
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Investing in dental cover encourages regular check-ups, helping you catch problems early and maintain not just a healthy smile, but a healthier you.
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.
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.
This is a dedicated insurance policy purely for dental care, purchased separately from your PMI.
This is a different type of product altogether but is a popular way to manage routine healthcare costs.
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. |
Understanding the small print is key to avoiding surprises when you claim.
What a dental add-on usually covers:
What's almost always excluded:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Making a dental claim is typically a straightforward "pay and claim" process.
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.
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.






