Private Health Insurance with Dental & Optical Add-Ons UK
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. A common question we hear is whether adding dental and optical cover to a policy is a wise investment. This guide breaks down the costs, benefits, and key considerations.
Are these extras worth the extra monthly premium?
For many people in the UK, the question of adding dental and optical cover to their private medical insurance (PMI) is a significant one. The short answer is: it depends entirely on your personal circumstances, your family's needs, and your financial priorities.
While core private health cover is designed to handle significant medical events, these add-ons target routine, yet often costly, aspects of your wellbeing. With NHS dental services facing unprecedented demand and lengthy waiting lists, and the cost of eyewear steadily rising, many are looking for a way to budget for these expenses and gain faster access to care.
This article will explore precisely what these add-ons cover, how to calculate if they represent good value for you, and who stands to benefit the most. By the end, you'll have a clear framework to decide whether that extra monthly premium is a savvy investment in your health or an unnecessary expense.
Understanding Core Private Medical Insurance in the UK
Before diving into the extras, it's crucial to understand what a standard private medical insurance UK policy is for. Think of it as a safety net for your health, designed to work alongside the NHS.
Its primary purpose is to cover the cost of treatment 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. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for a hernia.
- A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed through medication and monitoring. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
Crucial Point: Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. If you had symptoms or received advice for a condition before your policy began, it will almost certainly be excluded from your cover. PMI is for new, eligible health problems.
Here’s a typical breakdown of what a core PMI policy includes and excludes:
| Typically Covered by Core PMI | Typically Excluded from Core PMI |
|---|---|
| In-patient and day-patient hospital stays | Pre-existing conditions |
| Surgeons' and anaesthetists' fees | Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma) |
| Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans) | Routine GP visits |
| Specialist consultations (out-patient) | Emergency A&E treatment |
| Cancer treatment (often comprehensive) | Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary) |
| Mental health support (varies by policy) | Routine dental check-ups & optical tests |
Understanding this distinction is key. Core PMI is for the big, unexpected health issues. Dental and optical add-ons are for predictable, routine care.
What Do Dental & Optical Add-Ons Actually Cover?
When you bolt on dental and optical benefits, you're essentially buying a separate level of cover specifically for your teeth and eyes. These are not usually included as standard and operate with their own set of rules, limits, and benefits.
A Closer Look at Dental Cover
Private dental add-ons are designed to help you manage the cost of everything from routine check-ups to more complex restorative work. They are often tiered, offering different levels of reimbursement.
Levels of Dental Cover:
- Routine Maintenance: This is the most basic level. It helps pay for preventative care to keep your oral health in top shape. It typically includes check-ups, scaling and polishing, and dental X-rays.
- Restorative Treatment: This tier covers minor and major restorative work needed to fix problems. This could be anything from fillings and root canals to more expensive procedures like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Dental Emergencies: Provides cover if you suffer a dental injury from an accident or need urgent pain relief outside of normal surgery hours.
- Orthodontics: This is usually the highest tier of cover and is less commonly offered. It provides a contribution towards the cost of braces for children and, in some cases, adults. There is often a waiting period of 1-2 years before you can claim for this benefit.
Here’s how the cover might look in practice:
| Dental Treatment | Typical Private Cost (Estimate for 2025) | Example Add-On Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Check-up & Scale/Polish | £70 - £150 | 100% cover, up to £150 annual limit |
| Small Filling (amalgam/composite) | £90 - £250 | 80% cover, up to £500 annual limit |
| Crown | £600 - £1,200 | 50% cover, up to £1,000 annual limit |
| Emergency Pain Relief | £100 - £200 | 100% cover, up to £250 per incident |
| Child Orthodontics (Braces) | £2,500 - £5,000 | 50% contribution, up to a £1,500 lifetime limit |
Real-Life Example:
- Maria has a dental add-on that costs her £25 per month. In one year, she has two check-ups (£160 total) and needs a new crown (£850).
- Her policy covers 100% of the check-ups (£160) and 50% of the crown (£425).
- Total claim value: £585.
- Total annual premium for the add-on: £300 (£25 x 12).
- Maria's saving: £285. For her, the add-on was excellent value.
Shining a Light on Optical Cover
Optical add-ons are simpler than dental ones. Their main purpose is to cover the predictable costs associated with maintaining your vision.
What's typically included:
- Eye Tests: Most policies will cover the full cost of a routine eye test, usually once every two years, unless your optometrist recommends more frequent checks.
- Glasses & Contact Lenses: This is the main benefit. The policy won’t pay for the full cost of your designer frames, but it will provide a fixed monetary contribution towards new glasses or a supply of contact lenses when your prescription changes. This amount is typically between £100 and £250 per policy year.
It's important to distinguish this from surgical procedures. A condition like cataracts, which requires surgery, would typically be covered under your core private health cover, not the optical add-on. The add-on is for the day-to-day management of your eyesight.
| Optical Benefit | Typical Private Cost (Estimate for 2025) | Example Add-On Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Eye Examination | £25 - £60 | 100% cover, up to £60 annually |
| Contribution to Glasses | £150 - £500+ | Fixed benefit of £150 every 2 years |
| Contribution to Contact Lenses | £120 - £360 (annual supply) | Fixed benefit of £150 every 2 years |
Real-Life Example:
- Tom pays £10 per month for an optical add-on. His prescription changes, and he needs a new eye test (£30) and new glasses costing £220.
- His policy covers the eye test in full (£30) and gives him a £150 contribution towards the glasses.
- Total claim value: £180.
- Total annual premium for the add-on: £120 (£10 x 12).
- Tom's saving: £60. The policy has more than paid for itself.
The Financial Calculation: Add-On vs. Paying As You Go
The ultimate test of value is a simple cost-benefit analysis. Does the amount you're likely to claim back exceed the annual premium for the add-on?
Let’s create a fictional family, the Millers, to see how it works. They have two adults and two children (aged 10 and 14).
- PMI Dental & Optical Add-on cost: £50 per month (£600 per year for the whole family).
Here are their expected private healthcare costs for the year, compared with what a mid-range add-on might cover.
| Service for the Millers | Average Private Cost | Add-On Contribution | Family's Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x Dental Check-ups (£80 each) | £320 | £320 (100% covered) | £0 |
| 1 x Adult Filling | £180 | £144 (80% covered) | £36 |
| 2 x Eye Tests (£30 each) | £60 | £60 (100% covered) | £0 |
| 1 x New Glasses for Dad | £250 | £150 (fixed benefit) | £100 |
| Totals | £810 | £674 | £136 |
The Verdict for the Millers:
- Total value of care received: £810
- Total premium paid for the add-on: £600
- Total out-of-pocket for treatments: £136
- Total annual spend with the add-on: £600 + £136 = £736
- Total annual spend without the add-on: £810
In this scenario, the Millers saved £74. While not a huge sum, they also gained the benefit of predictable budgeting. They paid a fixed £50 each month rather than facing a surprise £250 bill for glasses. If their teenage daughter needed orthodontic work to begin, the savings could have run into the thousands, making the add-on indispensable.
Who Benefits Most from Dental and Optical Cover?
While anyone can find value in these add-ons, certain groups are more likely to see a clear financial and practical benefit.
-
Families with Children:
- Regular check-ups: Children require frequent dental and optical checks as they grow.
- Orthodontics: The potential need for braces is a major financial consideration. A policy that contributes even 50% towards a £4,000 treatment saves you £2,000, making years of premiums worthwhile.
- Accidents: Children are more prone to bumps and falls that can result in chipped teeth, which would be covered under a dental emergency benefit.
-
Self-Employed Individuals and Freelancers:
- Unlike employees who might have a workplace benefits package, the self-employed must arrange their own cover.
- Add-ons provide a structured way to budget for health expenses, turning unpredictable bills into a manageable monthly cost. This is crucial for managing cash flow.
-
Those Who Value Speed and Choice:
- The primary driver for using private dental care is often speed and convenience. According to a 2023 YouGov poll for the British Dental Association, 1 in 10 adults in England have been unable to get an NHS appointment.
- An add-on gives you the freedom to use a private dentist or optician of your choice without bearing the full cost.
-
People Proactive About Their Health:
- If you are someone who never misses a six-month dental check-up and an eye test every two years, you are guaranteed to use the policy's core benefits. This makes it much easier to ensure the premium pays for itself.
How to Choose the Right PMI with Add-Ons
Selecting the right policy can feel daunting, but a structured approach simplifies it. As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr guides clients through this process daily.
-
Start with Your Core Needs: Don't get distracted by the extras first. Decide on the fundamentals of your private medical insurance UK policy:
- Hospital List: Which hospitals do you want access to?
- Out-patient Cover: How much cover do you want for consultations and tests that don't require a hospital stay?
- Excess: How much are you willing to pay towards the cost of a claim to lower your premium?
-
Analyse Your Dental & Optical History: Look back over the last 2-3 years.
- How many times did you visit the dentist? What for?
- How often do you or your family members need new glasses?
- This historical data is the best predictor of your future needs.
-
Compare the Add-On Details: Not all add-ons are created equal. When comparing insurers, look closely at the "Schedule of Benefits" for dental and optical.
- What are the annual limits for routine care vs. major restorative work?
- Is there a waiting period for certain benefits (especially orthodontics)?
- What percentage of the cost is covered (the "co-payment")? 100% for check-ups is common, but it might only be 50-80% for treatments.
-
Speak to an Independent Broker: This is the most effective step. An independent broker like WeCovr has access to policies from across the market. We can:
- Quickly compare the core policies and the quality of their add-ons.
- Explain the fine print in plain English.
- Find a policy that balances cost and comprehensive cover, tailored to you.
- This service comes at no extra cost to you; we are paid by the insurer you choose.
Beyond Insurance: Proactive Health & Wellness Tips
Insurance is a safety net, not a substitute for healthy habits. Protecting your teeth and eyes through daily actions can reduce your need to claim and improve your overall quality of life.
Maintaining Excellent Oral Health
- Brush Smart: Brush for two minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste. Don't rinse with water straight after, as this washes the protective fluoride away.
- Don't Forget to Floss: Flossing or using interdental brushes removes plaque and food from between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach.
- Watch Your Diet: The biggest culprit for tooth decay is sugar. Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and fizzy drinks fuels acid-producing bacteria. Stick to having sweet things at mealtimes rather than grazing on them throughout the day.
- Stay Hydrated with Water: Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your saliva levels high. Saliva is your mouth's best natural defence against decay.
Protecting Your Eyesight in the Digital Age
- The 20-20-20 Rule: To combat digital eye strain, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Optimise Your Workspace: Ensure your screen is about an arm's length away and positioned so you look slightly down at it. Adjust brightness to match the ambient light in the room.
- Eat for Your Eyes: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins. Foods containing Lutein and Zeaxanthin (e.g., kale, spinach, corn) and Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., oily fish) are particularly beneficial for eye health.
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV damage, which can contribute to cataracts and other eye conditions over time. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
To help with healthy eating, WeCovr provides all our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It’s a great tool to help you make mindful dietary choices that benefit your entire body, including your teeth and eyes.
The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Policy
Choosing private medical insurance is a significant decision. At WeCovr, we believe in providing not just a policy, but a complete support system for your health and financial wellbeing.
- Expert, Unbiased Advice: As an FCA-authorised broker, our primary duty is to you, our client. We search the market to find the best PMI provider and policy that genuinely fits your needs and budget.
- Total Simplicity: We handle the paperwork, translate the jargon, and present you with clear, straightforward options. You get the benefit of choice without the confusion.
- Added Value: We go beyond the initial sale. Our clients get complimentary access to our CalorieHero wellness app. Furthermore, if you take out a PMI or life insurance policy with us, you'll receive exclusive discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as home or travel insurance.
- Proven Satisfaction: Our commitment to service is reflected in our consistently high customer satisfaction ratings. We build long-term relationships based on trust and excellent outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I add dental and optical cover to my existing PMI policy?
Is orthodontic treatment for my children covered?
Does private health insurance cover pre-existing dental or optical conditions?
What's the difference between a PMI add-on and a standalone dental cash plan?
Deciding whether to add dental and optical cover is a personal calculation of cost versus benefit and convenience versus self-funding. For those who want to smooth out their health spending and ensure fast access to routine care, they can be a fantastic tool.
Ready to find out if dental and optical cover is the right choice for you?
Contact the friendly experts at WeCovr today. We’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote and personalised advice to help you build the perfect private health cover for you and your family.
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.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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