Are Dentures Covered by Insurance in BC? Private Plans, CDCP and More

This article is general information. Coverage rules change, so always confirm the details with your own plan before treatment.

New dentures are a real expense, and most people want to know what their insurance will pay before they book anything. The answer depends on which kind of coverage you have, and a lot of people in the Okanagan have more help available than they realize.

Here is how dentures are covered by insurance in BC, from private dental plans to the Canadian Dental Care Plan and government programs, plus how to find out exactly what you will pay. We are the team at Kasper Denture Clinic, and we check coverage for patients every day.

Does MSP cover dentures in BC?

No. The BC Medical Services Plan covers doctor visits and hospital care, but not dentures or regular dental work. Denture coverage comes from a dental plan, the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan, or a specific government program.

How private dental insurance covers dentures

If you have a dental plan through work, a spouse, a pension or a plan you buy yourself, dentures are usually listed under major services or prosthetics. Plans differ a lot, so these are the things to look for in your booklet.

• Coinsurance. Most plans pay a share of the cost for dentures, often around half, and you pay the rest.
• Annual maximum. Dentures count toward your yearly limit, which can run out quickly with major work.
• Replacement limits. Many plans only pay for a new denture every few years, often every five.
• Waiting periods. Newer plans sometimes make you wait before major services are covered.
• Relines and repairs. These are often covered separately and more generously than a new denture.

The easiest way to get a clear answer is a predetermination. We send your treatment plan to your insurer before work starts, and they tell you in writing what they will pay.

Does CDCP cover dentures?

Yes. The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers full dentures, partial dentures, relines and repairs for people who qualify. You need to have no access to private dental insurance, an adjusted family net income under the plan limit, and your taxes filed. How much the plan pays depends on your income.

The catch most people miss is the yearly renewal. If your coverage lapses, the plan will not pay on the day of treatment. Our guide to CDCP dentures in BC covers who qualifies, what you pay at each income level and how to renew.

One thing to know is that you cannot combine CDCP with a private plan. If you have access to any private dental coverage, even one you have never used, you are not eligible for CDCP.

Other programs that help pay for dentures

• BC income and disability assistance. People receiving assistance from the provincial ministry may have dental coverage that includes dentures. Check with your worker before treatment.
• Veterans Affairs Canada. Eligible veterans can have dentures covered through their VAC benefits.
• Non-Insured Health Benefits. First Nations and Inuit clients may have denture coverage through the federal NIHB program.
• Health spending accounts. Some employers offer a spending account that can cover what your dental plan does not.

What if coverage does not pay for everything?

Most people pay something toward their dentures, even with good coverage. A few things help keep that manageable.

• Ask for a written plan with costs before you start, so there are no surprises
• Look at options side by side, since a partial denture or a reline may solve the problem for less than a full new set
• Ask about financing. We offer it through iFinance and Dentalcard
• Time major work around your plan year if your annual maximum is close to used up

How Kasper helps with insurance

• Direct billing. We bill your insurer directly, so you are not paying the full amount up front and waiting to be reimbursed.
• Registered CDCP provider. We bill the Canadian Dental Care Plan directly for patients who qualify.
• Pre-approval. We send your plan to your insurer before treatment so you know your share.
• Free consultation. Your first consultation is free, and you leave with a written plan.

Questions about denture coverage

Do I need a referral for insurance to cover my dentures? No. You can book directly with a registered denturist, and most plans do not require a referral from a dentist.

Will insurance cover implant dentures? Some plans cover part of the denture that sits on the implants, but often not the implants themselves. A predetermination will tell you.

Does insurance cover denture relines? Many plans do, and often more fully than new dentures. Relines are also covered by CDCP for people who qualify.

Find out what your coverage pays

Call our Vernon denture clinic, Kelowna denture clinic or Lake Country clinic and bring your insurance or CDCP details to a free consultation. We will check your coverage and give you a clear plan before anything starts. You can also send us a message.

Written by the team at Kasper Denture Clinic, a family run denture clinic serving Vernon, Kelowna and Lake Country since 1974.