Last updated: July 25 2023

Is dental insurance included in health insurance?

At Sun Life, you can only get access to dental coverage through our Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plans. Depending on your PHI plan, you can get partial or full coverage for dental procedures, which may include teeth cleanings, dental x-rays and exams, orthodontics (braces for adults and children), as well as bridges, dentures and crowns.

Having dental coverage can help you avoid dipping into savings to cover expensive dental procedures. It’s a simple way to help ensure you have access to quality dental care when you need it.

How much dental coverage can you get?

Depending on your Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plan with Sun Life, whether it’s the Basic, Standard, or Enhanced plan, you can get access to a range of different dental coverage. 

Here's what you could get with each plan:

PHI Basic plan

Our lowest-cost plan includes coverage for preventative dental care.

  • 60% reimbursement for preventative dental care.
  • $500 annual maximum.
  • Recall visits every 9 months1.

 

 

Learn about the Basic plan

PHI Standard plan

Our most popular plan. This preventative dental care option offers a higher level of coverage.

  • 70% reimbursement for preventative dental care.
  • $750 annual maximum.
  • Recall visits every 9 months1.

 

Learn about the Standard plan

PHI Enhanced plan

Our most comprehensive plan. This option offers the highest preventive dental care coverage. You’ll also get coverage for restorative dental care and orthodontics.

  • 80% reimbursement for preventative dental care.
  • $750 annual maximum.
  • Recall visits every 9 months1.

 

  • 50% reimbursement for restorative dental care.
  • $500 annual maximum2.

 

  • 60% reimbursement for orthodontics.
  • $1,500 lifetime maximum3.

 

Learn about the Enhanced plan

1 You will be eligible to access dental coverage after a 3-month waiting period. This waiting period begins on the effective date of your coverage. Full details can be found in your policy.

2 You will be eligible to access dental coverage after a 1 year waiting period. This waiting period begins on the effective date of your coverage. Full details can be found in your policy.

3 You will be eligible to access dental coverage after a 2-year waiting period. This waiting period begins on the effective date of your coverage. Full details can be found in your policy.

How to get dental insurance

Get advice

Not sure what type of insurance you need? A Sun Life advisor can help you figure it out and get you a customized quote.

Enter your postal code to connect with an advisor near you.

Apply online

You can find a new plan in 3 simple steps:

  1. Tell us about yourself.
  2. Select your coverage.
  3. Get a quote.

 

Get a quote

Give us a call

Our team of licensed financial services consultants (registered as financial security advisors in Quebec) can assess your coverage needs and recommend solutions.

1-866-292-2517

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need personal health insurance to have dental insurance?

Yes, with Sun Life you will need to purchase a Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plan to get access to dental coverage. 

Learn more about personal health insurance

When does dental coverage start?

It depends on your Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plan. 

  • With a PHI Basic plan, you’ll get 60% coverage for preventive dental care after a 3-month waiting period.
  • With a PHI Standard plan, you’ll get 70% coverage for preventive dental care after a 3-month waiting period. 
  • With a PHI Enhanced plan, you’ll get 80% coverage for preventive dental care after a 3-month waiting period, 50% coverage for major restorative dental care after a 1-year waiting period, and you’ll get 60% coverage for orthodontic services after a 2-year waiting period.

How do you know if you need dental insurance?

Dental care can be expensive. It’s helpful to have your own dental coverage if you don’t have access to a health insurance plan through an employer.

If you’re about to retire or leaving your current job, you may lose your employee health benefits. If that’s the case, you can apply for Sun Life’s Health Coverage Choice.

Do you need dental insurance in Canada?

The government will cover dental care costs in very limited circumstances. However, most Canadians can expect to pay for dental care services out of pocket. 

Thankfully, you can help offset dental care costs through one of our 3 Personal Health Insurance (PHI) plans: Basic, Standard, or Enhanced. These plans offer varying levels of dental coverage for you to choose from.

Are braces covered by dental insurance?

Braces for both adults and children are covered only under our PHI enhanced plan, which provides insurance for orthodontic procedures.

More about health and dental insurance

Do you need adult braces?

Find general information about your treatment options, how to pay for braces and how much they cost in Canada.

Braces for adults

Does your child need braces?

Braces can be costly. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to get braces for your children.

Braces for children

Leaving your workplace plan?

Are you about to retire or leave a job with employee health benefits? If that’s the case, you can apply for Sun Life’s Health Coverage Choice.

Learn more about Health Coverage Choice

Get advice

Not sure what type of insurance you need? A Sun Life advisor can help you figure it out and get you a customized quote.

Enter your postal code to connect with an advisor near you.

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer, and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is licensed to offer life and health insurance in all jurisdictions in Canada.