If you are self-employed in Canada, managing your dental insurance is often more complicated than for those with employer-sponsored coverage. Without workplace benefits, freelancers and self-employed seniors must find affordable dental insurance to cover routine cleanings, exams, and major procedures.
Dental care in Canada can be expensive. A standard cleaning can cost between $150 and $300, while crowns, dentures, or implants can run into thousands of dollars. Having a reliable dental insurance plan is essential to manage these costs.
In this guide, we review the 10 best affordable dental insurance plans for self-employed individuals in Canada. We highlight premiums, coverage options, annual maximums, and how these plans fit into a self-employed lifestyle.
Why Self-Employed Seniors in Canada Need Dental Insurance
Dental costs rise with age
As you age, dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and restorative needs become more common. Insurance helps you manage these higher costs.
Protects from unexpected financial burdens
Dental emergencies or major procedures can cost thousands of dollars. Insurance reduces the financial stress by covering part or all of these expenses.
Supports preventive dental care
Most dental insurance plans in Canada fully cover preventive care like exams and cleanings, encouraging you to maintain good oral health and avoid expensive procedures later.
Deductible as a business expense
Self-employed Canadians may be able to deduct dental insurance premiums as part of their healthcare expenses, further reducing the cost of coverage.
What to Look for in Dental Insurance Plans for Self-Employed in Canada
1. Coverage
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Preventive care: cleanings, X-rays, exams
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Basic services: fillings, extractions, root canals
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Major services: crowns, dentures, implants
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Orthodontics: optional in some plans
2. Premiums and deductibles
Evaluate whether the monthly cost and deductible fit your budget.
3. Annual maximum benefit
Most Canadian dental insurance plans set an annual maximum they will pay. Choose a plan with enough coverage for your needs.
4. Waiting periods
Some plans delay coverage for major services. If you need immediate dental work, opt for plans with no or short waiting periods.
5. Network and flexibility
Large networks and flexible enrollment periods are especially valuable for self-employed individuals.
Summary Table: Best 10 Affordable Dental Insurance Plans for Self-Employed in Canada
| Insurance Company | Average Monthly Premium | Annual Maximum Benefit | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manulife Flexcare | $35–$70 | $1,000–$2,000 | Customizable plans, preventive and basic coverage included |
| Sun Life Health & Dental | $32–$75 | $1,000–$2,000 | Large network, great preventive care coverage |
| Green Shield Canada (GSC) | $30–$68 | $1,000–$2,000 | Flexible plans for individuals and families |
| Canada Life | $35–$72 | $1,000–$1,500 | Reliable nationwide coverage, strong reputation |
| Desjardins Dental Care | $33–$70 | $1,000–$2,000 | High customer satisfaction, optional orthodontic coverage |
| Blue Cross Health & Dental | $30–$65 | $1,000–$2,000 | Provincial divisions, strong preventive care coverage |
| Industrial Alliance (iA) | $32–$69 | $1,000–$1,500 | No waiting periods for preventive services |
| RBC Health Insurance | $34–$70 | $1,000–$2,000 | Bundling discounts for multiple policies |
| Equitable Life | $33–$68 | $1,000–$1,500 | Simple individual and family plans |
| Medavie Blue Cross | $30–$65 | $1,000–$2,000 | Strong presence in Atlantic Canada, affordable premiums |
Premiums and coverage vary by province, age, and specific plan.
Detailed Reviews: Best 10 Affordable Dental Insurance Plans for Self-Employed in Canada
1. Manulife Flexcare
Why it’s great: Manulife Flexcare is one of Canada’s most popular dental insurance plans for individuals and self-employed seniors because of its flexibility.
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Premiums: $35–$70 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$2,000
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Coverage: Includes preventive and basic dental services, with optional major dental care coverage.
This plan is ideal if you want to customize your coverage based on your needs and budget.
2. Sun Life Health & Dental
Sun Life is a leading insurance provider offering comprehensive dental benefits.
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Premiums: $32–$75 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$2,000
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Benefits: 100% preventive care, 80% basic services, 50% major care depending on the plan.
Sun Life is a strong choice for self-employed individuals looking for extensive coverage and a large dental network.
3. Green Shield Canada (GSC)
GSC offers competitive dental plans that are well-suited for freelancers.
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Premiums: $30–$68 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$2,000
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Highlights: Easy online enrollment, customizable plans, and optional orthodontics.
Green Shield is one of the best options for self-employed seniors who want simple and flexible coverage.
4. Canada Life
Canada Life is a trusted name in health and dental insurance.
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Premiums: $35–$72 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$1,500
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Why it’s ideal: Strong reputation, solid preventive care coverage, and straightforward policies.
This plan is particularly recommended for individuals who value reliability and nationwide coverage.
5. Desjardins Dental Care
Desjardins offers well-structured plans with optional orthodontic coverage.
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Premiums: $33–$70 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$2,000
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Key features: Strong preventive care benefits, optional major services, and high customer satisfaction.
Desjardins is a great choice for self-employed seniors who need a balanced plan.
6. Blue Cross Health & Dental
Blue Cross operates provincially, offering plans tailored to each region.
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Premiums: $30–$65 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$2,000
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Benefits: Full coverage for preventive care, options for basic and major services.
This plan is particularly strong in preventive care and is ideal for seniors who want a reliable, affordable plan.
7. Industrial Alliance (iA Financial Group)
Industrial Alliance provides simple plans with no waiting periods for preventive care.
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Premiums: $32–$69 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$1,500
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Why it’s recommended: Ideal for those who need immediate coverage for cleanings and exams.
8. RBC Health Insurance
RBC offers dental insurance as part of its health and dental packages.
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Premiums: $34–$70 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$2,000
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Advantages: Discounts available when you bundle with other RBC insurance products.
RBC’s brand reputation and flexible coverage make it a solid choice for self-employed seniors.
9. Equitable Life
Equitable Life is known for its straightforward plans.
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Premiums: $33–$68 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$1,500
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Benefits: Covers preventive and basic dental services, with options for major care.
This is a strong option if you prefer simple coverage without many extras.
10. Medavie Blue Cross
Medavie Blue Cross is popular in Atlantic Canada.
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Premiums: $30–$65 per month
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Annual maximum: $1,000–$2,000
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Why it’s ideal: Affordable premiums, strong preventive care coverage, and optional add-ons for major services.
Tips for Self-Employed Seniors in Canada to Save on Dental Insurance
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Compare multiple quotes: Rates and coverage vary widely between providers and provinces.
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Bundle policies: Many insurers offer discounts when you combine dental, health, or life insurance.
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Select plans with strong preventive care: This helps reduce the risk of expensive procedures later.
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Look for no waiting period options: This is helpful if you need dental work soon.
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Consider your dental history: Choose a plan that balances premiums with likely future needs.
FAQs: Affordable Dental Insurance for Self-Employed in Canada
1. What is the cheapest dental insurance plan in Canada for self-employed seniors?
Plans from Green Shield Canada and Medavie Blue Cross often have the lowest premiums, starting around $30 per month.
2. Can I deduct dental insurance premiums from my taxes in Canada?
Yes, self-employed individuals can often deduct dental insurance premiums as a healthcare expense.
3. Are there dental plans with no waiting periods in Canada?
Yes, Industrial Alliance and some Blue Cross plans offer no waiting periods for preventive care.
4. Can I buy dental insurance any time of year?
Yes, most individual dental insurance plans allow year-round enrollment.
5. How much does dental insurance cost in Canada for seniors?
Expect to pay between $30 and $75 per month depending on age, province, and coverage level.
6. Do these plans cover major dental work like crowns and dentures?
Yes, but coverage percentages and annual maximums vary. Check the details of each plan.
7. Which plan offers the highest annual maximum benefit?
Denali-like increasing maximum plans are rare in Canada, but Manulife Flexcare and Desjardins offer annual maximums up to $2,000.
8. Are orthodontics covered?
Some plans, such as Desjardins and Green Shield Canada, offer optional orthodontic coverage.
9. Is dental insurance worth it if I only need cleanings?
Yes, because preventive care is often covered at 100%, making cleanings nearly free.
10. Are there province-specific dental insurance options?
Yes, Blue Cross and Medavie Blue Cross offer provincial divisions with tailored plans.
Conclusion
Finding the best affordable dental insurance for self-employed seniors in Canada is essential for maintaining good oral health and avoiding high out-of-pocket costs. Plans from Manulife Flexcare, Sun Life, Green Shield Canada, and Blue Cross offer flexible options and reliable coverage for preventive and major dental care.
Self-employed individuals should compare multiple quotes, understand coverage limits, and select a plan that fits their dental needs and budget. Acting early can help secure better premiums and ensure long-term oral health.