Best Dental Insurance for Implants (2026)

Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. They look and function like natural teeth, preserve jawbone density, and can last a lifetime with proper care. But they come with a significant price tag. A single dental implant costs between $3,000 and $6,000, and full-arch replacements can run $20,000 to $50,000. Finding dental insurance that helps cover these costs takes careful research.

The challenge is that many dental insurance plans either exclude implants entirely or provide limited coverage with long waiting periods and low annual maximums. This article explains how dental insurance applies to implants, what to look for in a plan, and strategies to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Plans and coverage vary by location, so always verify the details of any plan available in your area.

Why Dental Implants Are Hard to Insure

Dental insurance was originally designed to cover preventive and basic care, such as cleanings, exams, fillings, and simple extractions. Implants are classified as a major dental service, which places them in the highest cost tier. Several features of standard dental insurance make covering implants difficult.

• Annual maximums are too low: Most dental plans have annual maximums of $1,000 to $2,000. Since a single implant costs $3,000 to $6,000, even if the plan covers 50% of major services, the annual maximum will cap the actual payout at $500 to $1,000 in most cases.
• Long waiting periods: Plans that cover implants usually require a waiting period of 12 to 24 months before benefits kick in for major services. This means you must pay premiums for one to two years before the plan will cover any implant costs.
• Some plans exclude implants: Not all dental plans cover implants. Some classify them as cosmetic or elective and exclude them from coverage entirely. Others may cover the crown portion of the implant but not the surgical placement of the post.
• Alternative benefit clauses: Some plans use an alternative benefit clause, meaning they will pay only what a less expensive treatment would cost. For example, the plan might cover an implant only up to the amount it would pay for a bridge or partial denture, which could be significantly less.

These factors mean that dental insurance alone is unlikely to cover the full cost of an implant. However, having the right plan can still save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

What to Look for in a Dental Plan for Implants

If you know you will need dental implants, look for a plan that addresses the specific factors that limit implant coverage. Here is what to evaluate:

• Implant-specific coverage: Confirm that the plan explicitly lists dental implants as a covered service. Read the plan's evidence of coverage or summary of benefits carefully. Look for coverage of all three components: the implant post (placed surgically into the jawbone), the abutment (the connector), and the crown (the visible tooth).
• Annual maximum: Look for plans with higher annual maximums, ideally $2,000 or more. Some plans offer maximums of $3,000 to $5,000, which will cover a larger share of implant costs. Keep in mind that plans with higher maximums usually have higher premiums.
• Waiting period: Understand the waiting period for major services. If you can plan ahead, enrolling in a plan 12 to 24 months before you need the implant lets you satisfy the waiting period while using the plan for preventive care in the meantime.
• Coinsurance percentage: Plans that cover implants typically pay 50% of the cost after you meet the deductible. Some plans may offer higher coverage percentages after you have been enrolled for multiple years.
• No alternative benefit clause: Avoid plans that use an alternative benefit clause for implants, as they will only pay the cost of a cheaper alternative like a bridge or denture.

Types of Plans That Cover Dental Implants

Several types of dental plans may cover implants. Each has different strengths and limitations. For a deeper comparison of plan structures, see our guide on DHMO vs. PPO dental insurance.

PPO Dental Plans

PPO dental plans are the most common type that covers implants. These plans let you see any dentist, with lower costs for in-network providers. A PPO plan that covers implants will typically pay 50% of the cost after the deductible, up to the annual maximum. Monthly premiums for PPO plans with implant coverage range from about $35 to $60. The main limitation is the annual maximum, which caps the plan's payout.

DHMO Dental Plans

Some DHMO plans cover implants through a fixed copay schedule. The advantage of a DHMO is that there is usually no annual maximum, so the plan's contribution is not capped. However, DHMO networks are smaller, and you must go through your assigned primary dentist. DHMO copays for implants can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the plan. Not all DHMO plans include implants, so check the copay schedule carefully.

Dental Indemnity Plans

Indemnity plans, also called fee-for-service plans, allow you to see any dentist and may cover implants at a set percentage. These plans have the most provider flexibility but tend to have the highest premiums. They still have annual maximums, which limits the total payout. Indemnity plans can be a good option if your preferred oral surgeon is not in any network.

Dental Discount Plans for Implants

Dental discount plans are an alternative to traditional insurance that can be especially useful for expensive procedures like implants. These are not insurance plans. Instead, you pay an annual membership fee, typically $80 to $200, and receive discounts on dental services at participating providers.

Key advantages of dental discount plans for implants:

• No waiting period: You can use the discount immediately after enrolling, which is a significant advantage over insurance plans with 12- to 24-month waiting periods.
• No annual maximum: There is no cap on how much you can save in a year. This is particularly helpful for implants and other high-cost procedures.
• Discounts of 10% to 60%: The discount percentage varies by procedure and provider. On a $5,000 implant, a 20% discount would save you $1,000.

You can also use a dental discount plan alongside dental insurance. Use your insurance benefits up to the annual maximum, then apply the discount plan to any remaining costs. This combination approach can help reduce the total amount you pay out of pocket.

Medicare Advantage Plans with Implant Coverage

Original Medicare does not cover dental implants or any routine dental services. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include dental benefits that may extend to implants. For a full overview of Medicare and dental care, see our article on whether Medicare covers dental services.

According to CMS data, approximately 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 offer some form of dental benefit. However, not all of these include implant coverage. Plans that do cover implants may have annual dental benefit limits, often between $1,000 and $3,000. Some plans are beginning to offer higher dental maximums or enhanced dental benefit tiers.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary considering implants, compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area through Medicare.gov's plan finder tool. Filter for plans that explicitly include implant coverage and compare the dental annual maximum, copays or coinsurance, and whether the plan requires you to use in-network providers.

Cost Strategies for Dental Implants

Given the high cost of implants and the limitations of dental insurance, many people use a combination of strategies to manage the expense. Here are approaches worth considering:

• Plan ahead and enroll early: If implants are in your future, enroll in a dental plan with implant coverage 12 to 24 months before you need the procedure. This lets you satisfy the waiting period while using the plan for preventive care.
• Spread treatment across calendar years: If you need multiple implants, schedule them across two calendar years. This lets you use two years' worth of annual maximums. For example, get one implant in December and the next in January to access two separate annual benefit periods.
• Combine insurance with a discount plan: Use your dental insurance up to its annual maximum, then apply a dental discount plan's savings to the remaining balance. This approach can reduce your total out-of-pocket cost significantly.
• Use an HSA or FSA: If you have access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for implant costs that insurance does not cover. This effectively gives you a discount equal to your tax rate.
• Ask about payment plans: Many oral surgeons and dental practices offer in-house financing or work with third-party medical financing companies. These arrangements let you spread the cost over months or years, sometimes at zero interest.
• Consider dental schools: Dental schools with implantology programs often perform implant procedures at reduced rates. The work is done by dental residents under the close supervision of experienced faculty. Wait times may be longer, but the savings can be substantial.

How Much Can Insurance Actually Save You on Implants?

To understand the real value of dental insurance for implants, it helps to run through a realistic example. Suppose you need a single implant that costs $4,500. Here is how a typical PPO plan with implant coverage might work:

• Monthly premium: $45 per month ($540 per year)
• Annual deductible: $50
• Major service coverage: 50% after deductible
• Annual maximum: $1,500
• Waiting period: 12 months (premiums paid during this time: $540)

In this scenario, after paying premiums for the 12-month waiting period ($540) and the year you get the implant ($540), plus the $50 deductible, you have spent $1,130 in plan costs. The plan would cover 50% of the $4,450 remaining after the deductible, which is $2,225, but the annual maximum caps the payout at $1,500. So the plan pays $1,500, and you pay $3,000 for the implant itself. Your total cost is $4,130, a savings of about $370 compared to paying the full $4,500 without insurance. You also received preventive care during the waiting year, which adds value.

This example shows that while dental insurance provides real savings, it does not cover the majority of an implant's cost. Combining insurance with other strategies like discount plans, HSA funds, or spreading treatment across two benefit years can increase your total savings.

The Bottom Line

Dental implants are a significant investment in your oral health, and finding the right coverage takes planning. Most dental insurance plans cover only a portion of implant costs due to annual maximums, waiting periods, and coinsurance structures. The best approach is to enroll in a plan with explicit implant coverage well before you need the procedure, and to combine insurance with other savings strategies like dental discount plans, HSA or FSA funds, and staggering treatment across benefit years.

For Medicare beneficiaries, Original Medicare does not cover implants, but some Medicare Advantage plans do include implant benefits. Compare plans carefully, paying close attention to the dental annual maximum and whether implants are explicitly listed as a covered service. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental costs continue to rise each year, making it even more important to have a coverage strategy in place.

Plans and coverage vary by location. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent or your dental provider to explore the specific options available to you.