost (2026) |
|---|
| Private Eye Test | £25 – £40 |
| Basic Single-Vision Glasses | £70 – £150 |
| Varifocal / Bifocal Glasses | £180 – £450+ |
| Annual Supply of Daily Lenses | £200 – £400 |
Comparing Costs: Add-On vs. Pay-As-You-Go
A typical dental and optical add-on might cost between £20 and £45 per month, depending on the level of cover. This equates to £240 - £540 per year.
Let's run a few scenarios to see where the value lies.
Scenario 1: "The Routine Maintainer"
- Annual Needs: 1 dental check-up, 1 hygienist visit, 1 eye test, and a £150 contribution to new glasses every two years (£75 annualised).
- Pay-As-You-Go Cost: £100 (dental) + £90 (hygienist) + £30 (eye test) + £75 (glasses) = £295
- Add-On Cost: Let's assume a mid-range plan at £30/month = £360 per year.
- Verdict: In this scenario, paying as you go seems slightly cheaper. However, the add-on provides a buffer against any unexpected needs, like a filling.
Scenario 2: "The Year of Treatment"
- Annual Needs: 1 dental check-up, 1 hygienist visit, two fillings, 1 eye test, and £200 for new varifocal glasses.
- Pay-As-You-Go Cost: £100 (dental) + £90 (hygienist) + (2 x £180 for fillings) + £30 (eye test) + £200 (glasses) = £780
- Add-On Cost: A more comprehensive plan at £40/month = £480 per year. Let's assume it covers 100% of routine care and fillings, plus a £200 optical allowance.
- Verdict: Here, the add-on provides significant savings of £300. The predictability of the monthly cost prevents a large, unexpected bill.
Scenario 3: "The Family of Four"
- Needs: Two adults and two children. This could mean 4 dental check-ups, 2-4 hygienist visits, potential fillings for one person, and new glasses for a child.
- Pay-As-You-Go Cost: Easily exceeds £800 - £1,000 if any restorative work is needed.
- Family Add-On Cost: A family plan might cost £80-£120 per month (£960 - £1,440 per year).
- Verdict: For families, the calculation becomes more about risk management. The high likelihood that at least one member will need treatment each year makes an add-on a very attractive way to budget and cap healthcare costs.
Beyond the Finances: The Value of Peace of Mind and Prevention
A simple cost-benefit analysis doesn't tell the whole story. The true value of these add-ons often lies in their indirect benefits.
1. Encouraging Preventative Care
Knowing you have cover for a check-up makes you more likely to go. Regular dental and optical screening is one of the most effective health strategies.
- Dental: Catching decay early prevents root canals. Identifying gum disease (gingivitis) can stop it from progressing to periodontitis, a serious condition linked to heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.
- Optical: Routine eye tests can detect early signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even high blood pressure long before you notice symptoms.
2. Budgeting and Predictability
Large, unexpected bills for a crown or complex root canal can derail a household budget. An add-on transforms these unpredictable costs into a fixed, manageable monthly payment. This financial peace of mind is a major selling point for many.
3. Overcoming "Dental Anxiety" and Access Issues
Many people avoid the dentist due to cost anxiety. An add-on removes this barrier. Furthermore, with NHS dental services severely overstretched—the British Dental Association frequently reports on "dental deserts" where no local practices are taking on new NHS patients—having private cover ensures you can actually see a dentist when you need to.
At WeCovr, we champion a proactive and holistic approach to health. That's why we offer complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition tracker, CalorieHero, to all our health and life insurance customers. We believe that tools that empower you to manage your diet and lifestyle are just as important as the insurance that protects you when things go wrong.
Who Should Consider Dental and Optical Add-Ons?
Based on our experience helping thousands of UK customers, certain groups find these add-ons particularly valuable.
- Families with Children: Children's teeth are vulnerable to decay, and their eyesight can change rapidly. An add-on provides a safety net for regular check-ups, hygienist advice, potential fillings, and the recurring cost of new glasses.
- Self-Employed Individuals and Freelancers: Without employee benefits, you are solely responsible for your health costs. An unexpected dental bill not only costs money but can also mean time off work. An add-on helps manage both the financial and health risks.
- Those with a History of Minor Dental Issues: If you find yourself needing a filling or two most years, a dental plan will almost certainly save you money.
- Anyone Worried About NHS Access: If you live in an area with poor NHS dental provision or simply want the choice and convenience of private care, an add-on makes it affordable.
Who Might Not Need These Add-Ons?
These extras aren't for everyone. A balanced view is essential.
- Those with Generous Employee Benefits: Many corporate health schemes already include excellent dental and optical cover. Check your workplace benefits portal first to avoid paying for the same cover twice.
- Individuals with Consistently Good Health and a Healthy Emergency Fund: If you have a perfect dental and optical record and have a savings buffer to handle an unexpected £500-£1,000 bill, you might prefer to "self-insure" by paying as you go.
- People with Reliable NHS Access: If you have a trusted NHS dentist and optician, are happy with the service, and rarely need treatment beyond a check-up, the additional monthly cost may not be justified.
How to Choose the Right Add-On: A WeCovr Guide
If you decide an add-on is right for you, navigating the market can be tricky. Insurers offer different tiers, limits, and exclusions. As an independent PMI broker, WeCovr can help you compare the market, but here are the key things to look for:
- Check the Annual Limits: This is the maximum amount you can claim in a policy year. A basic plan might have a £500 limit, while a comprehensive one could offer £1,500 or more. Ensure the limit is realistic for your potential needs.
- Understand Benefit Levels: Policies are often tiered. For example:
- Level 1: Might cover 100% of check-ups but only 50% of fillings, with no cover for crowns.
- Level 2: Might cover 100% of check-ups and fillings, and 75% of crowns, up to an annual limit.
- Look at the Excess: Some policies require you to pay a small excess (e.g., £50) on your claim. A policy with no excess is more convenient but may have a higher premium.
- Review the Waiting Period: You usually cannot claim for the first 1-3 months of a policy, except for accidental injury. This prevents people from buying a policy just to fix an immediate, known problem.
- Examine the Optical Allowance: For optical cover, the key figure is the allowance for glasses/lenses. Is it £100 or £250? Is it available annually or every two years?
Working with an expert broker like WeCovr simplifies this process. We take the time to understand your needs and budget, then compare policies from leading UK providers to find the perfect match. Our service is completely free to you, and our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every client.
Plus, when you arrange your private medical insurance through us, we can often provide discounts on other policies you might need, such as life insurance or income protection, giving you even greater value.
The Final Verdict for 2026
So, are dental and optical add-ons worth it?
For a growing number of people in the UK, the answer is yes.
While not a guaranteed money-saver for everyone, every year, their value has shifted. They are no longer just an insurance product; they are a budgeting tool and a wellness benefit. They encourage preventative care, provide financial predictability, and guarantee access to services that are under increasing pressure in the public system.
If you are self-employed, have a family, or simply value the peace of mind that comes from knowing your routine health costs are covered, a dental and optical add-on is a very sensible addition to your private health cover. The key is to choose the right level of cover that matches your needs without over-insuring.
Does a dental add-on cover pre-existing dental problems?
No, it does not. Just like core private medical insurance, dental add-ons are designed for new, unforeseen issues that arise after your policy starts. Any dental condition or treatment need you were aware of before taking out the cover (for example, a troublesome wisdom tooth or a known requirement for a crown) will be excluded.
Can I buy a dental or optical plan without a full private medical insurance policy?
Yes, you can. While this article focuses on add-ons to PMI policies, you can also purchase standalone "dental plans" or "health cash plans". These plans are not insurance but rather a different type of policy where you pay a monthly premium and can then claim back cash for a range of healthcare treatments, including dental and optical, up to an annual limit. They can be a good alternative if you don't need full private medical cover.
How much do dental and optical add-ons typically cost per month in 2026?
The cost varies depending on the insurer and the level of cover you choose. For an individual, a combined dental and optical add-on typically ranges from £20 to £45 per month. A basic plan covering only routine check-ups will be at the lower end, while a comprehensive plan with high annual limits for major restorative work will be at the upper end of that scale.
Is cosmetic treatment like teeth whitening included in a dental add-on?
Generally, no. Dental insurance and add-ons are intended for maintaining and restoring dental health. Treatments that are purely cosmetic in nature, such as teeth whitening, veneers for aesthetic reasons, or cosmetic bonding, are almost always excluded from standard plans. Cover is focused on clinically necessary treatments.
Take the Next Step Towards Comprehensive Health Cover
Ready to explore your options? The expert team at WeCovr is here to provide clarity and help you navigate the UK private medical insurance market. We compare policies from leading providers to find the right cover for your unique needs and budget, completely free of charge.
Get your no-obligation quote today and take control of your health.