What dental cover offers
Dental plans help with the cost of dental care — from routine check-ups to fillings, crowns and emergencies. The best plan matches how you use the dentist: light routine care needs different cover to protection against major work. Plans come as insurance or capitation (linked to your dentist).
1. Dental insurance plans
Reimburse a proportion of treatment costs up to annual limits, usable at most dentists. Best for those wanting flexibility and protection against unexpected treatment. Check limits, excesses and waiting periods.
2. Capitation plans (Denplan-style)
A monthly fee linked to your specific dentist, covering agreed routine care. Best for those with a regular dentist who want predictable budgeting for routine treatment.
3. Cover for major dental work
Some plans focus on protecting against expensive treatment (crowns, bridges, oral surgery). Best for those worried about big one-off bills rather than routine costs.
4. Adding dental to health insurance
Many private health insurers offer dental as an add-on. Best for those already holding health cover who want to consolidate — see our private health insurance guide.
How to choose
- Routine care, regular dentist: capitation plan
- Flexibility and treatment protection: dental insurance
- Worried about big bills: major-work cover
- Already have health cover: dental add-on
How to find the best dental cover
A specialist can match a dental plan to how you use the dentist and your budget. Find a health insurance specialist through Nesto — free, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Is dental insurance worth it?
It can be, if it costs less than your expected treatment or protects against big unexpected bills. Light users may not need it; those facing major work often benefit.
What's the difference between insurance and capitation plans?
Insurance reimburses treatment at most dentists up to limits; capitation is a monthly fee linked to your specific dentist for agreed routine care.
Does it cover major work like crowns?
Some plans do, up to limits and after waiting periods. Check the cover for major treatment if that's your concern.
Are there waiting periods?
Often yes — many plans have initial waiting periods before you can claim, especially for major treatment.
Can I add dental to health insurance?
Yes — many private health insurers offer dental as an add-on, convenient if you already hold cover.