Dental and Optical Add-Ons Are They Worth the Extra
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we at WeCovr know that navigating private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. One of the most common questions we hear is about add-ons: are they a savvy investment in your health, or just an unnecessary expense?
This guide demystifies the most popular PMI extras—dental and optical cover—to help you decide if they're right for you.
A costbenefit look at most major add-ons and when they make sense for you
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to give you peace of mind, offering fast access to high-quality medical care when you need it most. But a standard policy is a specific tool for a specific job. It's built to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions.
Think of your core PMI policy as the foundation of a house. It's strong, essential, and covers the big, unexpected problems like the need for surgery or specialist consultations. Add-ons, like dental and optical cover, are the extra rooms you can build onto that foundation. They cater to more routine, predictable health needs that fall outside the scope of standard PMI.
The central question is one of value. Are you better off paying a little extra each month to have these costs covered, or simply paying for them out-of-pocket as they arise? This article will provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding the Core of Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
Before we can properly evaluate add-ons, it’s crucial to understand what a standard private health cover policy in the UK actually includes—and, more importantly, what it excludes.
What Standard PMI Covers: Acute Conditions
The primary purpose of private medical insurance is to cover the cost of treating acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.
Examples include:
- A hernia requiring surgery.
- Joint pain that needs investigation and a potential hip replacement.
- The diagnosis and treatment of most cancers.
- Cataract surgery.
Cover is typically broken down into three levels:
- Inpatient and Day-patient: This covers treatment where you need to be admitted to a hospital bed, either overnight (inpatient) or for the day (day-patient). This is the absolute core of any PMI policy.
- Outpatient: This covers consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans), and therapies that do not require a hospital bed. This is often offered as an optional extra or with different levels of cover (e.g., a £1,000 annual limit).
The Critical Exclusions: Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions
This is the single most important concept to grasp about UK PMI. Standard policies do not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.
- Chronic Condition: A condition that has no known cure and needs ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. PMI is not designed to cover the day-to-day management of these illnesses.
- Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, injury, or symptom you had in the years before your policy began (typically the last five years). If you sought medical advice, medication, or treatment for it, it will be excluded, usually for the first two years of your policy.
This is why everyday dental check-ups and routine eye tests are not included as standard—they are predictable, preventative maintenance, not a response to an unexpected, acute illness.
Demystifying Dental Insurance Add-Ons
With millions of people in the UK struggling to access an NHS dentist, private dental care is becoming a necessity for many. A dental add-on to your PMI policy aims to make these costs more manageable.
A dental add-on is essentially a cashback plan. You pay for your treatment upfront, then submit a claim to your insurer to be reimbursed up to the limits of your policy.
What Does a Dental Add-on Typically Cover?
Cover is usually split into different levels or categories:
- Routine Dental: This is for preventative care. It covers things like:
- Dental check-ups
- Scale and polish (hygienist appointments)
- X-rays
- Minor fillings
- Major/Restorative Dental: This covers more significant and expensive procedures needed to restore the health of your teeth. It includes:
- Crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Root canals (endodontics)
- Extractions
- Dental Injuries: This covers treatment needed as a direct result of an accident (e.g., a blow to the face that damages a tooth). The benefit limits are often much higher for injuries.
- Dental Emergencies: This provides cover for immediate pain relief, such as for a dental abscess.
It's vital to note that cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening or veneers for aesthetic reasons, is almost always excluded.
The Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
So, is it worth the money? Let's break it down.
The Cost: A dental add-on will typically increase your monthly PMI premium by £15 to £40 per person, depending on the level of cover chosen. For a family of four, this could be an extra £60 to £160 per month.
The Benefit: The policy will reimburse you for your private dental costs, but only up to set annual limits. These limits are key to working out the value.
A typical policy might offer:
- Routine Cover: 100% reimbursement up to £250 per year.
- Major Dental: 50-80% reimbursement up to £500 - £750 per year.
- Dental Injury: 100% reimbursement up to £5,000 per incident.
Let's compare this to paying out-of-pocket for common private treatments.
| Treatment | Average UK Private Cost | Typical Add-On Contribution (Illustrative) | Your Out-of-Pocket Cost with Add-On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine Check-up & Clean | £70 – £120 | 100% up to annual limit | £0 |
| Standard Filling | £90 – £200 | 80% of cost | £18 – £40 |
| Crown | £650 – £1,000 | 50% up to annual limit (e.g., £325) | £325 – £675 |
| Root Canal (Molar) | £400 – £800 | 50% up to annual limit (e.g., £200) | £200 – £600 |
Source: Average costs are based on market analysis of UK private dental charges in 2024/2025. These are illustrative and vary by location and practice.
The Calculation:
- Low User: If you only have two check-ups and cleans a year (£140 - £240), a basic add-on costing £180/year (£15/month) could see you break even or save slightly.
- Medium User: If you have two check-ups and need one filling, your total private cost could be around £400. An add-on costing £300/year (£25/month) would save you £100, plus you have the safety net for major work.
- High User: If you need a crown, the add-on provides a significant contribution. The £325-£500 you get back towards a £700 crown makes the annual premium of, say, £360 look very worthwhile.
When a Dental Add-On Makes Sense
- You Can't Find an NHS Dentist: This is the number one reason. If your only option is private care, an add-on helps you budget and removes the fear of a large, unexpected bill.
- You Have a Family: Children's dental needs can be unpredictable. A family plan, while more expensive, pools risk. Some policies offer specific benefits for orthodontics, though this is often a specialist feature with its own limits and waiting periods.
- You Value Peace of Mind: You prefer the predictability of a fixed monthly cost over the risk of a sudden £800 bill for a root canal.
- You Have a History of Dental Issues: If you know you are prone to needing fillings or more complex work, the maths will likely work in your favour.
When It Might Not Be Worth It
- You Have a Reliable NHS Dentist: If you are happy with your NHS service and can get appointments, the cost of an add-on will almost certainly be higher than your subsidised patient charges.
- You Have Excellent Dental Health: If you rarely need more than a check-up, you might be better off putting £20 a month into a savings account to cover the costs yourself.
- Your Employer Offers a Dental Plan: Check your workplace benefits first. Many corporate schemes offer excellent, subsidised dental cover.
Seeing Clearly: The Value of Optical Add-Ons
Similar to dental cover, an optical add-on helps you budget for the routine costs of maintaining your vision. It's another cashback-style benefit.
What Does an Optical Add-on Cover?
The cover is usually very straightforward:
- Eye Tests: Reimbursement for the cost of a private sight test, typically once every one or two years.
- Glasses & Contact Lenses: A fixed contribution towards the cost of new prescription eyewear.
It's important to understand that this is not "unlimited" cover. It's a contribution, not a blank cheque. Laser eye surgery is generally not covered by a basic optical add-on; it's a specialist procedure that may be covered under some high-end PMI policies, but often only if there's a strong clinical need.
The Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Optical add-ons are generally less expensive than dental ones.
The Cost: A typical optical add-on might increase your PMI premium by £5 to £15 per person, per month.
The Benefit: The claim limits are modest but useful.
- Eye Test: 100% reimbursement, usually capped at around £30-£50.
- Glasses/Lenses: A contribution of £150 to £250, typically claimable once every two years.
Let's run the numbers against average private costs.
| Service / Product | Average UK Private Cost | Typical Add-On Contribution (Illustrative) | Your Out-of-Pocket Cost with Add-On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Eye Test | £25 – £40 | 100% (once every two years) | £0 |
| Prescription Glasses | £100 – £500+ | £200 (once every two years) | £0 – £300+ |
| Contact Lenses (Annual Supply) | £150 – £300+ | £200 (once every two years) | £0 – £100+ |
The Calculation: Let's assume the add-on costs £8/month, which is £192 over two years. In that two-year period, you get:
- One eye test reimbursed (£30)
- A contribution to glasses (£200)
Total benefit = £230. Total cost = £192. Net gain = £38.
In this scenario, you come out slightly ahead. The value increases if you choose more expensive designer frames or complex lenses, as the £200 contribution becomes more significant.
When an Optical Add-On Makes Sense
- Your Whole Family Wears Glasses: For a family of four, all needing regular updates to their eyewear, the cumulative benefit can easily outweigh the premium.
- You Prefer Designer Frames or Advanced Lenses: If you like to get new, fashionable frames every two years or require varifocals or thinning for a high prescription, the contribution is a welcome subsidy.
- You Use Daily Disposable Contact Lenses: The annual cost of these can be high, and an optical plan can significantly offset it.
When It Might Not Be Worth It
- You Have Perfect Vision: This is self-explanatory.
- You Are Entitled to Free NHS Eye Tests: In the UK, you are eligible for free NHS tests if you are over 60, under 16 (or 16-18 in full-time education), or have conditions like diabetes or glaucoma.
- You Buy Budget Glasses: If you use low-cost online retailers and your glasses only cost £50, paying £192 in premiums over two years for a £200 benefit that you don't fully use doesn't make sense.
- You Rarely Update Your Glasses: If your prescription is stable and you only get new glasses every five years, you'll pay far more in premiums than you'll ever claim back.
Beyond Teeth and Eyes: Other Common PMI Add-Ons
While dental and optical are the most common, insurers offer a range of other valuable enhancements.
- Mental Health Cover: Standard PMI often provides limited mental health support. A dedicated add-on can be transformative, offering extensive cover for therapy, counselling, and psychiatric consultations. Given the long NHS waiting lists for mental health services, this is one of the fastest-growing and most valuable add-ons available.
- Therapies Cover: Most core PMI policies include some physiotherapy. A therapies add-on extends this to cover more sessions or a wider range of treatments, such as osteopathy, chiropractic, and podiatry. This is ideal for active individuals or those with recurring musculoskeletal issues.
- Wellness & Lifestyle Benefits: Some providers, like Vitality, build their entire model around this. These add-ons offer proactive health benefits, such as discounted gym memberships, free health screenings, and even cashback for hitting activity goals. These can be hugely motivating and offer a tangible return on your premium even if you never make a medical claim.
At WeCovr, we champion this proactive approach to health. That's why our clients not only get expert advice on their insurance but also receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. We also offer discounts on other types of insurance, like life or income protection, when you arrange your PMI with us, creating a holistic and cost-effective approach to your wellbeing.
How to Decide: A Practical Checklist for UK Consumers
Feeling overwhelmed? Use this simple checklist to guide your decision.
- Audit Your Health Spending: Look back at the last two years. How much did you actually spend on private dental care and glasses? Compare this figure to the annual cost of the add-on.
- Check Your Entitlements: Are you or your family members eligible for free NHS eye tests or dental treatment? Don't pay for something you can get for free.
- Do the Maths: Create a simple spreadsheet. In one column, write the annual premium for the add-on. In another, list the maximum benefit you can claim. Does the value proposition hold up for your likely usage?
- Consider Your Peace of Mind: For some, the real benefit isn't financial. It's the psychological comfort of knowing that a sudden cost is covered. How much is that peace of mind worth to you?
- Factor in Your Family: Add-ons often provide better value for families than for individuals, as the likelihood of one member needing treatment in any given year is much higher.
- Speak to an Independent Broker: This is the most effective step. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr does all this hard work for you. We'll analyse your unique circumstances, compare complex policies from all the best PMI providers, and find a package where the numbers truly add up. Our advice is independent and comes at no cost to you.
Comparing How Major Providers Structure Add-Ons
The market is varied, and each insurer packages its add-ons differently. This complexity is why comparing policies can be so difficult without expert guidance.
| Provider (Illustrative) | Dental & Optical Structure | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | Often sold as a combined "Dentist and Optician Cashback" option. | Simple, tiered cashback model. Easy to understand claim limits. |
| Bupa | Can be a "Dental Choice" add-on to PMI or a standalone "Bupa Dental Care" plan. | Strong integration with their own network of Bupa-branded dental practices. |
| Aviva | "MyHealth" policy is highly modular. You add a "Dental and Optical" benefit. | Offers great flexibility to 'pick and mix' the cover you want. |
| Vitality | Can be added as an optional benefit. | Often linked to their wellness programme; you may get better benefits by being active. |
This table shows that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best provider for you depends entirely on your needs, budget, and how you prefer to manage your health.
Can I add dental and optical cover to my policy later?
Is cosmetic dentistry, like teeth whitening, covered by a dental add-on?
Do I still need to pay an excess on my dental or optical claims?
An expert, independent broker like WeCovr acts as your personal advisor. We start by understanding your specific needs, budget, and health history. We then use our market knowledge to compare policies from all leading UK insurers, analysing the fine print of each add-on to see which offers the best value for you. We present you with clear, jargon-free options, saving you time and ensuring you don't overpay for cover you don't need. This service is provided at no cost to you.
The Final Verdict
So, are dental and optical add-ons worth the extra?
The answer is a definite "it depends".
They are not a one-size-fits-all solution. For a family reliant on private dental care, a dental add-on can be a financial lifeline. For a glasses-wearer who loves designer frames, an optical add-on is a smart subsidy.
But for an individual with healthy teeth and 20/20 vision who is happy with their NHS access, they are an unnecessary cost.
The key is to move away from a vague sense of "needing cover" and towards a clear, calculated decision based on your personal circumstances. By auditing your costs, understanding the benefits, and doing the maths, you can find the right answer for you.
Ready to find out if add-ons make sense for your private medical insurance?
Let us do the hard work for you. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our friendly experts will compare the entire market to build the perfect, cost-effective health insurance plan for you and your family.
Related guides
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
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