Dental Insurance for Kids in Canada: Costs, Coverage & How to Get Quotes
Your kid chips a tooth at recess. Or the dentist finds three cavities at the checkup you've been putting off. It's the kind of thing that shouldn't blindside you, but without coverage, a single visit to the dentist can run $200 to $400 before you even get to any treatment.
For Canadian families, there are two ways to protect against that: government dental programs and private dental insurance for kids.
Most families actually need both. Government plans cover the basics for lower-income households, but they leave significant gaps in dental coverage. When it comes to fillings, orthodontics, and anything beyond a routine cleaning, provincial coverage is limited.
This guide breaks down exactly what's available, what it costs, and how to find a plan that actually works for your family.
What is dental insurance for kids? Dental insurance for children is a health benefit plan that covers part or all of the cost of dental treatments for minors, including checkups, cleanings, fillings, and orthodontics.
In Canada, coverage is available through government programs, employer group plans, or private insurers such as Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross, and Canada Life.
Want to skip ahead and compare plans? Get a free quote at HealthQuotes.ca — no obligation, takes about 2 minutes.
Does Canada Have Government Dental Coverage for Kids?
Yes, but it's targeted at lower-income families and it doesn't cover everything. Here's what exists at the federal and provincial levels.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan launched in 2024. Children under 18 were among the first Canadians made eligible, along with seniors and adults with disabilities. The program is administered through Service Canada and applies to families without existing dental benefits.
The CDCP covers preventive and basic restorative services — cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and extractions. What it doesn't cover is equally important: orthodontics (braces) are excluded, and coverage for major work like crowns is limited.
Eligibility is income-tested:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 18; also includes seniors (65+) and adults with qualifying disabilities |
| Household Income |
Under $90,000/year Full benefits typically available under $70,000 |
| Existing dental coverage | Must not have employer-sponsored or private dental insurance |
| Co-payment |
0% for incomes under $70,000 Up to 40% for incomes between $70,000–$90,000 |
| How to apply | Apply through Service Canada (online or in person) |
Provincial Programs to Know About
Several provinces layer additional coverage on top of the CDCP, particularly for children from low-income families:
Ontario
Healthy Smiles Ontario: Preventive care for children from families on social assistance or receiving the Ontario Child Benefit
British Columbia
BC Healthy Kids Program: Basic dental for qualifying low-income families
Alberta
Alberta Child Health Benefit: Dental coverage bundled with other child health benefits
Quebec
RAMQ covers some dental services for children under 10
Important: Provincial programs vary significantly in scope and income thresholds. Even combined, government coverage leaves gaps, especially for restorative work, major procedures, and orthodontics. Private insurance is how most families fill those gaps.
What Does Kids Dental Insurance Cover in Canada?
Private dental insurance plans organize coverage into tiers. The higher the tier, the more you pay per month — but also the more the plan pays back when your child needs treatment. Here's how it typically breaks down:
Preventive Care (Usually 80–100% Covered, Often Immediate)
Good news: most plans cover preventive care right away with no waiting period. This includes:
Routine checkups (1–2 times per year)
Professional cleanings and polishing
Dental X-rays (bitewing and panoramic)
Fluoride treatments
Dental sealants
Basic Restorative Care (Usually 50–80% Covered, 3-Month Wait)
Composite (tooth-coloured) and amalgam fillings
Simple tooth extractions
Emergency dental visits
Major Dental Work (Usually 50–60% Covered, May Require 1-Year Wait)
Crowns and caps
Root canals (less common in children, but relevant for teens)
Surgical extractions
Oral surgery
Orthodontics — Braces & Aligners (Usually a Separate Rider)
This is where most parents get surprised. Orthodontic coverage is rarely included in basic plans and almost always comes with a significant waiting period, typically 12 to 24 months from the policy start date. Coverage, when it exists, usually has a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $3,000.
Given that braces in Canada cost $5,000 to $8,000, even partial coverage can save you thousands. If your child is young and braces are likely in the future, getting a plan with an ortho rider now is worth considering, as waiting periods could be a problem.
Private Dental Insurance for Kids: Real Plans and What They Cost
Here's where things get concrete. Below are actual plan options available in Canada as of early 2026, from carriers including Manulife, Blue Cross, Sun Life, and Canada Life.
Manulife Dental Plans
Manulife offers a range of individual and family dental plans under their ComboPlus and DentalPlus plans:
| Plan | Monthly Cost (Family) | Dental Coverage | Key Dental Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ComboPlus Starter | $75–$125 | 70% up to $500/year |
Recall every 9 months; $400 anniversary maximum |
| ComboPlus Basic | $82–$150 | 80% up to $750/year |
No oral surgery coverage; $750 anniversary maximum |
| ComboPlus Enhanced | $122–$200 | 100% up to $1,500/year |
Major restorative services available after Year 2; $920 anniversary maximum |
| DentalPlus Basic | $76–$115 | 50% Year 1; 80% Year 2+ |
Guaranteed issue; No medical questions required |
| DentalPlus Enhanced | $115–$175 | 70% Year 1; 100% Year 2+ |
Requires medical underwriting; Includes major dental services |
DentalPlus Basic is Manulife's guaranteed-issue option — no medical questions asked. It's a good starting point for families who've had trouble qualifying for coverage elsewhere.
Blue Cross Dental Plans
Blue Cross structures their dental coverage as add-ons to their Complete Health base plans. Here's how the dental tiers compare:
| Dental Tier | Monthly Cost (Base + Dental) | Coverage | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Dental | $65–$75 | 60% up to $500/year |
Includes exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fillings 3-month waiting period No orthodontics |
| Essential Dental | Add-on to Essential Health | No overall maximum for fillings and extractions |
Does not cover periodontal or major procedures No orthodontics |
| Enhanced Dental | Add-on to Enhanced Health |
60% for major procedures (up to $500/year) Orthodontics up to $1,500 lifetime |
Orthodontics limited to age 18 and under $125/month reimbursement cap for orthodontic treatment |
Sun Life and Canada Life Dental Plans
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Dental Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Life Basic | $62–$80 |
60% coverage for preventive services Up to $500 per year |
3-month waiting period No orthodontic coverage |
| Sun Life Enhanced | $240–$255 |
80% preventive services 50% restorative services 60% orthodontics (up to $1,500 lifetime) |
Orthodontics subject to a 2-year waiting period Restorative services subject to a 1-year waiting period |
| Canada Life Select | $90–$100 |
70% routine services Up to $350 per year |
Requires medical underwriting Does not include major dental procedures |
Side-by-Side: What a Typical Family Plan Covers
To help you compare, here's a consolidated view of coverage tiers across the market:
| Feature | Entry / Basic | Mid-Tier | Enhanced / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Maximum | $500–$750 | $750–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,000+ |
| Preventive Coverage | 60–80% | 80–100% | 100% |
| Basic Restorative | 50–60% | 70–80% | 80–100% |
| Major Dental | Not covered | Limited or available after Year 2 | 50–60% coverage |
| Orthodontics | Not included | Optional rider (up to $1,500 lifetime) | Included (typically $1,500–$3,000 lifetime) |
| Waiting Period | 3–6 months | 3 months | None or approximately 3 months |
| Monthly Cost (Family) | $65–$120 | $120–$175 | $175–$255+ |
The easiest way to compare these plans side-by-side for your province and family size is using an online quote tool like HealthQuotes.ca — free, instant, and no obligation.
How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost for Kids in Canada?
The short answer: it depends on the plan type, your province, and how many children you're covering. Here's what you can realistically expect:
Average Monthly Premiums by Plan Type (2026)
Individual child-only plan: $30–$70/month
Family plan (2 adults + children, basic tier): $65–$120/month
Family plan (2 adults + children, mid-tier): $120–$175/month
Family plan (2 adults + children, enhanced): $175–$255/month
Adding an orthodontic rider: typically $20–$40 more per month
Premiums tend to run higher in Ontario and BC than in Alberta or the Prairie provinces, reflecting regional differences in dental fee guides.
Is Dental Insurance Worth It for Kids?
Here are typical out-of-pocket costs for common children's dental work without insurance:
| Procedure | Average Cost (No Insurance) | With Mid-Tier Insurance (80%) |
|---|---|---|
| Checkup + cleaning | $150–$300 | Your cost: $30–$60 |
| Composite filling (1 tooth) | $150–$250 | Your cost: $30–$50 |
| Dental X-rays | $100–$200 | Usually fully covered |
| Simple extraction | $150–$300 | Your cost: $30–$60 |
| Braces (full treatment) | $5,000–$8,000 | Plan pays up to $1,500–$3,000 |
A basic family plan at around $120/month (roughly $1,440/year) often pays for itself after just one or two dental visits per child. If you have multiple kids, or if braces are in the picture, that makes the cost-effectiveness even better.
Are Dental Insurance Premiums Tax Deductible in Canada?
Yes, if you pay premiums out of pocket (i.e., not through an employer group plan), those costs are eligible as medical expenses on your T1 income tax return. Claim them on line 33099 for yourself and your dependents, or line 33199 for other dependents. For specifics, review the CRA's medical expense guidelines or speak with a tax professional.
How to Get the Right Dental Insurance for Your Kids
Step-by-Step Process
Check whether your child qualifies for the CDCP or a provincial dental program
Review your employer benefits — if you have group coverage, check whether dependent dental is included and what the annual maximum is
Identify your gaps: does your current coverage include orthodontics? Major restorative? What's the annual cap?
Compare private plans online based on your province and family size
Apply — most individual dental plans activate within a few business days
Key Things to Compare Before You Commit
Annual maximum vs. what your family actually needs (one child with two cavities uses $300–$500 in benefits alone)
Whether your dentist is in-network, or if the plan is open-network (most individual plans in Canada are open-network)
Waiting periods for each benefit category — especially if you know treatment is coming soon
Whether an orthodontic rider is available and what the lifetime maximum is
Guaranteed issue vs. underwritten plans — if your child has existing dental conditions, guaranteed issue plans may be the right starting point
Get a Free Quote at HealthQuotes.ca
HealthQuotes.ca is a free online comparison tool that lets Canadian families compare dental insurance plans from top Canadian carriers — including Manulife, Blue Cross, Sun Life, and Canada Life — side by side, filtered by province, budget, and coverage needs.
There's no sales call required and no obligation. Once you find a plan that fits, you can apply directly through the platform. Most families get through the comparison in under two minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Insurance for Kids
Is dental care free for kids in Canada?
Partially. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provides free or subsidized dental care for children from households earning under $90,000/year, provided the child has no existing dental coverage. Many families don't qualify, or find the program doesn't cover enough — particularly for fillings, orthodontics, and major dental work. Private insurance is how most Canadian families fill those gaps.
How much does dental insurance cost for kids per month?
An individual child dental plan typically costs $30–$70 per month. A family plan covering two adults and children ranges from about $65–$120/month for basic coverage to $175–$255/month for an enhanced plan with orthodontic coverage. Costs vary by province, insurer, and the number of children being covered.
What age does dental coverage end for dependents on a family plan?
Most private dental plans in Canada cover dependent children until age 21. If your child is a full-time post-secondary student, coverage typically extends to age 25. Check your specific plan, as this varies by insurer.
Does dental insurance cover braces for kids in Canada?
Not always. Orthodontic coverage is typically excluded from basic-tier plans and requires an optional rider or a premium-tier plan. When included, coverage usually has a lifetime maximum of $1,500–$3,000 and a waiting period of 12 to 24 months. Blue Cross's Enhanced Dental plan, for example, covers orthodontics for those 18 and under at 60%, up to $1,500 lifetime, with a $125/month reimbursement cap. Sun Life's Enhanced Plan covers 60% up to $1,500 lifetime after a 2-year wait.
Can I get dental insurance for my child without coverage for myself?
Yes. Some insurers offer individual dental plans for children only. That said, family plans often provide better per-person value — it's worth comparing both before deciding.
How long before dental insurance kicks in for my kids?
Preventive care (cleanings, checkups, X-rays) is often covered immediately. Basic restorative services like fillings typically have a 3-month waiting period. Major dental work usually requires a 6–12 month wait, and orthodontics commonly has a 12–24 month wait. Some premium plans waive waiting periods entirely.
What if my child has a pre-existing dental condition?
Some insurers will exclude pre-existing conditions or impose extended waiting periods. Manulife's DentalPlus Basic is a guaranteed-issue option — no medical questions, no exclusions for pre-existing dental history. Blue Cross and other carriers have similar options at the entry tier. These plans may have lower annual maximums in the first year, but they get your child covered.
Can newcomers to Canada get dental insurance for their kids?
Yes. Most private insurers cover Canadian residents regardless of citizenship status. Some plans have a short residency requirement (typically 3 months), but options are generally accessible to newcomers shortly after arriving.