Your Guide to Dental Insurance in Prince Edward Island
Your dental insurance options in Prince Edward Island, from provincial benefits to private plans
If you live in Prince Edward Island, you can access dental coverage through three main paths:
- Provincial coverage: PEI’s public health system covers certain dental procedures through the Provincial Dental Care Program (PDCP), depending on age and income.
- Federal coverage: The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) can offer subsidized or free care for eligible residents. Eligibility is based on income and age.
- Private health insurance: Islanders who don’t qualify for government programs can buy coverage through private dental insurance providers.
What dental services does the Provincial Dental Care Program cover?
The PDCP provides eligible Islanders with subsidized basic dental treatment services. Coverage and cost-sharing depend on a sliding income-based scale and yearly renewal if you continue to meet eligibility criteria.
The key services covered include:
- Examinations and diagnostics
- Preventive services
- Restorative and endodontic services
- Oral surgery (as required)
- Prosthetics/appliances (as required)
- Adjunctive services (as required)
Keep in mind that coverage is not unlimited. There are some frequency limits for most of the services the PDCP covers. Plus, you may have to pay lab fees for dentures and appliances.
Top 5 companies for private dental insurance in PEI
Here are the best insurance companies for securing private dental insurance in Prince Edward Island.
1. PolicyMe
Why it’s our top pick: PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Dental Care plan stands out as one of the most affordable and comprehensive dental insurance options available to Prince Edward Island residents. It covers everything from routine cleanings and exams to major procedures like crowns and bridges, offering excellent value compared to other Canadian dental insurance plans.
Under the Dental Care plan, 80% of basic preventive and restorative services are covered immediately, with no waiting period, up to $750 in the first year and $900 in subsequent years. You’ll also receive 60% reimbursement for comprehensive services such as root canals and periodontal treatments, plus coverage for major services beginning in year three.
Premiums start around $102/month for adults aged 21-44 in Prince Edward Island.
If you’d like your dental insurance to come with a healthy helping of medical coverage for things like prescription drugs, paramedical services, and vision care, consider the Guaranteed Issue Classic plan, which includes the same dental coverage as the Dental Care plan. The Advanced Plan offers even more comprehensive dental benefits, including coverage for orthodontics starting in year 2.
2. GMS
Why it made our list: GMS (Group Medical Services) offers highly customizable health and dental insurance plans for PEI residents. Rather than being bundled automatically, dental coverage is available as an optional add-on to any of GMS’s three core health plans: BasicPlan, ExtendaPlan, or OmniPlan.
We’ve highlighted the OmniPlan as the best overall value, since it provides comprehensive coverage for paramedical services, vision care, and common health expenses, while allowing you to tailor your plan further with add-ons like dental care.
If you only need minimal dental coverage with basic health benefits, the BasicPlan is a more affordable option. Those seeking broader protection may find the ExtendaPlan or OmniPlan a better fit, particularly for older adults.
Premiums for the OmniPlan with the dental care add-on start at $110.75/month for adults aged 18-44 in Prince Edward Island.
3. Manulife
Why it made our list: Manulife offers two tiers of coverage for Prince Edward Island residents, designed to meet varying dental-care needs. The DentalPlus Basic plan focuses on preventive and routine care (such as cleanings, fillings, and select extractions), while the DentalPlus Enhanced plan expands coverage to include major restorative services and orthodontics.
Both options provide strong protection and reliable nationwide access to dental providers. However, the trade-off is that Manulife’s plans tend to have higher monthly premiums than those of other insurers.
Premiums start at $104.60/month for the DentalPlus Basic plan and $142.80/month for the DentalPlus Enhanced plan for adults aged 18–44 in Prince Edward Island.
4. GreenShield
Why it made our list: GreenShield Canada (GSC) offers affordable dental insurance options that focus on essential coverage rather than extras, making it a practical choice for Prince Edward Island residents seeking reliable, low-cost protection.
The ZONE 2 (Primary) plan provides guaranteed acceptance and covers 80% of basic dental care and up to 80% of comprehensive services such as root canals, periodontal treatments, and denture repairs, up to $500 in year 1, $650 in year 2, and $800 in subsequent years. While it doesn’t include coverage for major restorative work or orthodontics, it’s a solid fit for individuals or families who mainly need routine dental maintenance.
For those who want broader protection (such as crowns or bridges) or faster access to the maximum reimbursement levels, the ZONE 3 plan offers expanded benefits at a slightly higher monthly cost.
Premiums for the ZONE 2 (Primary) plan start at $77/month for adults aged 18–44 in Prince Edward Island.
5. Sun Life
Why it made our list: Sun Life Dental Insurance is a premium option for Prince Edward Island residents who want comprehensive coverage bundled with their health insurance.
Sun Life’s Enhanced Plan delivers some of the most extensive dental coverage available in Canada, alongside robust healthcare benefits. It includes reimbursement for major services, dentures, and even orthodontics, though certain coverage caps and waiting periods may apply.
Premiums start at $175.02/month for adults aged 18–44 in Prince Edward Island.
How to choose the right dental insurance plan in Prince Edward Island
Finding the best dental plan in Prince Edward Island depends on your household’s needs and budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your search:
- Check if you qualify for government dental programs: PEI residents may be eligible for provincial or federal insurance coverage.
- Review your current dental expenses or upcoming dental expenses: Add up what you and your family typically spend on cleanings, exams, and fluoride treatments each year. This gives you a baseline for what insurance might need to cover. Do this for future costs as well.
- Identify your coverage gap: Combine your spending with any expected future costs to get an estimate of your annual dental spending. Divide that number by 12 to get your monthly average.
- Compare available dental plans: Use online tools to gather quotes from insurers that operate in PEI. Pay attention to co-payments, waiting periods, annual limits, and exclusions. Look for coverage that matches the types of dental services your household actually uses.
Once you’ve got your options narrowed down, weigh the monthly premiums against the estimated out-of-pocket costs you calculated earlier. Sometimes, a slightly higher premium can save you more in the long run if you anticipate frequent dental visits. Similarly, sometimes you can save enough money to pay for services out of pocket that would have otherwise gone towards paying those premiums.
Take time to review your family’s unique needs, or consult a licensed insurance advisor who can help you compare options and find the right balance between costs and coverage.
FAQ: Dental insurance prince edward island
Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of October 2025. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.