Dental Insurance Covering Implants

By Insurance Industry Expert & Author
Updated on
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Dental Insurance Implant Coverage

While commonly thought of as an artificial tooth, a dental implant technically is the instrument (e.g. a metal post) surgically inserted into the jaw (or skull if it’s an upper tooth). The instrument functions similar to the original tooth root and on it a crown (or other device such as a bridge) is attached. Dental implants are a common restorative procedure for patients with a missing tooth. If an implant requires extensive work on the part of the dentist, the cost may reach several thousand dollars.

Comprehensive insurance coverage with implant benefits can greatly reduce a patient's out-of-pocket costs in this scenario, though it is important to note that insurance plans vary on their coverage of implants. Many plans classify implants as a form of “major” dental care. Major care represents higher cost dental services. These services may or may not be covered and, when covered, may still come with a waiting period restriction or a cap on implant expenses covered by the plan.

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Dental Implants Cost

The cost of implant care varies by factors such as the number of teeth to be replaced, the dentist performing the procedure, the condition of the underlying bone, the material of the implant, etc. The estimated price range for a typical single tooth dental implant is from $3,000 to $6,700.

Dental Insurance for Implants - Benefit Conditions

A 2023 study by DentalInsurance.com found about half (53 percent) of plans reviewed across the nationwide covered dental implant care.

Dental plans can cover implants in different ways. They can vary by the range of services insurance will pay for as well as the out-of-pocket cost obligations for the patient. Below are examples of differing coverage of implants among plans.

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Example 1

Implants:

  • $1500 for surgical placement of implant body
  • The $1,500 limit includes the cost of, and placement of, a healing cap when required.

Example 2

Implants:

  • 12-month waiting period before coverage begins (i.e. the consumer must have been enrolled in the plan for at least a year before it will cover implant care)
  • 50% coverage of cost after deductible is satisfied
  • Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan

Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not, and cannot be, made serviceable.

Example 3

Implants:

In-Network Coverage

  • 1st year of enrollment – 20% after deductible
  • 2nd year of continuous enrollment – 30% after deductible
  • 3rd year year of continuous enrollment and after – 50% after deductible

In this example, the insurance plan increases its coverage for implant care the longer the enrollee belongs to the plan. The plan will only pay for care delivered by an in-network dentist.

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Dental Implants Near Me - State-By-State Examples of Insurance Options

Now that you are educated on the basics of implant coverage, it’s time to start reviewing plans. There are many dental plans whose insurance benefits include implants. The below list provides examples of dental plans covering implants. Please make note that:

  • This is not a exhaustive list
  • Deductibles and waiting periods may apply
  • Out-of-pocket costs assume in-network dental providers
  • Always review the Plan Details to confirm implant coverage & identify any benefit conditions

One last reminder - some plans listed may not be available in every region of the state in which it’s offered. Deductibles typically must be satisfied prior to insurance coverage.

State Insurance Company Plan
Alabama NCD Nationwide 5000 Plan
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable.
  Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
Alaska MetLife TakeAlong Dental Medium
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
Arizona Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  MetLife TakeAlong Dental High
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
Arkansas Renaissance Dental Plan III
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Diamond
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
California California Dental Network Plan 595
  No waiting period. $1500 copayment for surgical placement of implant body, endosteal. This includes cost of, and placement of, healing cap when indicated.
  Dental Health Services Super SmartSmile
  No waiting period. $1,500 for surgical placement of implant body.
Colorado Anthem Essential Choice Premier
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Renaissance Dental Max Choice
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after.
Connecticut Anthem Essential Choice Platinum
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Achiever
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
Delaware Dominion National Select Plan Basic
  No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs.
  Dominion National Select Plan Premium
  No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs.
Florida MetLife TakeAlong Dental High
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Achiever
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
Georgia MetLife TakeAlong Dental Medium
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
  NCD Nationwide 3000 Plan
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable.
Hawaii Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
Idaho Renaissance Dental Plan II
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Core
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
Illinois MetLife TakeAlong Dental High
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
  Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period before coverage is available. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
Indiana Anthem Essential Choice Platinum
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Anthem Essential Choice Incentive
  No waiting period. 30% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 40% in 2nd, and 50% in 3rd.
Iowa Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
  NCD by MetLife NCD Complete by MetLife
  No waiting period. 10% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 50% in second year, and 60% in the 3rd year. $3,000 calendar year maximum benefit on implant care. One per tooth in 10 calendar years.
Kansas Renaissance Dental Plan III
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Diamond
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
Kentucky Delta Dental of Kentucky Bright smiles
  No waiting period. 25% of costs covered in the 1st year of enrollment, 50% in the 2nd year and later.
  Delta Dental of Kentucky Vibrant Smiles
  No waiting period. 25% of costs covered in the 1st year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and later.
Louisiana Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  MetLife TakeAlong Dental Medium
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
Maine Anthem Essential Choice Incentive
  No waiting period. 30% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 40% in 2nd, and 50% in 3rd.
  Renaissance Dental Plan III
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
Maryland Dominion National Select Plan Basic
  No waiting period. 15% discount on standard rate.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
Massachusetts Guardian Direct Advantage Core
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
  Renaissance Dental Plan II
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
Michigan Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  MetLife TakeAlong Dental High
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
Minnesota Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Achiever
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
Mississippi NCD Nationwide 5000 Plan
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable.
  Renaissance Dental MAX Choice Plus
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment,
40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after.
Missouri Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
Montana Renaissance Dental Plan III
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  MetLife TakeAlong Dental Medium
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
Nebraska Humana Humana Extend 5000
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. One tooth per 5 years subject to review. 50% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 60% in the 2nd and after.
  NCD Nationwide 5000 Plan
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable.
Nevada Anthem Essential Choice Platinum
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Core
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
New Hampshire Anthem Essential Choice Incentive
  No waiting period. 30% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd, and 50% in the 3rd.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
New Jersey MetLife TakeAlong Dental Medium
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
  Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
New Mexico NCD Nationwide 5000 Plan
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable.
  Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
New York Empire BlueCross BlueShield Essential Choice Platinum
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Ameritas Life of NY Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
North Carolina Renaissance Dental Max Choice
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment,
40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after.
  Humana Humana Extend 5000
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. One tooth per 5 years subject to review. 50% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 60% in the 2nd and after.
North Dakota Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
Ohio Anthem Essential Choice Platinum
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Achiever
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
Oklahoma MetLife TakeAlong Dental High
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
  Renaissance Dental Plan II
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
Oregon Dental Health Services SmartSmile
  No waiting period. $1,500 for surgical placement of implant body.
  Renaissance Dental Plan III
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
Pennsylvania Dominion National Select Plan Basic
  No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs.
  Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
Rhode Island Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Core
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
South Carolina Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment, 30% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
South Dakota Renaissance Dental Plan III
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  MetLife TakeAlong Dental Medium
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
Tennessee Delta Dental of Tennesee Brighter Advantage
  No waiting period. 25% of costs covered in the 1st year of enrollment, 50% in the 2nd year and after.
  Delta Dental of Tennesee Superior Advantage
  No waiting period. 25% of costs covered in the 1st year of enrollment, 50% in the 2nd year and after.
Texas NCD Nationwide 3000 Plan
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable.
  Guardian Direct Advantage Diamond
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
Utah Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  MetLife TakeAlong Dental High
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
Vermont Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  Renaissance Dental MAX Choice Plus
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment,
40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after.
Virginia Dominion National Select Plan Basic
  No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs.
  Dominion National Select Plan Premium
  No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs.
Washington State Guardian Direct Advantage Achiever
  12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants.
  MetLife TakeAlong Dental Medium
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits.
Washington D.C. Dominion National Select Plan Premium
  No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
West Virginia Ameritas Dallas Smile Plan
  No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.
Wisconsin Anthem Essential Choice Platinum
  6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Anthem Essential Choice Incentive
  No waiting period. 30% of costs covered in the 1st year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd year, and 50% in the 3rd year and after. 
Wyoming Renaissance Dental Plan III
  12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered.
  Careington 500 Series Dental Savings
(Discount Program, Not Insurance)
  No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost.

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