Tips for Newcomers on Handling the Cost of Dental Care in Canada

A recent Statistics Canada study highlights that 28% of Canadians did not visit a dental professional at all in the previous year. Nearly half of those who skipped these visits pointed to cost as the main barrier– just like I did in my first year in Canada. Based on my experience, I’m not surprised by these stats.  But there are some lessons that I took away.

For those who are new to Canada, these numbers underscore the need to understand how dental services work here. From public programs to private insurance, your options will depend on your budget, job/employer, and personal needs. Below is a closer look at the study’s findings and what they mean for you. 

Key Takeaways 

• Private health coverage can help to make dental care more affordable, but having cash available to cover the gap is crucial too.  

• Choosing private health insurance that covers a higher percentage of dental services can help to keep costs down.  

The Role of Insurance and Income 

Dental insurance plays a major part in who does and does not visit the dentist. More than 2 in 5 Canadians without coverage (45%) avoided dental visits due to cost in 2023/2024, which was four times higher than those with insurance (12%). 

Income is another important factor. Canadians with a household income below $90,000 were almost three times more likely to avoid dental care than those with higher incomes. Surprisingly, even among high earners, 30% of people without dental insurance still avoided care because of cost. This data suggests that while earning more can ease some financial stress, lacking proper insurance can still lead to skipped appointments. 

Private Health Insurance Only Covers So Much 

The Statistics Canada data also showed that having benefits doesn’t necessarily mean that dental visits become affordable, especially among those with a household income of less than $90,000 annually.  

Of those who avoided the dentist, 63% cited being unable to pay the out-of-pocket portion after insurance. Another 25% said they couldn’t afford to pay up front and then wait for reimbursement. These numbers show the tricky reality many people face in Canada, where the high costs of dental care coupled with limited savings or paycheck-to-paycheck cash flow can turn minor dental issues into major ones. 

This likely rings true for many of us newcomers too, as we try to balance immigration costs and a high cost of living with getting settled and climbing the job ladder in a new country.  

Young Adults, Women, and Racialized Groups Face Greater Challenges 

Cost-related avoidance of dental care disproportionately affects young adults aged 18 to 34. Almost one-third (32%) in this age bracket skipped a dental visit in the past 12 months because of the price tag. This is significantly higher than adolescents (7%), adults aged 35 to 49 (24%), and those aged 50 to 64 (21%). 

Women are also more likely to miss dental visits because of finances, especially among younger women (38%) compared to young men (27%). Racialized Canadians report a higher rate of cost-related avoidance (33%) than non-racialized Canadians (21%), even after accounting for income differences and insurance status. Persons with disabilities likewise report skipping visits at a higher rate (36%) compared to those without disabilities (22%). 

Why This Matters for Newcomers 

For newcomers, these trends intersect with the unique challenges of settling into a new country. Many newcomers begin their Canadian journey in jobs that do not include health benefits. Part-time or contract roles may offer the flexibility needed to study or care for family, but they rarely provide comprehensive dental insurance. 

This gap can lead to delaying check-ups, which in turn may create long-term health and financial problems. For example, ignoring a simple cavity could result in more expensive treatment later. Being proactive about dental care is crucial to avoid spiraling costs—and the emotional stress that comes with them. 

Considering Private Dental Insurance 

In a perfect world, everyone would have access to a job with robust health benefits. In reality, however, many newcomers find themselves looking for coverage on their own. Private insurance can offer peace of mind and help offset the high costs of dental services. 

Providers like Cigna Global often offer flexible plans tailored to different budgets and needs. These can include coverage for basic procedures like cleanings and fillings, as well as more complex treatments like root canals or oral surgery. While private insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it can fill a gap for newcomers who need reliable coverage but lack employer-sponsored benefits. 

What to Look for in a Dental Insurance Plan 

Finding the right plan can be tricky if you’re new to the Canadian health system. There are a few things you might want to consider: 

• Coverage Details: Check which services are included, such as check-ups, X-rays, fillings, and major treatments. Some plans also include orthodontics or cosmetic procedures at an extra cost. 

• Waiting Periods: Some insurers require a waiting period before certain treatments are covered. Knowing this helps you plan your appointments and budget accordingly. 

• Annual Maximums: Many plans have an annual maximum limit on how much they will cover. Factor this in if you anticipate needing major procedures. 

• Percentage of coverage: Often dental cover from private providers will cover a portion of your total cost. It’s common to see percentages ranging from 60-90%, with some providers even offering 100% cover (though these policies will typically be more expensive!) 

• Direct Billing: Direct billing arrangements means that your insurer will pay its portion to the clinic directly. This helps keep your upfront costs lower, since you don’t have to pay the full amount and then seek reimbursement from your insurer later.  

Pay close attention to monthly premiums and co-payments. A policy that seems inexpensive up front may not offer the cover or value you want from your policy if the deductibles are high or reimbursement rates are low. 

Tips For Overcoming Cost Barriers 

Although the statistics can sound daunting, there are several ways newcomers can navigate cost barriers and maintain good oral health. A few steps to consider: 

1. Explore Community Programs: Some provinces and municipalities have subsidized or low-cost dental clinics. They can be an excellent resource for people without insurance or those on a tight budget. 
2. Negotiate Payment Plans: Dental offices may be willing to set up installment plans. If you plan ahead, you may be able to spread out payments over a few months. 
3. Take Advantage of Preventive Care: Regular cleanings and check-ups can stop bigger problems before they start.  
4. Consider Dental Schools: Look for dental schools that offer services at reduced rates through supervised student programs. UBC, for example, offers dentistry at 20-40% off typical rates, and accepts insurance. This can help keep costs down.  
5. Consider Private Coverage: Providers like Cigna Global can alleviate some of the financial pressure. Compare multiple providers to find a plan that fits your situation. 

By being proactive, you can manage the financial aspect of dental care before it becomes an emergency. 

Final Thoughts 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but you can take meaningful steps to protect your oral health. If public programs or employer benefits aren’t available, private insurance offers a safety net. But at the end of the day, whether you can access dental care is often a tale of tight budgets and other priorities. Focusing on building an emergency fund can offer a buffer when unexpected costs come up.