Best Dental Insurance For Seniors Of 2024

Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum is the best dental insurance plan for seniors. We found that this plan has one of the best annual coverage maximum amounts of the plans we analyzed. It provides the same reimbursement amount whether you get dental care in-network or out-of-network, which gives you flexibility to go to any dentist. Anthem also has other high-ranking dental plans, including the Gold plan, which costs slightly less but has a lower annual coverage maximum and out-of-network reimbursement than Platinum.

Pros

• Preventive care is covered at 100% without a waiting period.
• Plan covers 80% of basic care, such as fillings.
• Major care (such as oral surgery and crowns) is covered at 50%.
• Implants and dentures are covered at 50%.

• Dental insurance costs are more than average for seniors.
• Basic care waiting period of three months and major care waiting period of six months means you can’t fully take advantage of your plan initially.

Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum is a solid option for seniors due to its extensive network and comprehensive coverage. It offers significant benefits for major services, which are crucial for seniors requiring more complex dental procedures. However, the premiums can be higher, so it’s essential for seniors to weigh the cost against the benefits they anticipate needing.

– Dr. Isaac Sun, clinical director at KYT Dental Services in Fountain Valley, California

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Ohio
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

We like that Ameritas’ PrimeStar Complete offers excellent annual maximum benefits and no waiting periods for care, unlike many competitors we reviewed.

Pros

• The annual maximum insurance payout is $2,500 maximum benefit per person in the first year and $3,000 after the first year for basic and major services combined, which is one of the best.
• In-network basic care is covered at 80% in the first year and 90% after that, which is better than competitors.
• No waiting periods for basic and major care, as well as dental implants and dentures.

• Dental insurance costs are higher than average.
• Preventive, basic and major care is reimbursed lower if you get out-of-network care, so you should try to stay in-network.

Ameritas PrimeStar Complete stands out for its no-waiting period feature for preventive and basic services, making it an attractive choice for seniors who need immediate care. The plan’s extensive coverage for major services after the waiting period is also beneficial. However, potential users should carefully review the annual maximums to ensure it meets their needs.

– Dr. Isaac Sun, clinical director at KYT Dental Services in Fountain Valley, California

All states except New York.

Guardian’s Diamond dental plan is loaded with high coverage levels and additional benefits you can add to your plan, including a diminishing deductible. We also think Guardian’s Core plan is another excellent option, as it has much lower costs than the Diamond plan but also lower maximum coverage and reimbursement levels.

Pros

• No waiting periods for preventive and basic care.
• Implants, dentures and orthodontics (for children) are covered at 50%, but you must wait 12 months.
• Covers teeth whitening at 50% after a six-month waiting period.

More: Guardian Dental Insurance Review

• A 12-month waiting period for major care (such as oral surgery and crowns).
• Higher than average costs compared to other dental insurance companies.

Guardian’s Diamond plan offers robust coverage with high annual maximums and low deductibles, making it an excellent choice for seniors who want peace of mind regarding potential dental expenses. Its comprehensive preventive care with no waiting period is particularly appealing. The key consideration here is the plan’s network size and ensuring it includes their preferred providers.

– Dr. Isaac Sun, clinical director at KYT Dental Services in Fountain Valley, California

Guardian offers dental insurance in all states except Alaska, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Virginia and Wyoming.

We love Spirit Dental’s Spirit Core PPO’s low premiums and $100 lifetime deductible. Having a lifetime deductible means you don’t have to pay a deductible each year.

Pros

• Better than average dental insurance costs compared to competitors.
• No waiting periods for dentures and implants.
• Implants and dentures don’t have coverage maximum limits like many other dental plans.

• Annual coverage maximum is lower than many competitors.
• Basic care is covered at lower levels for the first two years.
• One-time $25 enrollment fee.

Spirit Dental’s Spirit Core PPO plan is notable for its immediate coverage for preventive, basic and major services, with no waiting periods. This is particularly beneficial for seniors who require immediate dental care. The plan also offers a lifetime deductible, which can be cost-effective. However, users should be mindful of the plan’s network and coverage limitations.

– Dr. Isaac Sun, clinical director at KYT Dental Services in Fountain Valley, California

All states except Massachusetts and Washington.