Extended Health Care Plans That Let You Opt-Out of Dental Coverage (and Use the CDCP)

For many Canadians, the launch of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has sparked new questions: If I qualify for the CDCP, do I really need dental insurance as part of my private Extended Health Care plan?

Several health insurance plans in Canada allow you to opt-out of the dental portion. This means you can still enjoy health coverage (for prescriptions, vision, paramedical, and more) while relying on the CDCP for dental benefits, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Before making this decision, it is important to clear up some common misconceptions about the CDCP and understand what opting out really means.

Why Opt-Out of Dental Insurance in an Extended Health Care Plan

The most common reason Canadians choose to opt-out of dental coverage is to reduce their monthly premiums if they qualify for the CDCP based on household income. By removing private dental benefits, individuals can avoid paying for duplicate coverage and still ensure they are protected under the government program.

CDCP Misconceptions to Keep in Mind

At Aeva, we have seen confusion around what the CDCP does and does not cover. For example:

• Some assume the CDCP will cover all procedures, when in reality coverage levels vary by service.
• Others believe it will provide the same breadth of access as private insurance, but the rollout has faced challenges, with some dentists opting not to participate.

We have written a full article breaking down 5 common misconceptions: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): 5 Common Misconceptions You Should Know.

The CDCP has also been experiencing issues around access, coverage, and billing. You can read more here: Canada’s Dental Program (CDCP): What’s Working, What’s Not, and Why Private Coverage Still Matters.

If you are exploring an Extended Health Care plan today, Aeva can help you find CDCP-compatible plans quickly and easily.

Does Accidental Dental Coverage Affect CDCP Eligibility

Here is an important detail that often causes confusion: Accidental Dental benefits are usually included under the health portion of an insurance plan, not the dental portion.

This coverage pays for repairs to teeth caused by an accident, such as a blow to the mouth. Some Canadians, and even some CDCP administrators, have mistakenly assumed that the presence of Accidental Dental benefits means the plan already includes dental coverage, making them ineligible for the CDCP.

That is not the case. Having Accidental Dental as part of your health plan does not disqualify you from CDCP eligibility.

Extended Health Care Plans Without Dental Coverage

Here are examples of plans across Canadian insurers where you can opt-out of dental coverage, keeping your plan compatible with the CDCP.

Medically Underwritten Plans

Guaranteed Issue (Conversion) Plans

Guaranteed Issue (Guaranteed Acceptance) Plans

CDCP vs Private Dental Insurance: Why Private Coverage Still Matters

Even if you qualify for the CDCP, private dental insurance continues to have value. Private plans may:

• Offer a broader network of dentists (not all providers participate in the CDCP)
• Provide higher reimbursement levels or cover procedures the CDCP may not
• Allow families to stay on one streamlined plan rather than splitting coverage

Opting out of dental and relying on the CDCP can make sense for many Canadians, but private dental coverage remains an important option to consider.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Health and Dental Coverage

At Aeva, our goal is to help you navigate these options with transparency and without gatekeeping. Whether you are considering pairing your Extended Health Care plan with the CDCP or keeping private dental coverage, we can help you find the best fit.

Visit Aeva.ca to explore plans quickly and see which ones are compatible with the CDCP. Our licensed advisors are also available to answer your questions and guide you through the process.