Comprehensive dental insurance plans in India — from root canals to preventive care. Compare top plans from Tata AIG, Star, Bajaj, and more, and choose what fits your needs.
Dental insurance in India provides financial cover for medical procedures related to dental issues. While it falls under the broader health insurance umbrella, it's not always a standard inclusion — so always double-check whether your
policy includes dental coverage before purchasing, renewing, or filing a claim.
Dental treatments can be a costly journey, especially with rising medical expenses. A silver lining exists in health insurance, where some plans generously include dental coverage — either as a core component or an add-on. Opting for dental
insurance is especially advantageous if you're susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, or misaligned teeth.
Key Features of Dental Insurance
Scope of Coverage
Covers root canals, fillings, extractions, X-rays, oral check-ups, preventive care, and dental injuries from accidents or illness requiring in-hospital treatment.
Exclusions
Cosmetic procedures like dentures, implants, jaw alignment, prostheses, and orthodontics are outside the scope of coverage unless caused by accidental injury.
Waiting Period
A specified duration after buying the policy during which you can't file claims. Per IRDAI 2024 norms, max pre-existing disease waiting period is now 3 years (reduced from 4).
Upper Limit
Dental coverage has a monetary cap. Example: If your OPD dental limit is ₹5,000 and your dentist charges ₹12,000, your insurer covers only ₹5,000 — the rest is your responsibility.
What is the Dental Insurance Process in India?
In India, most basic health insurance policies do not include dental expenses by default. If you want dental support, you usually need to add an OPD cover or choose a comprehensive plan that already includes dental benefits. The exact premium depends on the insurer, the sum insured, and the plan variant you select.
Waiting Period
You may need to wait before you can use the dental benefit. Some plans have a fixed waiting period, and pre-existing disease waiting periods are capped as per current IRDAI rules.
Upper Limit
Dental coverage usually comes with a sub-limit. For example, if the limit is Rs. 5,000 and the bill is Rs. 12,000, the insurer pays only up to Rs. 5,000.
Claim Route
Once the waiting period is complete, you can file a cashless claim at a network provider or submit a reimbursement claim with bills, prescriptions, reports, and ID proof.
Compare Dental Plans
See which health policies include dental support, OPD benefits, and lower sub-limits before you decide.
A major reason dental add-ons are more affordable in 2026 is the GST change on individual and family floater health insurance premiums. As of 22 September 2025, the GST Council removed the earlier 18% GST on these policies, which reduces the net cost of adding OPD dental cover. Group health insurance policies still attract 18% GST.
GST Update (effective 22 Sep 2025): The GST Council fully exempted individual and family floater health insurance premiums from the previous 18% GST, making dental add-on OPD covers more affordable. Group health policies continue to attract 18% GST.
Is Dental Treatment Covered in Health Insurance?
Usually, routine dental treatment is excluded from standard health insurance because it is often planned in advance or treated as cosmetic. However, if a dental procedure is required due to an accident or illness and is prescribed by a doctor, insurers may cover the medical expense under the policy terms.
That is why it is important to check whether your plan includes an OPD benefit, a dental rider, or a broader health maintenance benefit. In many cases, that is the only route to get coverage for routine dental visits such as fillings, extractions, X-rays, and root canal treatment.
Best Health Insurance Policies With Dental Insurance Cover in India
Here is a quick shortlist of some plans that are commonly considered when looking for dental support inside a health insurance policy:
Digit Health Care Plus Plan
Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Enhanced Plan
ICICI Lombard Health AdvantEdge Plan
Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy
Tata AIG Medicare Premier
GST Update (effective 22 Sep 2025): The GST Council fully exempted individual and family floater health insurance premiums from the previous 18% GST — making dental add-on OPD covers more affordable. Note: Group health policies continue to attract 18% GST.
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Finding the right health plan with dental coverage requires looking beyond the base policy. Here are the top plans currently offering meaningful dental coverage in India:
Insurance Plan
Sum Insured
Dental Coverage
Type
Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Enhanced
₹2L – ₹2Cr
1 oral eval + 1 cleaning + 1 IOPA X-ray per year (SI ≥ ₹15L)
Annual dental & ophthalmic consults covered (₹1,500–₹2,500 based on SI)
OPD In-built
Chola MS Healthline (Privilege)
₹2L – ₹25L
Up to ₹10,000 every 2 years (Privilege variant only)
OPD Benefit
Generali Central Health Total
₹3L – ₹1Cr
Dental consults & diagnostics at 70% of admissible bill
OPD / Consultation
Tata AIG Medicare Premier
₹5L – ₹3Cr
Root canal, fillings, extractions — up to ₹25,000/year (after 2 years)
OPD In-built
ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime
₹2.5L – ₹1Cr
Optional Health Maintenance Benefit — ₹500 to ₹20,000 based on variant
Optional Add-on
Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy
₹5L – ₹1Cr
Dental & ophthalmic OPD expenses once every 3 years
OPD In-built
A Closer Look at Each Plan
Click on any plan to see coverage details, limits, and key conditions.
Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Enhanced
Reserved for policyholders with a sum insured of ₹15 lakhs or above. Covers one comprehensive oral evaluation, one dental cleaning (prophylaxis), and one IOPA X-ray per policy year — all in a single appointment
on a cashless basis at network/empanelled providers.
General dental treatment outside this wellness benefit is excluded unless it arises from an accident. Sum insured range: ₹2 lakhs to ₹2 crore.
SI: ₹15L+ for dental benefit
Mode: Cashless only
Frequency: Once per policy year
Bajaj Allianz Health Care Supreme
Available in three variants — Vital, Smart, and Ultimo. Covers outpatient dental consultations, root canal treatments, and extractions as part of its OPD benefit. Claims can be made twice a year, with per-claim
limits of ₹2,500 to ₹25,000 based on the variant chosen.
Cosmetic treatments, dentures, implants, prostheses, and orthodontics are excluded unless caused by an accidental injury requiring hospitalisation.
Claims/year: 2
Limit: ₹2,500–₹25,000/claim
Variants: Vital, Smart, Ultimo
Care Insurance Care Plus
Designed for younger policyholders. Covers annual dental and ophthalmic consultations as an in-built benefit. Includes unlimited recharge of sum insured even for related illnesses, making it one of the more generous OPD-inclusive
plans.
Dental coverage limit: ₹1,500 for SI of ₹5L/₹7L; ₹2,500 for SI of ₹10L/₹25L.
SI range: ₹3L–₹25L
Limit: ₹1,500–₹2,500
Recharge: Unlimited
Tata AIG Medicare Premier
One of the most straightforward plans for dental OPD coverage. After 2 continuous years of coverage, policyholders can claim root canal treatments, tooth extractions, and fillings — up to ₹25,000/year.
The dental OPD benefit is over and above the base sum insured and does not affect the No Claim Bonus. Preventive check-ups also available on a cashless basis at network hospitals.
Waiting: 2 continuous years
Limit: Up to ₹25,000/year
NCB impact: None
Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy
Star's flagship plan covers outpatient dental and ophthalmic treatments once every three policy years within the limits specified in the policy schedule.
For more frequent dental OPD coverage, Star also offers the Star Outpatient Care Insurance Policy — a dedicated OPD-only plan in Silver, Gold, and Platinum variants with SI from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh.
Frequency: Once every 3 years
SI range: ₹5L–₹1Cr
Standalone OPD: Available
Chola MS Healthline (Privilege Variant)
Dental expenses are covered only in the Privilege variant. The plan provides outpatient dental expense support of up to Rs. 10,000 every two years, which makes it a steady but modest option for buyers who want a built-in dental benefit.
This is useful if you want supplementary dental support without moving to a premium-heavy OPD plan.
Variant: Privilege only
Limit: Up to Rs. 10,000
Cycle: Every 2 years
Generali Central Health Total
Dental consultation and diagnostic expenses are covered up to 70% of the admissible bill under the Superior and Premiere variants. The insurer is currently in a post-restructuring transition after the Central Bank of India stake acquisition in June 2025.
If you are comparing consultation-led dental support rather than procedure-heavy OPD cover, this plan is worth reviewing closely.
Variants: Superior, Premiere
Benefit: Up to 70% of admissible bill
Type: Consultation / diagnostics
ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime
Dental treatment can be covered under the optional Health Maintenance Benefit package. The coverage amount depends on the variant you choose, and the OPD package can be used for eligible dental expenses.
This is a flexible option for buyers who want an add-on model rather than a fixed dental sub-limit inside the base plan.
Cover type: Optional OPD add-on
Benefit: Variant dependent
Model: Health Maintenance Benefit
What's Covered & Excluded in Dental Insurance
Covered
X-rays and diagnostic tests
Routine oral check-ups
Root canal treatments
Dental fillings
Tooth extractions
Preventive treatments
Dental injuries from accidents
In-hospital dental procedures under anaesthesia (accident/illness)
Not Covered
Dentures
Dental implants
Jaw alignment / Orthognathic surgery
Dental prostheses
Orthodontics / Braces
Cosmetic dental surgeries
Cosmetic teeth whitening
* Exclusions may be waived if treatment is directly necessitated by an accidental injury — subject to policy terms.
How to File a Claim for Dental Insurance
The claim process differs between cashless and reimbursement routes, but the broad framework is consistent across insurers.
1
Check Your Policy Before Treatment
Verify the dental sub-limit, confirm the waiting period is complete, and check whether the treatment qualifies for cashless or reimbursement. This one step prevents the most common claim rejections.
2
Intimate Your Insurer in Advance
Inform your insurance company or TPA 48–72 hours before a planned procedure. For emergencies arising from accidental injury, inform within 24 hours of admission — via toll-free, mobile app, or hospital insurance desk.
3
Choose Cashless or Reimbursement
Cashless: At network hospitals/empanelled providers — insurer settles directly. Reimbursement: Pay at any facility, then submit documents to claim back the eligible amount.
4
Gather & Submit Documents
Submit claim form, original bills, dentist's prescription, X-rays, investigation reports, and photo ID within 15–30 days of treatment (check your policy for the exact window).
5
Track & Receive Settlement
Track online via insurer's portal. Reimbursement is typically settled within 7–15 working days of receiving all documents. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents.
Why Should You Buy Dental Insurance?
Proactive Dental Care
Financial support encourages regular visits rather than waiting until absolutely necessary — contributing to better long-term oral health.
Affordable Add-on Coverage
Dental OPD coverage can be added for a modest premium, often bundled with the OPD cover — providing substantial coverage (typically around ₹5,000) at low cost.
Peace of Mind
With dental cover in place, unexpected dental expenses that fall outside standard health insurance no longer come as a financial shock.
Family-Wide Protection
Family floater plans with dental coverage protect everyone — from dependent children (from 90 days) to senior family members, with no upper age limit per IRDAI 2024 norms.
Ready to Protect Your Dental Health?
Speak with an expert today and find the plan that fits your budget and coverage needs.
Choosing the right dental insurance involves a thoughtful decision-making process:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Assess whether an individual plan or family floater fits your needs better — factoring in premium, coverage, and family size.
Read Policy Clauses
Pay close attention to exclusions and waiting periods — understanding these details avoids surprises when you need to make a claim.
Check Network Hospitals
Confirm that the insurer has empanelled dental providers near you, especially for cashless claims. This is critical for in-hospital dental procedures.
Compare Multiple Plans
Carefully comparing policies across insurers reveals nuances in dental coverage, sub-limits, and OPD benefits that significantly affect real-world usefulness.
Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required for Dental Insurance
Eligibility depends on the plan you choose, but the broad rules are straightforward. IRDAI has removed the earlier upper age cap, which means health insurance plans with dental coverage can now be offered across age groups. Most individual plans start at 18 years, while dependent children are typically eligible from 90 days to 91 days of age depending on the insurer.
Eligibility
Individual policies generally start at 18 years
Dependent children may be covered from 90/91 days of age
Family floater plans can include children and senior members, subject to plan terms
No upper entry age cap under current IRDAI rules
Documents
Completed proposal form or online application
Identity proof and address proof
Age proof for proposer and dependents
Previous policy copy, if applicable
Medical records or declarations requested by the insurer
How Does Dental Health Insurance Work?
Enhanced Coverage With OPD Add-on
Regular health plans usually do not cover routine dental care, but you can add an OPD benefit or choose a plan with dental coverage built in.
Limits On Coverage
Every plan has a sub-limit or cap. Once you reach that limit, you pay the remaining amount yourself.
Waiting Period Considerations
Dental add-ons often come with waiting periods. The waiting period can vary between insurers and between different plan variants.
Claim Settlement Process
You can usually choose cashless treatment at a network provider or submit a reimbursement claim with the required documents.
Things to Remember While Buying Dental Insurance in India
1
Adequate Coverage
Choose a plan with a dental limit that actually matches your expected treatment costs, not just the lowest possible premium.
2
Compare Different Plans
Compare dental sub-limits, OPD benefits, premium, and waiting periods across insurers before you decide.
3
Know The Inclusions
Check whether the plan covers preventive treatment, check-ups, fillings, root canals, and other routine dental services.
4
Understand The Exclusions
Cosmetic treatment, implants, orthodontics, jaw alignment, and prostheses are generally excluded unless the policy says otherwise.
5
Know The Network Hospital Locations
Confirm that the insurer has cashless dental providers near you, especially if your treatment may require hospitalisation or anaesthesia.
6
Ensure Easy Claims Process
A clear claim process can make a big difference when you need fast settlement and minimal documentation delays.
IRDAI Reforms & Impact on Dental Coverage
IRDAI's Insurance Products Regulations, 2024 (effective 1 April 2024) introduced several reforms that indirectly benefit those with dental add-on coverage:
Reduced Waiting Periods
Maximum pre-existing disease waiting period cut from 4 years to 3 years — benefits dental OPD riders too.
No Upper Age Limit
Insurers can no longer deny health policies — including those with OPD dental riders — based on age.
Reduced Moratorium Period
Shortened from 8 years to 5 years. After 5 continuous years, insurers cannot deny a claim due to non-disclosure (except proven fraud).
Cashless Everywhere
IRDAI mandates insurers maintain a wider cashless hospital network — improving access to in-patient dental procedures wherever they're needed.
Wrapping Up!
Dental insurance in India can help reduce the financial burden of preventive visits, common procedures, and select in-hospital treatments. The right policy depends on your age, treatment needs, family size, and how much OPD dental support you want built into the plan.
Before buying, always read the policy wording, check exclusions, confirm waiting periods, and compare the dental sub-limit against the likely cost of treatment. A little research now can save a lot of money later.
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Is root canal treatment covered by dental insurance?
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Yes, the majority of dental insurance plans in India — including Bajaj Health Care Supreme, Tata AIG Medicare Premier, and Care Insurance Care Plus — cover root canal treatment costs as part of their OPD dental benefit.
Does dental insurance cover tooth extraction?
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Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover tooth extraction costs. This is one of the most commonly covered dental procedures across all plans listed.
Are dental implants covered?
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No. Dental implants are generally not covered under health insurance plans in India, as they're classified as cosmetic procedures. Coverage may be considered only if implants are required due to a direct accidental injury — subject
to the specific policy's terms.
Does dental insurance cover braces?
+
No. Braces (orthodontics) are considered cosmetic treatment and are excluded from standard dental insurance coverage in India. Dental plans typically cover essential treatments like extractions, root canals, and fillings.
Is there a waiting period for dental insurance?
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Yes. Most dental OPD riders have waiting periods. For example, Tata AIG Medicare Premier requires 2 continuous years of coverage before dental OPD benefits apply, while Star Comprehensive covers dental OPD once every 3 years. Per
IRDAI 2024 regulations, the maximum pre-existing disease waiting period is now capped at 3 years.
What is the impact of the September 2025 GST exemption on dental coverage?
+
Effective 22 September 2025, the GST Council fully exempted individual and family floater health insurance premiums from the previous 18% GST. This means the net cost of adding a dental OPD rider to your health plan is now lower.
Note: Group health policies continue to attract 18% GST.
Is dental treatment covered under mediclaim?
+
Basic mediclaim policies typically exclude routine dental care. However, dental expenses caused by accidents or illness necessitating hospitalisation may be covered. You can also enhance standard health plans with an OPD add-on
that includes dental coverage.
What is standalone dental insurance?
+
Standalone dental insurance is a policy designed specifically for dental procedures and preventive care. In India, dental coverage is more commonly offered as part of health insurance or as an OPD add-on rather than as a separate standalone plan.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general awareness and educational purposes. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, some details may change with policy updates, regulatory revisions,
or insurer-specific modifications. Readers should verify current terms directly with relevant insurers or through professional consultation before making any decision. All analyses are based on publicly available data and do not constitute
professional advice. Customers are advised to review official sales brochures and policy documents before proceeding with any purchase.
