Your Guide to Dental Insurance In Québec
Your dental insurance options in Québec, from provincial to private plans
If you live in Québec, you can access dental coverage through three main paths:
- Provincial coverage (RAMQ): Québec’s public health system covers limited dental services for children under 10, people with disabilities under 18, adults on financial assistance, and anyone needing hospital-based oral surgery.
- Federal coverage (CDCP): The Canadian Dental Care Plan provides income-based coverage for residents not already covered by RAMQ’s dental programs or private insurance.
- Private health insurance: Québecers who don’t qualify for government-funded dental programs or have gaps can purchase individual or family dental coverage from private insurers.
What dental services does Québec cover?
Québec covers residents who meet eligibility requirements through the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
RAMQ provides free dental care to all children under 10 who have a valid Quebec health insurance card. Coverage generally includes preventative and restorative dental services, such as:
- Dental exams
- X-rays
- Root canals on front teeth
- Tooth extractions
- Emergency dental care
Adults who are covered by RAMQ and have a claim slip can expect to be covered for these dental services:
- Dental exams
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Prosthetics (after 24 months)
Much of the adult coverage depends on the time you’ve been receiving financial assistance, not necessarily how long you’ve been covered by RAMQ.
Is Québec opting out of the federal dental plan?
Québec is a special case under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) because the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) already provides some dental coverage. Here’s how it works out for you:
- If you’re a Québec resident with no coverage through RAMQ, you can apply for the CDCP (and if you’re receiving financial assistance, you are covered under RAMQ).
- RAMQ provides certain dental benefits, but mostly for children under 10 or disabled people under 18, and people on financial assistance programs by default.
- If you are already covered through RAMQ, you will not qualify for overlapping CDCP coverage for the same services; however, you might be eligible for CDCP benefits that RAMQ doesn’t cover (like restorative or emergency dental work).
It is always worth a call to ask if you’re eligible for benefits you may not currently be receiving.
Top 5 companies for private dental insurance in Québec
We’ve compiled the best options for private dental care in Quebec, including our top picks for plans with each insurer.
1. PolicyMe
Why it’s our top pick: PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Dental Care plan is one of the most affordable and comprehensive dental insurance options available to Québec residents. It covers everything from routine cleanings and exams to major restorative procedures, such as crowns and bridges. This insurance plan offers exceptional 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 starting in year three.
Premiums start around $116/month for adults aged 21-44 in Québec.
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 orthodontic coverage starting in year 2.
2. Manulife
Why it made our list: Manulife offers two tiers of dental coverage for Quebec residents, tailored to different levels of care. The DentalPlus Basic plan focuses on preventive and routine treatments—such as cleanings, fillings, and select extractions—while the DentalPlus Enhanced plan adds coverage for major restorative services and orthodontics. That said, coverage for plans will be limited to costs not covered under the RAMQ plan.
To get coverage from Manulife, you must have a provincial health card and be registered under the RAMQ Prescription Drug Insurance Plan, or have equivalent coverage under a group plan.
The DentalPlus Basic plan starts at $110.90 for adults in Quebec.
3. GreenShield
Why it made our list: GreenShield Canada (GSC) offers affordable, no-fuss dental insurance policy options that focus on essential coverage, making them an excellent choice for Quebec residents seeking reliable, low-cost protection.
The ZONE 2 (Primary) plan offers guaranteed acceptance and covers 80% of basic dental care as well as up to 80% of comprehensive services, including root canals, periodontal treatments, and denture repairs. While it doesn’t include coverage for major restorative work or orthodontics, it’s ideal for individuals or families who mainly need routine dental maintenance.
For those who want broader protection—like crowns or bridgework—or faster access to maximum reimbursement levels, the ZONE 3 (Basic) plan provides expanded benefits at a slightly higher monthly cost.
Premiums for the ZONE 2 (Primary) plan start at $109/month for adults aged 18–44 in Quebec.
4. Sun Life
Why it made our list: For Quebec residents who prefer to keep their dental and health coverage under one plan, Sun Life offers a strong, full-service option. While it isn’t the cheapest provider on the market, its plans are among the most comprehensive and well-rounded in Canada.
The Enhanced Plan goes beyond basic cleanings and fillings to include major restorative care, dentures, and even orthodontic treatments. These benefits come with robust health coverage, making it a practical choice for those who want everything in one package. Keep in mind, however, that waiting periods and coverage limits may still apply.
Premiums begin around $156.47/month for adults aged 18–44 in Quebec.
5. Desjardins Insurance
Why it made our list: Plan combines extensive health coverage with generous dental benefits, making it ideal for those who want to stay within a single, trusted network.
Dental coverage includes routine exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and X-rays, as well as major restorative services like crowns, bridges, and dentures. Optional add-ons can expand coverage to include orthodontics or dental accident protection for families with children.
Premiums vary based on your age and the plan type; you can speak to a Desjardins representative to get a quote.
How to choose the right dental insurance plan in Québec
Finding the best dental plan in Québec depends on your household’s needs, budget, and whether you already have partial coverage through your employer or another health plan. Here’s how to get started:
- Check your eligibility for public programs: Québec residents may qualify for the RAMQ provincial dental care program if they are receiving financial assistance.
- Review your household’s dental costs: Add up what you typically spend each year on cleanings, exams, fillings, and fluoride treatments. This gives you a baseline for how much coverage you need.
- Identify your coverage gap: Estimate your total annual dental spending, subtract any existing coverage, and divide by 12 to get your average monthly cost.
- Compare private plans: Get quotes from insurance companies and review co-payments, waiting periods, annual limits, and exclusions. Make sure the plan you choose matches the kinds of dental care your family will actually use.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, compare monthly premiums against potential out-of-pocket costs. In some cases, paying a bit more each month can save you some cash, especially if you expect to make frequent visits to your dentist’s office.
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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.