MetLife has the best dental insurance plans with no annual maximum benefit. Our research found it offers the lowest premiums and the best coverage for major dental care.
Finding dental insurance without an annual maximum can be challenging, but there are a few companies that offer good benefits. We researched six dental insurance plans that have no annual maximum and cover preventive care (annual cleanings, for example), basic care (such as fillings and extractions), and major care (including crowns and implants). We made our picks based on criteria that fall into categories including plan cost, coverage, and customer satisfaction ratings.
Best Dental Insurance Companies With No Annual Maximum of 2024
- Best Overall and Best for Premiums and Major Coverage: MetLife
- Best Customer Satisfaction: Humana
- Best Basic Coverage: Delta Dental
- Best PPO: Physicians Mutual
Best Overall and Best for Premiums and Major Coverage : MetLife
![MetLife](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/WwE8h0ErVXzcszaWmY_z2opAAL0=/fit-in/1500x750/filters:format(png):fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MetLife-logo-45b520ab06e5446388eeb7a2fb4ce10b.jpg)
MetLife
- Avg. Premium for Sample Plan: $7
- Avg. Copay for Major Care (Sample Plan): Up to $525
- Company’s Nationwide Availability: 50 states plus D.C.
MetLife is our top pick for dental insurance with no annual maximum. In terms of cost, MetLife has the best premium out of the six insurers we reviewed in the two locations where we gathered quotes (Los Angeles and El Paso, Texas).
The company offers two health maintenance organization (HMO) plans with no annual maximum benefit in those locations. As with most HMOs and no-annual-max plans, you don’t pay an annual or lifetime deductible, but you will make a copay for each service you use. One MetLife no-annual-max plan has a lower premium and higher copays than the other.
However, MetLife categorizes many services as preventive and qualifying for a $0 copay, including oral exams, bitewing and full-mouth X-rays, and fluoride treatments. Cleanings require only a $20 copay.
Finally, we found that MetLife’s lowest-cost HMO plan (DHMO - Low) is the best for major dental care. Sample pricing online still shows required copays, but prices range from $350 for a crown to $525 for a complete denture—about one-third to one-fourth of the average cost without insurance.
However, basic care, such as fillings, has higher prices compared to many other insurers we reviewed. Your copay for basic services ranges from $15 (amalgam filling) to $225 (root canal), for example. Also note that the DHMO - Low plan is only available to individuals in four states: California, Florida, New York, and Texas. Check your state for available plans there.
Most affordable premium
Best coverage for major dental services
Solid preventive coverage
Higher basic coverage copays
Limited state availability of sample plan
MetLife sells a variety of individual and group insurance products. The company began selling life insurance in 1868 and is currently the largest life insurance provider in North America. It also conducts business in more than 40 countries.
You may have a hard time finding the DHMO - Low plan outside of California, Florida, Texas, New York, and New Jersey. But MetLife sells several dental insurance plans, including HMO and preferred physician organization (PPO) plans and a discount dental insurance program, through its website, agents, and the NCD by MetLife program.
MetLife’s dental network for all plans consists of 146,000 providers, although HMOs typically have more restricted networks. Ensure there’s a provider nearby if you choose an HMO plan.
You can learn more about MetLife’s dental insurance plans by visiting its website. You can contact the dental insurance department by calling 1-800-942-0854. MetLife members also have access to an online portal and mobile app.
The cost of dental insurance depends on several factors, including your location and age. To help you understand what you might pay for dental insurance with no annual maximum, we got quotes for a 30-year-old female in Los Angeles County (90011 ZIP code). Amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar.
Plan | Monthly Premium | Basic Coverage Copay | Major Coverage Copay |
---|---|---|---|
DHMO-Low | $8 | You pay $15-$225 | You pay up to $525 |
DHMO-High | $11 | You pay $0-$110 | You pay up to $400 |
Best Customer Satisfaction : Humana
![Humana Insurance](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/vqI0UY00pkT-k3RQ5dDjQdN-El0=/fit-in/1500x750/filters:format(png):fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/humana-645e1d502ade49e49aea07cde9a7db9d.jpg)
Humana Insurance
- Avg. Premium for Sample Plan: $11
- Avg. Copay for Major Care (Sample Plan): Up to $550
- Company’s Nationwide Availability: 40 states plus DC
Humana has the best combination of customer satisfaction ratings out of the six dental insurance providers we reviewed. In the 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study from J.D. Power, Humana earned a score of 809 (out of 1,000), ranking second out of nine companies and higher than any other provider on this list.
The company’s average National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index over the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 is 0.63, which is below the benchmark index of 1.0. That means Humana has about one-third fewer complaints than expected for its size. This is better than everyone else on this list except for Delta Dental.
Humana offers two plans with no annual maximum in the ZIP codes we surveyed: one HMO and one PPO. The PPO plan (Preventive Value) has higher premiums and doesn’t offer any coverage for major procedures. There is absolutely no coverage for oral surgery, root canals, crowns, or dentures.
Humana’s HMO plan (Dental Value) covers preventive, basic, and major care. There is no charge for preventive exams, cleanings, and most X-rays. The in-network copay for basic services ranges from $0 to $205, with $30 to $45 for an amalgam filling.
For major services, copay pricing is a little higher than MetLife’s. A crown copay is $410, while a complete denture costs $550.
Highest J.D. Power rating
Two plans with no annual maximum in the ZIP codes we checked
Limited availability
More expensive HMO premium than competitors
Humana was established in 1961 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The company sells individual health and dental insurance plans, as well as Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.
We found six dental insurance plans available in Texas, and about half have no waiting period before you can use your benefits. The Dental Value plan we gathered quotes for is only available in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas, so you’ll need to try another option if you live outside those states.
Humana has 117,000 dentists and providers in its dental network.
To contact Humana about individual dental insurance plans, you can call 1-877-877-1051 during business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Humana plan members can access their policies through an online portal and mobile app.
To give you an idea of the types of plans Humana offers and their features, we collected quotes for a 30-year-old female applicant living in Florida and rounded prices to the nearest dollar. Note that because Humana does not offer these plans in California, these quotes don’t provide an apples-to-apples cost comparison to other providers for which we collected quotes in Los Angeles. Also, you may find other plans in your state.
Plan | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Basic Coverage | Major Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dental Value (HMO) | $11 | $0 | You pay $0-$205 copay | You pay up to $550 |
Preventive Value (PPO) | $22 | $50 | Humana pays 50% after deductible (in-network); 30% after deductible (out-of-network) | Not offered |
Best Basic Coverage : Delta Dental
![Delta Dental PPO Premium](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/fzr8QUcsDQ2NLGE6WOL_dbE0tMU=/fit-in/1500x750/filters:format(png):fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DeltaDentalPPOPremium-7de7cb6d9a4449d89062d130da0878d3.jpg)
Delta Dental PPO Premium
- Avg. Premium for Sample plan: $9
- Avg. Copay for Major Care (Sample Plan): Up to $700
- Company’s Nationwide Availability: 50 states plus D.C.
Delta Dental has the best coverage for no annual maximum plans when you need basic dental services, such as fillings and simple extractions. For the lowest-cost plan, known as DeltaCare USA, the copay for basic, restorative dental care ranges from $15 to $120, which is much lower than the copays for all the other plans we reviewed.
The in-network copays for preventive care range from $0 to $85 (the highest in our study). The outlier in Delta Dental’s preventive care is for a space maintainer at $85. But most procedures are no-cost, and a cleaning will run you just $5.
For in-network major dental work, your copay could go as high as $700. A ceramic crown copay is $375, which is on the higher end.
Best plan for basic services
Few complaints for its size
Higher copays for some preventive and major dental care
Delta Dental began in 1954 and its national headquarters is in Oakbrook, Illinois. The company sells a wide variety of dental insurance plans in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico through its network of 39 independent Delta Dental companies. More than 80 million Americans have insurance coverage from Delta Dental.
The DeltaCare USA plan is available in California, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington D.C. In other states, plans without an annual maximum may go by other names or be offered as PPOs. For example, the Clear or Clear Plus PPO dental plans are available in Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The plans typically offer no annual maximum, no waiting periods, and flat copays.
Delta Dental also has excellent customer satisfaction, with the best NAIC complaint index in our study. It was not rated in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Insurance Study.
To get in touch with the company, find the Delta Dental organization in your state or region. Current plan members can also access their policy through an online customer portal and mobile app.
The quote below is based on a 30-year-old female applicant living in Los Angeles County (90011 ZIP code) and is rounded to the nearest dollar. This is just a sample plan, and you may find different ones in your state.
Plan | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Basic Coverage | Major Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
DeltaCare USA | $9 | $0 | You pay $25-$120 copay | You pay up to $700 copay |
Best PPO : Physicians Mutual
![Physicians Mutual](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/TvGs7h0csdHEVA_DPo_vuWV68cw=/fit-in/1500x750/filters:format(png):fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/physicians-mutual-74ed8f0d121c41cca16e2a13bf75045e.png)
Physicians Mutual
- Avg. Premium for Sample Plan: $31
- Avg. Coverage for Major Care (Sample Plan): 25% after deductible
- Company’s National Availability: 42 states and D.C.
If you’re looking for a PPO plan with no annual maximum, you may want to consider Physicians Mutual. A PPO plan typically has a larger network than an HMO and offers more flexibility to choose a provider, but has more expensive premiums. There also tend to be fewer PPO plans that offer coverage with no annual maximum.
Physicians Mutual’s in-network preventive care, which includes a broad array of services such as cleanings, fluoride, and space maintainers, is covered at 100%.
The company’s lowest-priced no-annual-max plan in the ZIP codes we surveyed is known as Economy. This plan (and two others) don’t pay percentages or ask you for a flat copay. Instead, Physician Mutual pays a fixed dollar amount toward your costs, based on the procedure.
For basic services, Physicians Mutual’s economy plan covers between $8 (sealant) and $110 (removal of a benign lesion) worth of services. For major services, Physicians Mutual covers between $23 (periodontal scaling and root planing—one to three teeth per quadrant) and $350 (an implant).
So, it may be a little challenging to figure out how much of the dental bill you’ll potentially pay as a result. Other Physician Mutual plans pay more toward your costs, but they will have annual caps. Read exclusions carefully.
"Of the 17 companies we researched, only two offered PPO plans with no annual maximum, and only one of those covered preventive, basic, and major services. On the other hand, most HMOs have no annual max and no waiting period. They’re typically cheaper than PPOs, but they also limit your choice of dentist and put heavier emphasis on coverage for preventive care." —Shanker Narayan, Investopedia Research Analyst
Best no-annual maximum preventive coverage in a PPO
Best no-annual maximum major coverage in a PPO
Higher premiums than other no-annual-max PPOs and HMOs
Higher out-of-pocket costs
Worse customer complaint record than expected for its size
Physicians Mutual was founded in 1902 and is based in Omaha, Nebraska. The company began by selling health insurance to doctors and surgeons across the U.S. Over time, it expanded into other areas, including life insurance and Medicare Supplement plans.
Physicians Mutual sells four dental insurance plans with no deductible or annual maximum in the ZIP code we researched, but it may have a different offering in your state. You can get a quote online or by contacting the company.
You can call Physicians Mutual at 1-800-228-9100, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Members also get access to an online portal and mobile app where they can find dentists, file claims, make payments, and more.
Below are quotes for an applicant living in Los Angeles, rounded to the nearest dollar. You may find other plans in your state.
Plan | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Basic Coverage | Major Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Economy | $31 | $0 | Insurer pays 25% | Insurer pays 25% |
Standard | $39 | $0 | Insurer pays 40% | Insurer pays 40% |
Preferred | $47 | $0 | Insurer pays 55% | Insurer pays 55% |
Premier | $57 | $0 | Insurer pays 70% | Insurer pays 70% |
Most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum. If you spend more on dental care than your plan’s annual maximum during the policy period, you have to pay the difference out of pocket. For people who need frequent dental care, a plan with an annual maximum may not offer suitable coverage.
“I would prefer that my patients did not have to deal with low annual maximums,” said Mark Vitale, a dentist at Edison Dental Arts in Edison, New Jersey, and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA). “When patients have a plan with an annual maximum, they’re often concerned about the cost of treatment, and it can prevent them from getting the treatment they need when they need it.”
For that reason, choosing a dental insurance plan with no annual maximum can help you reduce your out-of-pocket spending on dental care. These plans are especially beneficial if you need or anticipate needing major dental care such as dentures or surgical extractions, which often have high treatment costs.
Our Expert Pick for Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum in Any State
Overall, MetLife has the best dental insurance plans with no annual maximum. MetLife also has the best premiums and the best coverage for major dental services. However, other insurers scored better in specific categories. For example, Delta Dental has the best coverage for basic dental services and Physicians Mutual has the best PPO plan with no annual maximum.
Before choosing a dental insurance plan, it's important to consider cost. Below are the average monthly premiums and annual deductibles for our top-rated plan, MetLife’s DHMO - Low, in four states.
State (ZIP Code) | MetLife DHMO - Low |
---|---|
New York (10001) | $5.10 monthly premium $0 annual deductible |
Florida (34787) | $8.20 monthly premium $0 annual deductible |
Texas (79936) | $7.03 monthly premium $0 annual deductible |
California (90011) | $7.50 monthly premium $0 annual deductible |
Compare the Best Dental Insurance Companies With No Annual Maximum
Company | Monthly Premium | Preventive Coverage | Basic Coverage | Major Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
MetLife Best Overall and Best for Premiums and Major Coverage | $7 | You pay $0-$70 copay | You pay $15-$225 copay | You pay up to $525 |
Humana Best for Customer Satisfaction | $11 | You pay $0-$70 copay | You pay $0-$205 copay | You pay up to $550 |
Delta Dental Best for Basic Coverage | $9 | You pay $0-$85 copay | You pay $25-$120 copay | You pay up to $700 |
Physicians Mutual Best PPO | $31 | Insurer pays 100% in-network only | Insurer pays 25% | Insurer pays 25% |
What Is an Annual Maximum Benefit?
An annual maximum benefit is the most money your insurance company will pay for covered dental services during the year. It’s a cap on your coverage. You might also see it referred to as a coverage limit. If the cost of your dental care exceeds the annual maximum benefit at any point during the year, you must pay the rest of your dental treatment out of pocket until the next policy period starts. Preventative care, such as cleanings and routine X-rays, may not count toward the annual maximum benefit, but check your plan details to be sure.
"Benefit caps typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 and this is sufficient to meet the needs of many people. However, if you anticipate needing multiple major procedures, or have a chronic dental condition that requires frequent care, it could be worth considering a plan with no annual maximum." —Shanker Narayan, Investopedia Research Analyst
How to Choose Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum
Before choosing a dental insurance plan with no annual maximum, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Even if your dental plan has no annual maximum, you will be responsible for copayments. No-annual-maximum plans tend to ask for low preventive copays, but the copays for other procedures can add up. Research which procedures you might need in the next year, and total the estimated costs.
- Premium: Dental insurance premiums depend on a variety of factors, including your age and insurance company. Consider getting quotes from several insurers to find a plan that fits your coverage needs and budget. Many no-annual-max plans will charge your entire premium up-front or require automatic withdrawals.
- Exclusions: No-annual-max plans tend to have rules and restrictions around coverage. For example, coverage for a crown may be limited to once every five years. Fluoride treatments may only apply to children. Some plans exclude orthodontia, while others include it.
- Provider ratings: It’s a good idea to check an insurer’s third-party ratings before getting a policy. The NAIC and J.D. Power publish scores that can give you a better sense of the company's overall customer satisfaction and customer service.
How Much Does Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum Cost?
The cost of dental insurance with no annual maximum ranges from $7 to $16 per month for PPOs and $22 to $31 per month for HMOs, according to the quotes we got. However, your dental insurance premium depends on several factors, including your age, location, and insurance company.
Does Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum Cost More?
Dental insurance plans with no annual maximum typically cost less than plans with an annual maximum. This is because most no-annual-maximum plans are HMOs, which require you to select an in-network provider who offers all dental services to you. You can’t get out-of-network care covered.
Why You Should Trust Us
Investopedia collected more than 595 key data points from 17 dental insurance companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a dental insurance company and plan. We used this data to review each company for premiums, waiting periods, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best dental insurance companies since 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum Worth It?
If you need significant dental care and want help with costs, a dental insurance plan with no annual maximum could potentially help you save money if you’re mindful of copays. A no-annual-max plan may also be worth it for the extensive preventive benefits offered, typically at low to $0 copays. However, you may need to work within the limited provider offerings of an HMO to get a no-annual-max plan.
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What’s the Downside of Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum?
A plan with no annual maximum may still lead to significant out-of-pocket costs. For example, if you needed deep gum cleaning at $70 per quadrant, you’d still need to pay $280 out of pocket for that procedure, in addition to your premium. If you’ve put off dental work for years and have a mouthful of issues to address, the costs can still add up. So research plans carefully regarding copays.
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What Kinds of Dental Plans Have No Annual Maximum?
Most plans without an annual maximum are HMO plans, although there are a few PPO plans as well. However, PPO plans may not cover procedures at all, or may not cover them in the same manner as an HMO. Dental savings plans usually don’t have an annual maximum, either. You can use your savings plan to get discounted dental services with no maximum limit for the year.
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Why Is Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum Hard to Find?
Most no annual maximum plans are HMO plans, which restrict you to specific dentists for all services, with narrower networks of dentists available. As of 2020, dental HMOs (DHMOs) only made up 4% of the dental benefits market, according to the American Dental Association. PPO plans are far more popular with consumers because you can choose your dentist.
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Companies We Reviewed
These are the companies we reviewed to find the best dental plans with no annual maximum:
- MetLife
- Anthem BCBS
- Humana
- Delta Dental
- Physicians Mutual
How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance Companies With No Annual Maximum
To determine which dental insurance companies to review, we tapped into both market data and public sentiment. We used business and industry databases to get insights into market share, and user-generated data from Google to understand trends and public interest in stand-alone dental plans.
This analysis narrowed our focus to five key companies offering dental plans with no annual maximum for preventive, basic, and major care to individuals. While most of these plans are HMOs, two are PPOs, and we included one on this list for people who prefer to have a wider network of dentists.
We collected data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a standard-setting and regulatory support organization that maintains a database of customer complaints. We also gathered data directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process took place between Oct. 9, 2023, and Dec. 23, 2023.
We then developed a quantitative model that scored each dental insurance provider based on eight criteria that fall into five major categories and are crucial in evaluating the company’s offerings and benefits. We weighted the five categories as follows for this article:
- Coverage: 50%
- Cost: 25%
- Customer Satisfaction: 15%
- Customer Service: 5%
- State Availability: 5%
To learn more about our process for finding the best dental insurance companies, read our full methodology.
Guide to Dental Insurance
- How Does Dental Insurance Work?
- How to Choose Dental Insurance
- Can I Get Dental Insurance Through the Health Insurance Marketplace?
- Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
- How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
- Is Dental Insurance Tax Deductible?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
- Using Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Dental Care
- Best Dental Insurance Companies
- Best Dental Insurance With No Waiting Periods
- Best Dental Insurance for Implants
- Best Dental Insurance for Braces
- Best Dental Insurance for Older Adults
- Best Dental Insurance for Older Adults on Medicare
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Investopedia / Alice Morgan