Does Health Insurance Include Dental Cover?

One of the most confusing things about Private Medical Insurance is getting to grips with what is and isn't covered. Dental cover is one of those areas we get a lot of enquiries about and we would like to share some more insight on.

We’re exploring what dental treatment in health insurance can cover, what’s excluded and why you might want to add dental cover to a health insurance policy.

In 2026, 20% of private healthcare usage was for dental services. Which is the largest share of private healthcare use.

Does Health Insurance Cover Dental Treatment? 

Dental cover isn’t usually included as standard within a policy but it is a popular option that can be easily added on. Cover can vary significantly between insurers so it is always helpful to get advice on the best policy to suit your needs.

Most health insurance policies focus mainly on inpatient, day patient and specialist medical treatment. Dental cover is usually available as an optional extra or as a benefit with selected insurers.

Dental cover is often treated separately or as an add-on because health insurance is designed to cover new and unexpected illnesses or injuries that arise.

Dental treatment is often, highly predictable and needed, making it easier to budget for out-of-pocket.

For a clear distinction between health insurance and dental cover:

Health insurance typically covers:

• Surgery
• Hospital stays
• Diagnostics, scans and X-rays
• Restoring health to the way it was before

Dental cover includes:

• Preventative maintenance check-ups
• X-Rays
• Scales and polishes

What Dental Treatment Might Be Covered? 

With some health insurers dental treatment is covered as standard. Bupa Health Insurance do include dental cover, without needing to select it as an add-on.

This includes: one dental care appointment annually, for everyone on the policy and a £300 allowance towards restorative treatment, such as crowns, fillings and bridges.

With Bupa you can also add extra dental cover, which includes: routine examinations and hygienist visits, major restorative work and emergency dental treatment.

Other insurers policies differ, you’ll often find that dental cover is an add-on and can typically include a range of things, but most commonly covers:

• Dental injuries or accidents to your teeth that require emergency treatment or certain dental surgical procedures
• Restorative dentistry
• Oral cancer
• Routine maintenance

Here's what dental extras you can expect with the UK's leading health insurers.

Aviva Health Insurance: With an Aviva policy, you can add on dental treatment due to accident for up to £600 and cover for routine dental treatment for up to £250.

AXA Health Insurance: With an AXA health insurance policy you can add on dental cover for up to 80% of the cost of dentist fees for up to £400.

Freedom Health Insurance: With a policy with Freedom, certain dental surgical procedures are included in the policy. You can add on dental cover for routine dental costs covered on the policy for up to £300 and accidental dental surgery is covered up to £600.

Vitality: Vitality offer full cover for specified procedures for oral surgery. You can also add on cover for dental check ups and hygienist fees up to £100, 80% of the cost for dental treatment up to £400, and 100% of costs for emergency dental treatment following an accident, up to £2,500 per claim (maximum of two claims each plan year).

What Dental Treatment Is Usually Not Covered?

There are of course some exclusions in dental cover on health insurance policies. These can include: cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening and veneers and orthodontic treatment such as braces, dental implants and pre-existing dental conditions.

However, if you have a policy already its worth checking your policy wording to be sure what’s included, if you are looking to take out a policy and want dental cover, speaking to an expert adviser can help you to understand exactly what is included in your policy.

Is Dental Cover Worth Adding to Your Health Insurance?

Dental cover can absolutely be worth adding to your health insurance policy. Currently, it’s very difficult to find NHS dentists who are accepting new patients. 39% of people in 2024 turned to private dental care as they struggled to find an NHS dentist.  

You may not feel you need to add dental cover if:

• You only visit a dentist occasionally
• You already have a dental plan
• Prefer to self-fund routine dental care as and when it’s needed

How to Check if Your Policy Includes Dental Cover 

If you already have a health insurance policy, you can easily check if it includes dental cover and exactly what it covers you for.

A simple checklist to check if dental cover is included:

• Review your policy documents – Taking the time to look through your policy documents can help you to understand exactly what is covered
• Check optional extras – When reviewing your policy documents, you’ll be able to see what optional extras are included and if that does include dental
• Look for annual limits – Check your policy to see what your limits are on your benefits and if it does cover dental, how much it covers
• Understand waiting periods and exclusions – Being confident in waiting periods and exclusions means you know exactly when you’re covered from and what for

If you don’t have a current policy, speaking to an expert adviser before you take one out can help you to ensure you know exactly what you’re covered for.

They’ll explain the ins and outs of the policy and if you do want dental cover, they’ll be able to find a suitable policy with the right cover for you.

Compare Health Insurance Policies with Dental Cover 

Dental benefits do vary widely, which is why it’s important to compare. This will help to find what’s right for you and you can really prioritise what you need, with your budget in mind.

Looking for health insurance with dental cover? Our expert advisers can compare policies from leading UK insurers and help you find the right option for your needs.

Get in touch for a free chat today on: 01285 864670.

Dental Cover FAQs

Does private health insurance cover dental treatment?

Not usually as standard, although some insurers such as Bupa do. It’s usually something you can add on as an optional extra.

Does health insurance cover dental emergencies?

Some policies may cover emergency dental treatment or treatment following an accident.

Can I add dental cover to my health insurance policy?

Yes, with most insurers you can add on dental cover. It would be an additional cost on top of your health insurance premium.

Does health insurance cover routine dental check-ups?

Not all health insurance policies cover routine dental check-ups, however, many include a dental benefit or the option to add dental cover.

Is dental cover worth it?

It depends on your dental health, treatment needs and budget, and how important it is for you. Talk to one of our experts for more personalised advice.