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 similarly 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. A waiting period is a delay on an insurance benefit where a person must be enrolled in a plan for a minimum period (e.g. 6 months) before the benefit is available for use. The list of dental plans at the bottom of the page includes some examples where there is no waiting period for implant coverage. You can also use our dental plan quote page to see the coverage options available in your zip code.

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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. Given the high expense of implants, it is always recommended that a patient compare prices among several in-network dentists. The difference in cost among dentists might be several thousand dollars in some situations.

Dental Insurance for Implants - Benefit Conditions

A recent 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
  • Use our dental insurance comparison tool, which displays a More Details link for every plan listed in your region. This section should explain whether dental implants are covered by the plan. For more detailed description of a plan’s features and benefits, click on the Full Plan Information button

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.

Insurance Company Plan Dental Implant Coverage Conditions
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
Anthem 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 Tennessee 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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