TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr knows the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. A frequent question we hear is about dental care—a crucial part of your wellbeing that often falls outside standard PMI. This guide offers our expert insights.
Key takeaways
- Pre-existing conditions are any health issues you had before you took out the policy.
- Chronic conditions are long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. PMI is not designed for the ongoing management of these conditions.
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory infections
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr knows the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. A frequent question we hear is about dental care—a crucial part of your wellbeing that often falls outside standard PMI. This guide offers our expert insights.
Insider tips for securing dental benefits and saving money on routine care
Navigating the world of dental benefits can feel like trying to find your way through a maze. Is it included in your private health cover? Is it an extra? Or do you need a completely separate plan?
The good news is that securing cover for your teeth is more straightforward than you might think. With the right knowledge, you can protect your oral health without breaking the bank. This guide will walk you through the three main avenues for getting dental cover, demystify the jargon, and provide actionable tips to help you make the best choice for your health and your wallet.
Understanding What Standard UK Private Medical Insurance Covers
Before we dive into dental specifics, it's vital to grasp a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK.
PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
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 replacement surgery, hernia repair, or treatment for an infection.
This brings us to a critical point that cannot be overstated:
Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing conditions are any health issues you had before you took out the policy.
- Chronic conditions are long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. PMI is not designed for the ongoing management of these conditions.
So, where does dental care fit in? Most core PMI policies treat routine dental work—like check-ups, fillings, and hygiene appointments—in the same way they treat eye tests or a visit to the GP. They are considered predictable, routine maintenance rather than unforeseen, acute medical events. Therefore, they are typically excluded from standard cover.
Why Consider Adding Dental Cover to Your Health Plan?
With NHS dental services under immense pressure, more and more people are turning to private care. A 2023 survey by the British Dental Association (BDA) found that nine in ten NHS dental practices across the UK were not accepting new adult patients. This "dental desert" leaves many with two options: join a long waiting list or pay for private treatment out of pocket.
The costs of private dentistry can quickly add up.
| Treatment | Average Private Cost in the UK (2025 Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Routine Check-up | £50 - £120 |
| Scale and Polish | £70 - £150 |
| White Filling | £100 - £300+ |
| Root Canal (Molar) | £600 - £1,200+ |
| Crown | £700 - £1,500+ |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary significantly by location and practice.
Dental cover helps you manage these costs in a predictable way. For a fixed monthly premium, you gain peace of mind and financial protection against both routine and unexpected dental bills.
Furthermore, good oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall wellbeing. Poor dental health has been associated with several serious conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory infections
Investing in dental cover encourages regular check-ups, helping you catch problems early and maintain not just a healthy smile, but a healthier you.
The Three Main Ways to Get Private Dental Cover
When it comes to insuring your teeth, you generally have three paths to choose from. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can analyse your specific needs and budget to recommend the most suitable option, often finding deals that aren't available to the public.
1. As an Add-On to Your PMI Policy
This is often the most convenient option. Most major private medical insurance providers in the UK offer a dental benefit as an optional "add-on" or "module" to their core policies.
- How it works: You pay an additional monthly premium on top of your PMI cost to include a set level of dental cover.
- Pros: Simplicity is the key benefit. You have one policy, one provider, and one monthly payment to manage.
- Cons: The cover can sometimes be less comprehensive than a standalone plan. The annual limits for treatments might be lower, and it's tied to your main health insurance policy.
2. A Standalone Dental Insurance Policy
This is a dedicated insurance policy purely for dental care, purchased separately from your PMI.
- How it works: You choose a specialist dental insurer and pay a monthly premium directly to them. These policies are independent of any other health cover you may have.
- Pros: Often provides more comprehensive cover with higher annual limits. You have a wider choice of plans and providers, allowing you to find a perfect match for your needs.
- Cons: It means managing a separate policy and another monthly bill. It requires a little more research to compare the market.
3. A Health Cashback Plan
This is a different type of product altogether but is a popular way to manage routine healthcare costs.
- How it works: You pay a low monthly premium (e.g., £10-£40). In return, you can claim back a portion of your spending on a wide range of treatments, including dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more, up to an annual limit.
- Pros: Very flexible, covers everyday health expenses, and usually doesn't require any medical underwriting. It's a great tool for budgeting.
- Cons: You have to pay for the treatment upfront and claim the money back. The annual limits are typically lower than a dedicated insurance policy, so it's best for routine care rather than major, expensive procedures.
A Deep Dive into Dental Add-Ons for PMI Policies
For most people with private medical insurance, the add-on is the most popular route. Let's break down what you can typically expect. Insurers usually offer two or three tiers of cover.
| Cover Level | What It Typically Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Routine Care: 100% reimbursement for check-ups, scale and polish, and X-rays, up to an annual limit (e.g., £150). Dental Emergencies: Limited cover for immediate pain relief. | Individuals with good dental health who just want to cover their biannual check-ups. |
| Mid-Range | All of the above, plus: Restorative Treatment: 50-75% reimbursement for fillings, root canals, and extractions, up to a higher limit (e.g., £500). | People who want peace of mind for both routine care and common restorative work. |
| Comprehensive | All of the above, plus: Major Restorative: Higher percentage reimbursement for crowns, bridges, and dentures, with a significant annual limit (e.g., £1,000+). Dental Injuries: Cover for treatment following an accident. | Those wanting the highest level of protection against a wide range of potential dental issues. |
What's Typically Covered vs. Excluded?
Understanding the small print is key to avoiding surprises when you claim.
What a dental add-on usually covers:
- Routine check-ups: Your twice-yearly visit to the dentist.
- Hygiene appointments: Scale and polish treatments.
- Restorative treatments: Fillings, root canals, extractions.
- Major treatments: Crowns, bridges, dentures (usually on higher-tier plans).
- Dental emergencies: Immediate treatment required to alleviate severe pain.
- Dental injuries: Treatment for damage caused by an external accident (e.g., a fall).
What's almost always excluded:
- Pre-existing dental conditions: Any issue you were aware of or receiving treatment for before your policy started.
- Cosmetic dentistry: Treatments designed to improve appearance, such as teeth whitening, veneers, or cosmetic bonding.
- Orthodontics: Braces and other teeth-straightening treatments are rarely covered, except on some top-tier corporate plans or specialist policies.
- Sports-related injuries without a mouthguard: If you damage your teeth playing a sport where a mouthguard is recommended, you may not be covered if you weren't wearing one.
- Surgical implants: These are often excluded or have very specific conditions for cover.
How to Save Money on Your Dental Cover
Securing the right cover is one thing; getting it at the best price is another. As experts in the field, we've helped thousands of clients optimise their policies. Here are our top tips:
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Use an Expert Broker like WeCovr An independent, FCA-authorised broker works for you, not the insurer. We have a bird's-eye view of the entire private medical insurance UK market and can quickly compare dozens of policies and add-ons to find the perfect blend of cover and cost. This service comes at no extra cost to you, and we handle all the paperwork.
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Choose the Right Level of Cover Be realistic about your needs. If you have a history of excellent dental health and just want your check-ups paid for, a basic plan is far more cost-effective than a comprehensive one. Don't pay for benefits you're unlikely to use.
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Pay Annually if You Can Most insurers offer a discount of around 5% if you pay your premium for the whole year upfront instead of in monthly instalments.
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Check for Bundled Discounts At WeCovr, we believe in rewarding our clients. When you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, we can often provide discounts on other types of cover you might need, helping you save money across the board.
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Focus on Prevention The cheapest dental treatment is the one you never need. A proactive approach to your oral health is the ultimate money-saver.
- Diet: Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks, which are the primary cause of tooth decay.
- Hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Lifestyle: Avoid smoking, which stains teeth and increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
To support our clients' healthy lifestyles, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a fantastic tool to help you monitor your sugar intake and make healthier food choices.
The Claims Process: What to Expect
Making a dental claim is typically a straightforward "pay and claim" process.
- Attend Your Appointment: Visit your dentist for the check-up or treatment.
- Pay Your Dentist: You will need to settle the bill directly with the dental practice at the time of your visit.
- Get an Itemised Receipt: This is crucial. Ensure the receipt clearly shows your name, the date, the exact treatment performed, and the cost.
- Submit Your Claim: Log in to your insurer's online portal or use their app to upload a photo of the receipt and fill out a simple claim form. Some still accept claims by post.
- Get Reimbursed: The insurer will assess your claim against your policy benefits and transfer the reimbursement directly to your bank account, usually within 5-10 working days.
For more expensive, pre-planned treatments like a crown or bridge, it's always wise to seek pre-authorisation from your insurer. This involves getting a treatment plan and cost estimate from your dentist and submitting it before the work is done. The insurer will then confirm exactly what they will cover, giving you financial clarity.
Can I get dental insurance to cover a problem I already have?
Is orthodontic treatment like braces covered by a PMI dental add-on?
What is the difference between a dental add-on and a health cashback plan?
How much does a typical dental add-on cost per month?
Take the Next Step with Confidence
Choosing the right private medical insurance and deciding whether to include dental cover is a significant financial decision. The market is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. With high customer satisfaction ratings and a commitment to clear, impartial advice, our team is here to help.
Ready to find the right health and dental cover for you? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts simplify the process, ensuring you get the best possible protection at the best possible price.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
