What You Should Know about Dental Insurance in Singapore

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy matters, but the cost of dental care can feel daunting, especially when unexpected issues or complex treatments arise. Understanding your dental insurance options in Singapore can help ease those worries, giving you clearer expectations and better control over your healthcare expenses and dental health.

What is dental insurance?

Dental insurance is a form of healthcare coverage that helps you manage the cost of maintaining good oral health. Unlike general medical insurance, dental insurance focuses specifically on preventive care, routine treatments, and more complex procedures that support long-term dental health.

In Singapore, dental coverage can come from a few different sources:

• Government schemes:

  • Used for certain dental procedures, such as MediSave.

• Employer-provided dental benefits:

  • Included in many corporate healthcare plans.

• Private insurance plans:

  • Applied for individuals or families seeking broader or more flexible coverage.

These options recognise that dental treatments, especially orthodontics or surgical procedures, can be a significant financial commitment.

How does it typically work?

Dental insurance generally covers a spectrum of services, ranging from routine cleanings and check-ups to more complex treatments such as fillings, dental crowns, root canals, and surgical procedures. Some plans may also provide coverage for orthodontic treatments and specialised care necessitated by accidents.

The coverage operates on various models:

• Direct billing arrangements with network dental providers

• Reimbursement systems where you pay upfront and claim expenses later

• Hybrid approaches that combine elements of both

Understanding the mechanics of your specific coverage plan is essential to maximise your benefits and minimise out-of-pocket expenses.

What does dental insurance cover?

A comprehensive dental insurance plan often includes several categories of care. Knowing what falls under each category can help you better plan your treatment journey.

Preventive care

Preventive care helps you maintain good oral health and reduces the likelihood of future issues.

• Routine examinations and check-ups:

  • These visits allow your dentist to assess your oral health and recommend preventive steps. They often require minimal or no co-payment.

• Dental cleanings and scaling:

  • Essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining gum health. Many plans cover up to two sessions per year.

Restorative treatments

These treatments address existing dental problems to restore the normal function and appearance of damaged teeth. Coverage levels and co-payments vary significantly.

• Dental fillings:

  • Coverage may differ based on the material used.

• Crowns and bridges:

  • Commonly partially covered due to their complexity and materials.

• Root canal treatments:

  • Frequently included, as they help preserve natural teeth.

• Dentures:

  • Coverage typically includes the initial fitting as well as necessary adjustments.

Surgical procedures

These procedures are usually recommended for more advanced conditions and may require pre-authorisation.

• Tooth extractions:

  • Includes both simple and surgical tooth extractions.

• Oral surgery:

  • Requires specialist care such as jaw surgery or treatment of oral conditions.

• Periodontal surgery:

  • Provided when clinically necessary to treat severe gum disease.

• Dental implant:

  • Depends on the plan and may involve higher co-payments, though some insurers offer support for implants required due to medical reasons or injury.

Orthodontic treatments

Orthodontic treatments help correct issues with tooth alignment, bite problems, and jaw positioning. Most insurance plans cover this category, but it’s common to see specific conditions such as waiting periods, age limits, or lifetime claim caps.

• Traditional braces:

  • Often covered for children and teenagers, since early intervention through braces is considered medically beneficial. 

  • Some plans include adult orthodontic coverage as well, though the benefit is usually smaller.

• Clear aligners (like Invisalign):

  • These may be covered under selected plans, but the reimbursement level can vary widely.

  • Some insurers classify clear aligners as a premium option, which means you might receive partial coverage rather than the full amount.

• Related orthodontic care:

  • Adjustments, follow-up visits, and retainers may be included, though your plan may specify limits on how many visits or which types of appliances are claimable.

If you are considering a specific orthodontic treatment and want clarity on your benefits, schedule a consultation with Thomson Medical. Our medical concierge team is here to help you understand your coverage and plan your next steps with confidence.

What are the different types of dental insurance?

MediSave for dental treatments

MediSave can be used for certain dental procedures, but only when they are medically necessary. It’s designed to help Singapore residents manage the cost of essential treatments, rather than routine check-ups, whitening, or purely cosmetic work.

Treatments that may be MediSave-claimable include:

• Surgical removal of teeth:

  • Such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that cannot be extracted through simple means.

• Treatment of oral lesions or oral cancer:

  • This may involve biopsies, minor surgeries, or more complex interventions depending on the diagnosis.

• Corrective jaw surgery:

  • Typically recommended for severe bite issues or structural jaw problems that affect chewing, speech, or long-term oral health.

• Dental implant surgery: 

  • Claimable only when the implant is required due to a specific medical condition (e.g., severe trauma, cancer, or as part of medically necessary jaw surgery), and is not claimable for routine tooth replacement.

• Other complex procedures deemed medically necessary:

  • These may be approved on a case-by-case basis, depending on clinical findings and supporting documentation.

Because these treatments often involve specialists, you may be required to provide referral notes, X-rays, or medical reports to confirm medical necessity. Claims must also be processed through approved healthcare providers.

If you’re unsure whether your upcoming dental procedure qualifies for MediSave, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with Thomson Medical. We can help guide you through the requirements so you can use your MediSave benefits with confidence.

MediShield Life and dental care

MediShield Life offers only support for emergency dental treatments, and it applies mainly when the dental issue is tied to a larger medical concern. It is not meant for routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, or elective procedures.

Situations where MediShield Life may apply include:

• Dental treatment arising from accidental injuries:

  • For example, if you sustain dental trauma from a fall or accident and require urgent medical attention that involves hospitalisation or a specific approved surgery.

• Urgent dental procedures that prevent medical complications:

  • This may include infections or conditions that, if left untreated, could affect your overall health.

• Dental work required before major treatments, such as radiation therapy:

  • Certain procedures, such as radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, may require dental clearance to prevent treatment-related complications.

As with other MediShield Life claims, coverage applies only when the treatment is medically necessary. Standard co-payment and deductible rules also apply, which means you may still need to pay part of the bill out of pocket.

Private dental insurance plan

Private dental insurance offers the most comprehensive coverage and is suitable for individuals who want wider treatment options and a greater choice of providers.

Depending on the plan, benefits may include:

• Routine check-ups and preventive dental care

• Restorative treatments, including fillings, crowns and root canals

• Orthodontics (braces or aligners), often with set benefit limits

• Specialist treatments or advanced procedures

• Advanced/Aesthetic treatments under premium plans

Many insurers also partner with dental clinics to offer direct billing, which means you may not need to pay the full cost upfront. However, coverage details, such as annual benefit limits, exclusions, waiting periods, and co-payment requirements, can vary significantly.

Employee benefits and corporate plans

Many employers include dental coverage as part of their overall healthcare benefits, making it one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to access dental care. Because these are group insurance plans, they often offer better value than purchasing an individual policy.

Common features include:

• Preventive and basic restorative care

• Coverage for employees, and sometimes their families

• Access to partner dental networks

• Simplified claims and direct billing

Coverage levels can vary from one company to another, and some organisations provide enhanced dental benefits for managerial or senior staff. If you’re unsure about the specifics of your company’s coverage, it’s worth checking with your HR team for a clear breakdown of what is included.

How much does dental insurance cost?

The cost of dental insurance in Singapore varies depending on several key factors: 

• The breadth of coverage:

  • Plans with more comprehensive benefits, such as orthodontics, specialist care, or cosmetic options, tend to come with higher premiums.

• The insurer:

  • Different insurers structure their plans differently, so pricing can vary even for similar coverage.

• Your age group:

  • Premiums may change based on age brackets, as some insurers adjust rates according to risk profiles.

• Whether the plan is individual, family, or corporate:

  • Family and corporate plans often benefit from bundled or group rates, which can offer better value overall.

Because packages and pricing tiers differ widely, the best way to determine accurate costs is to speak directly with the insurance provider. They can walk you through the options, explain what each tier covers, and help you find a plan that fits your dental needs and budget.

Complementing your dental insurance

Although insurance helps with the financial aspect of care, having a trusted dental partner ensures you receive timely, appropriate and personalised treatment.

At Thomson Dental Care, we work closely with a wide range of insurance providers to make your experience smooth and reassuring. Our focus is on preventive care, early detection and patient education, so you can enjoy long-term oral health with confidence.

What we offer:

• Diagnostic support:

  • Early detection through dental X-rays, digital imaging and thorough oral assessments

• Clear treatment planning:

  • Upfront cost estimates and guidance on how your insurance coverage applies

• Coordination with insurers:

  • Help with pre-authorisation, claims and direct billing where available.

• Referrals to trusted specialists:

  • Connections to trusted orthodontists, oral surgeons and other specialists when needed. 

If you’re unsure how your dental insurance works or want help understanding what’s covered, you can schedule a consultation with Thomson Dental Care. Our team will walk you through your options and make sure you receive care that feels clear, personalised and stress-free. 

FAQ

Is dental covered by AIA insurance?

Is dental insurance mandatory in Singapore?

Can you claim insurance for dental?

Yes, if your plan includes dental benefits. Claims depend on the type of insurance, the treatment received and whether the procedure meets the insurer’s criteria.

Can I use a CHAS card for dental?

How can I receive subsidies for dental care?

Do private dental clinics accept insurance?

Many private dental clinics in Singapore partner with insurers and accept direct billing or offer cashless arrangements for eligible plans. However, this varies by clinic and insurer. It’s best to confirm with the clinic beforehand, especially if you need pre-authorisation for certain treatments.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.