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Dental Insurance in Singapore

What is Dental Insurance? 

Dental insurance is a type of health insurance specifically designed to cover the costs of dental care. From routine check-ups and cleanings to more complex procedures like root canals and dental implants, dental insurance helps mitigate the financial burden of maintaining oral health. It often involves monthly premiums, co-payments, and defined coverage limits, allowing individuals to access necessary dental services while managing their healthcare expenses effectively. Read out to find out more!

Why is Dental Insurance Important?

 ✔ Routine Check-ups and Cleanings: Dental insurance covers essential services like cleanings, promoting regular care and preventing advanced oral diseases through early detection and treatment.

  ✔ Costly Procedures Support: Insurance provides financial relief for expensive dental treatments, such as veneers, crowns and implants, making necessary care more accessible and affordable.

 ✔ Access to Dental Clinics: Dental plans offer access to a wide network of clinics, including Nuffield Dental, ensuring variety and quality in dental care options.

 ✔ Peace of Mind: Having dental insurance alleviates the stress of unexpected dental expenses, ensuring you can maintain oral health without financial worry.

 



How To Choose Dental Insurance in Singapore

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Consider Your Dental Needs

1. Think about your regular dental visits – how often do you go for check-ups or cleanings?
2. Reflect on any specific dental work you've needed in the past or might need soon. Are procedures like root canals or dental implants on your radar?
3. If you've had recurring dental issues or ongoing treatments, factor these into your planning.
4. Also, consider how your daily dental habits, like brushing and flossing, could influence your future dental needs. It's all about understanding what your teeth require, both now and down the line.

Compare Prices Across Brands

1. Start by exploring the cost of various dental insurance plans available to you. Remember, prices can vary widely.
2. Compare what you'd pay regularly – look at monthly or yearly premiums across different insurers.
3. Dive into the details like deductibles, co-payments, and the maximum amount you might have to pay out-of-pocket.
4. It's a balance game: weigh the costs against what each plan offers. Does the coverage justify the expense?
5. Think about how much you could potentially save on routine care and major dental procedures with each plan – it’s all about getting the best value for your money.

Our Dental Insurance Partners

Nuffield Dental believes in making dental services accessible to all. To make that happen, we've partnered with the following insurance providers.

TPA Partners

Alliance Medinet

Alliance Medinet 

Singlife

Cigna

Great Eastern

HSBC Life

Income

Adepth Health

Da Care

Great Eastern

 

MHC

Aviva Preferred Care Plus Aviva MyBenefits

AXA Clinicare

AIA Integrated Healthcare Solutions by MHC

NTUC Income I-MediCare

QBE Primarycare

IHP

Aon Care

Fullerton Healthcare

Singlife with Aviva

EQ Insurance

Great Eastern

Tokio Marine

Prudential

AIA

Cigna

CXA

FHG SIA

InnovaCare

Chubb

AIA

Aviva

Pacific Life RE

MEtLife

RGA

Willis Towers Watson

SCOR

Marsh

Group 23882

We partner with respected insurance groups to deliver the best experience to you.

alliance medinet logo
singlife logo
cigna logo
great eastern logo
hsbc life logo
ntuc income logo
aon care logo
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eqinsurance logo
aia logo-1
pacific life re logo
willis towers watson logo
rga logo
scor logo
marsh logo
prudential logo
metlife logo
tokio marine logo
chubb logo
aviva logo

Types of Dental Insurance Plans

Standalone Dental Plans vs Inclusive Health Insurance Plans

Standalone Dental Plans Inclusive Health Insurance Plans
Focus

Laser-focused on dental care

Bundles dental coverage with overall health insurance

Coverage Depth

Offers more in-depth coverage for dental care

Provides more general dental coverage

Cost

Might be higher compared to inclusive plans

Cost-effective for an all-in-one healthcare solution

Best Fit For

Those with specific dental preferences or anticipating significant dental work

Those looking for a comprehensive package covering both general health and dental needs

Benefits

Worth considering if dental needs are extensive

Efficient and broad safety net for healthcare

Employer Sponsored Dental Insurance vs Private Dental Insurance

Employer-Sponsored Dental Insurance:

 

  • Offered as part of an employee benefits package, often with a portion of the premium covered by the employer.
  • May include a co-payment system where the insured contributes a fixed amount towards the cost of dental treatment.
  • Access to a network of dental clinics which may offer discounted services to members of the insurance plan.
  • The premium and extent of coverage may be influenced by the employer's selection and negotiation with the insurance provider.
  • Generally provides a convenient and cost-effective option for dental coverage as part of a comprehensive health benefits plan.

Private Dental Insurance:

 

  • Purchased by an individual independently from an employer, with the individual typically paying the full premium.
  • Plans can be tailored to individual needs, and the insured may pay a deductible before insurance covers the costs.
  • The insured can choose their preferred dental service provider, which may include a broader network or any provider of their choosing.
  • Premiums and coverage options are selected by the individual, who can adjust them to fit their personal needs and budget.
  • Offers flexibility and the potential for more extensive coverage, though often at a higher cost than employer-sponsored options.


Dental Insurance: Coverage & Costs

Examples of Treatments Covered Cost in Singapore (Per Month)
Preventative Dental Coverage

Routine check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, oral cancer screenings, night guards for teeth grinding (bruxism), sports mouthguards

$20 - $50

Basic Dental Coverage

Fillings, extractions, periodontal treatment, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), simple tooth extractions (non-surgical), minor restorative services like basic resin fillings, periodontal maintenance

$50 - $100

Major Dental Coverage

Crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, orthodontics, complex tooth extractions (surgical or impacted teeth), advanced periodontal treatments (e.g., gum graft surgery)

$100 - $200

Exact coverages and costs can vary significantly depending on the specific insurance plan and provider. Coverage terms and costs of these dental insurance plans comply with regulations from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), ensuring they meet national financial and healthcare standards.

How Much Can You Save With Dental Insurance?

When Hafiz chipped his tooth during a friendly game of football, he was worried about the cost of dental care. As a graphic designer who freelanced, every dollar mattered. His dental insurance, which seemed like a monthly indulgence, became his financial saviour, covering the $1,500 procedure entirely. Without the insurance, Hafiz would have had to dip into his savings, but instead, he walked out with a smile, paying nothing out of pocket.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dental insurance can cover the full cost of unexpected dental procedures.
2. Regular premiums can safeguard savings against medical emergencies.
3. Even for freelancers, dental insurance is a valuable safety net.
4. The right dental insurance plan can offer comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

Making a Dental Insurance Claim at Nuffield Dental

nuffield dental holland village - reception area

 

Claiming your dental insurance at Nuffield Dental is straightforward, even though we do not offer direct billing. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process of indirect billing:

1. After receiving your dental treatment, ask our friendly staff for a detailed invoice that includes all the necessary codes and descriptions required by your insurance provider.
2. Pay for your treatment upfront. We accept various forms of payment, including credit card, to make this as convenient as possible for you.
3. Submit the invoice to your insurance provider for reimbursement according to their policies and procedures.
4. Your insurance provider will then process your claim and issue reimbursement directly to you based on your plan's coverage.
Rest assured, as a patient at Nuffield Dental, you will receive dedicated care focused on preventive measures and the enhancement of your overall dental health.

 

For your convenience, we have 12 clinic locations across the island.To experience quality dental care and treatment, book an appointment with Nuffield Dental today!

Dental Insurance FAQs

1. Where Can I Buy Dental Insurance in Singapore?

Insurance providers like AIA, Chubb, and Great Eastern offer dental insurance plans. Policies can also be purchased through brokers or directly from insurance companies.

2. What is the Cost of Dental Insurance in Singapore?

The cost of dental insurance in Singapore can indeed vary, typically ranging from $20 to $200 per month, depending on the level of coverage you choose.

At Nuffield Dental, we understand navigating dental insurance options can be complex. Here’s what to look out for when choosing dental insurance:

Coverage Options

The insurance coverage you opt for will influence your premium. Basic policies cover essential dental maintenance like check-ups, while more comprehensive options extend to advanced treatments such as implants and orthodontics.

Age Impact

Premiums are affected by age, with generally lower rates for the young and gradually increasing as one gets older, reflecting the higher likelihood of requiring dental procedures.

Current Dental Health

Your existing oral health may be factored into your insurance costs. If you have ongoing dental conditions, expect that your premium could reflect the increased need for care.

Choosing Providers within the Network

Dental insurance plans usually come with a network of dentists. Sticking to this network can lead to lower costs, while choosing an out-of-network dentist may result in higher expenses.

3. What is the Waiting Period for Dental Insurance Coverage?

While a waiting period doesn’t apply to all dental insurance plans, it’s typically six months for those which have one. During this period, note that any dental work - major or minor - will not be covered.

4. How do I Pick a Suitable Dental Insurance Plan?

Assess your dental needs, compare plan benefits and costs, and consider whether standalone or inclusive plans suit you best. When in doubt regarding certain details, consider reaching out to the individual providers.

5. Should I Pick a Healthcare Insurance Plan or a Standalone Dental Insurance Plan?

This depends on your overall health and dental care needs. A standalone plan is ideal for specific dental coverage, while a healthcare plan is broader. Integrating dental coverage with health insurance can provide comprehensive health protection, including dental health.

6. Is There Dental Insurance for Expats in Singapore?

Definitely. As an expat, you can obtain dental insurance, with several plans specifically designed for your needs. For more information, hop on over to our expat dental page.

7. Does Dental Insurance For Freelancers Exist? 

Yes. For freelancers considering dental insurance, the unique considerations include:

 

1. Financial Responsibility: Freelancers must cover the entire cost of the insurance premium themselves, without any employer contribution.

2. Value for Investment: It's crucial for freelancers to ensure that their chosen plan offers good value, considering they are fully self-funding their dental insurance.

 

These considerations are unique to freelancers as they independently manage and finance their dental insurance without the typical subsidies or support structures available to full-time employees.

8. Are There Dental Insurance Plans That Cover Dental Emergencies?

Yes, some dental insurance plans in Singapore offer coverage for dental emergencies. These plans typically include treatments like consultation, emergency dental treatment, and root canals​.

9. Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Procedures?

Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, dental implants, or Invisalign, unless medically necessary. Coverage usually focuses on procedures essential for oral hygiene and medically necessary treatments.

10. Can I Use Medisave for Dental Treatments?

In Singapore, Medisave can be used to pay for certain dental procedures such as dental implants, wisdom tooth extraction, and gum treatments. However, you won't be able to claim for non-surgical procedures such as braces and veneers.

Woman contacting Nuffield Dental

Solve Your Dental Health Issue

Consult us to discuss the best way to fix your dental problem or that of your family. If you would simply like to ask us a question, we would love to hear from you.

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