Best Dental Insurance Plans in California
Finding the best dental insurance can be daunting in California, a state known for its diverse offerings. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to California’s top dental insurance plans to simplify your search. Whether you’re looking for affordability, extensive coverage, or specific plan types, this article will help you navigate the options available. We also recommend that you compare different options by looking at a broker like DentalPlans.
Top Dental Insurance Companies in California:
Delta Dental of California
Pros: Delta Dental is a well-established and widely recognized dental insurance provider. It has an extensive network of dentists, making it easier for members to find in-network providers. Delta Dental offers various plans, including PPO and HMO options, allowing flexibility in choosing a plan that fits individual needs. The company is known for its commitment to preventive care.
Cons: Costs can vary based on the specific plan, and some individuals may find certain strategies relatively expensive compared to other providers.
- Delta Dental Insurance offers plans for dental care
- You can search for dentists in your area using your address or ZIP code
- The wellness library has articles, recipes, quizzes, videos, and activities for kids to promote health
- Virtual dentistry allows you to get expert advice and virtual appointments using your phone or computer
- There are important news updates about COVID-19 and dental health
- In 2023, they shared a report about their efforts in environmental and social responsibility
- In 2024-2025, they provided 16.3 million dollars in grants to help nonprofit organizations improve access to dental care
Anthem Blue Cross
Pros: As part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, Anthem Blue Cross provides dental insurance with a reputation for reliability. They offer PPO plans, which provide flexibility in choosing dentists. Anthem Blue Cross is committed to promoting overall health and wellness.
Cons: The availability of dental plans may vary by location within California. Some may find that not all plans are accessible in their specific region.
- Anthem Blue Cross Health Insurance offers low prices and discounts for coverage
- Over 8.6 million people in California are members of Anthem Blue Cross
- Anthem has been part of Covered California since the Affordable Care Act started in 2014
Network
- Network of over 65,000 providers in California
- Works with doctors in rural areas to improve healthcare access
- Members can use the BlueCard program for coverage when traveling in the U.S.
Additional Services
- Offers virtual doctor visits 24/7 for a small fee
- Provides online tools to help members:
- Select doctors
- Estimate procedure costs
Coverage Tiers
- Bronze Plan
- Silver Plan
- Gold Plan
- Platinum Plan
Additional Information
- Covered California is the official marketplace for low-cost health insurance in California
- Members can find info about eligibility for government assistance and online enrollment.
MetLife Dental
Pros: MetLife Dental is recognized for comprehensive dental coverage, including preventive, basic, and significant services. They offer many different plans suitable for individuals, families, and employers. MetLife Dental emphasizes preventive care to help reduce the need for major dental work.
Cons: Premiums with MetLife Dental may be relatively higher than other providers. You must assess the value of the coverage against the associated costs.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
- PPO Plans
- There is an extensive network of dentists to choose from
- More savings when you use in-network providers
- Preventive care often covers 100%
- HMO/Managed Care Plans
- Comprehensive coverage for oral health and finances
- MetLife TakeAlong Dental
- Coverage that goes with you wherever you are
Additional Information
- Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program helps protect veterans and their families.
- Federal Dental Plan offers coverage for federal employees and their families.
- Many plans offer 100% coverage for cleaning and exams
- Orthodontia coverage is available for kids up to age 19, with some plans
Guardian Life Dental
Pros: Guardian Dental is often praised for its customer service and commitment to transparency. They provide various dental plans focusing on preventive care, and some plans include orthodontic coverage. Guardian Dental aims to make the claims process straightforward for its members.
Cons: While Guardian Dental has a solid network, it may not be as extensive as some larger providers. Individuals should ensure that their preferred dentists are within the Guardian Dental network.
Affordable Plans
- Individual plans start at $15 a month if you don’t have work benefits.
- Group plans are available for employees to help them stay healthy.
Coverage Options
- Choose a simple plan for preventive care or a higher-level plan for complex procedures like crowns and implants.
Large Network of Dentists
- Guardian has over 130,000 providers nationwide.
- Most plans cover checkups and cleanings, so regular visits are affordable.
Aetna Dental
Pros: Aetna Dental offers diverse dental insurance plans, including PPO and DHMO options. They have a vast network of dentists, providing members with choices for their dental care. Aetna emphasizes wellness and preventive care.
Cons: Some Aetna plans may have waiting periods for certain services, so individuals should carefully review plan details. Additionally, while Aetna has an extensive network, the availability of dentists may vary by location.
- Offers quality insurance to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy
- Plans are affordable, starting at $20 a month
Vision Coverage
- You can save money by choosing a plan that includes vision coverage
Benefits of Aetna Dental Plans
- Affordable plans that cover checkups, cleanings, and X-rays at 100%
- Wide choice of dentists with access to over 445,000 dental providers nationwide
- Virtual dental care is available using SmartScan™ technology to check for issues from home
- Comprehensive coverage for fillings, crowns, root canals, and more
- Extra benefits like CVS® ExtraCare Plus™ membership with rewards and free delivery
Plan Options
- Preferred PPO for the best coverage beyond routine care
- Core PPO with lower premiums but higher costs for services
- Preventive PPO with the lowest monthly premium, covering only routine care
Preventive Care
- All plans have no deductible for preventive care
Costs and Coverage
- Monthly premiums range from about $20.74 to $25.05
- Annual benefit maximum of up to $1,250 for the highest coverage plan
- Deductibles vary by plan, with some having no maximum
Other cost effective alternatives:
UCLA Dental
For those seeking exceptional dental care, including options associated with prestigious institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Dental adds another layer to your choices. UCLA Dental brings a reputation for excellence, potentially influencing your decision-making process.
Covered California
California has a unique program called Covered California, which is run by the state. It helps people buy individual and family dental plans from five insurance companies.
- Pediatric Dental Coverage: All health insurance plans sold in the Marketplace must include pediatric dental coverage in California. It means any child with health insurance through Covered California automatically gets dental care for kids.
- Stand-Alone Dental Plans:
Families can also buy separate dental plans that cover both adults and children. Suppose a family chooses a stand-alone dental plan and a health plan. In that case, the benefits will work together for pediatric dental coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cost of Dental Insurance:
In May 2024, prices for adults buying their stand-alone dental insurance ranged from about $9 to $54 each month. - Premium Subsidies:
Families buying coverage through the health insurance exchange can receive help with costs through premium tax credits. However, since all health plans in Covered California include pediatric dental benefits, these credits cannot be used to lower the price of a separate stand-alone dental plan.