Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Top Picks for Dental & Vision Coverage
After evaluating dental and vision benefits across international health insurers, here are our recommendations:
Best Included Dental & Vision
Bupa Global
Premier plans include dental and vision without add-on fees. Best comprehensive coverage if you want everything in one plan.
Best Add-On Options
Cigna Global
Flexible dental and vision add-ons. Add what you need without paying for what you don't.
Best for Families
Allianz Care
Good dental add-on with orthodontic coverage for kids. Family-friendly limits.
Budget Approach
Pay Out-of-Pocket
In many countries, dental and vision care is affordable enough to skip insurance and pay directly.
How Dental & Vision Coverage Works
Unlike medical coverage, dental and vision are usually separate or optional:
Three Approaches
1. Included in Premium Plans
Some top-tier plans (like Bupa Global Premier) include dental and vision:
- No separate add-on fee
- Bundled with comprehensive medical coverage
- Often the most expensive overall option
- Good if you need full coverage anyway
2. Add-On Coverage
Most insurers offer dental and vision as optional add-ons:
- Pay extra for dental, vision, or both
- Typically $30-100/month additional
- Flexibility to add what you need
- Annual limits apply
3. Pay Out-of-Pocket
In many countries, dental and vision are affordable enough to skip insurance:
- Cleaning in Thailand: $20-40
- Filling in Mexico: $30-60
- Eye exam in Portugal: $30-50
- Compare insurance cost vs expected out-of-pocket
Waiting Periods
Most dental coverage has waiting periods:
- Routine care: Often covered immediately or 3-month wait
- Basic procedures: 6-month waiting period common
- Major work: 12-month waiting period typical
- Orthodontics: 12-month waiting period
This prevents people from adding coverage, getting expensive work done, then canceling.
Add Dental & Vision
Compare plans with dental and vision coverage included or as add-ons.
Compare PlansWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Coverage Comparison
| Provider | Dental | Vision | Routine Care | Major Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa Global | Included (Premier) | Included (Premier) | Yes | Yes with limits |
| Cigna Global | Add-on | Add-on | Yes | Yes with limits |
| Allianz Care | Add-on | Add-on | Yes | Yes with limits |
| Aetna International | Add-on | Add-on | Yes | Yes with limits |
| IMG Global | Add-on | Limited | Limited | Limited |
* Coverage details vary by plan tier. Most insurers offer dental/vision as add-ons; Bupa includes them in top plans.
Detailed Reviews
Bupa Global — Best Included Coverage
Bupa Global's Premier plans include dental and vision without separate add-on fees.
What works well:
- Dental and vision included in Premier plans
- No additional monthly cost for these benefits
- Good routine care coverage
- Major dental work covered (with limits)
- Annual vision allowance
Considerations: Must buy Premier plan to get included dental/vision. More expensive overall. May be paying for coverage you don't need.
Read our full Bupa Global review
Cigna Global — Best Add-On Flexibility
Cigna Global offers dental and vision as optional add-ons you can add to any plan.
What works well:
- Flexible add-on structure
- Can add dental only, vision only, or both
- Multiple coverage levels available
- Works with any base plan tier
- Good network of dental providers
Considerations: Adds $30-100/month to premiums. Annual limits apply. Waiting periods for major work.
Read our full Cigna Global review
Allianz Care — Good Family Option
Allianz Care offers dental add-ons with orthodontic coverage—good for families with kids.
What works well:
- Dental add-on available
- Orthodontic coverage for children
- Vision add-on available
- Good European network
Considerations: Orthodontic limits apply (typically $1,000-3,000 lifetime). Not included in base plans.
Read our full Allianz Care review
Dental Coverage Details
Here's what dental coverage typically includes and limits:
| Service Type | Typical Coverage | Common Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Routine cleanings | 100% covered | 2 per year |
| Exams and X-rays | 100% covered | Annual |
| Fillings | 80% covered | Annual max applies |
| Root canals | 50-80% covered | Annual max applies |
| Crowns | 50% covered | Annual max applies |
| Orthodontics | 50% covered | Lifetime max ($1,000-3,000) |
| Implants | Often excluded | Check policy |
Annual Maximums
Most dental plans have annual maximums:
- Basic plans: $500-1,000/year
- Standard plans: $1,000-2,000/year
- Premium plans: $2,000-5,000/year
Once you hit the annual max, you pay 100% out-of-pocket for the rest of the year.
Common Exclusions
- Cosmetic dentistry (veneers, whitening)
- Implants (often excluded or limited)
- Pre-existing dental conditions
- Work started before coverage began
Orthodontics (Braces)
Orthodontic coverage is usually:
- Limited to children/teens
- Lifetime maximum ($1,000-3,000)
- 12-month waiting period
- 50% coinsurance common
Need Major Dental Work?
Consider dental tourism or paying out-of-pocket in affordable countries vs. insurance limits.
Compare OptionsWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Vision Coverage Details
Vision coverage is simpler than dental:
| Service Type | Typical Coverage | Common Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Eye exams | 100% covered | 1 per year |
| Glasses frames | Allowance | $100-200/year |
| Lenses | Covered | With frame allowance |
| Contact lenses | Allowance | $100-200/year |
| LASIK | Usually excluded | Elective surgery |
How Vision Allowances Work
Most vision coverage works as an allowance:
- $100-200 per year for glasses/contacts
- Use at any provider, submit for reimbursement
- Unused allowance doesn't roll over
- Eye exam usually separate from materials allowance
Is Vision Insurance Worth It?
Do the math:
- Vision add-on cost: ~$10-20/month ($120-240/year)
- Vision allowance: $100-200/year
- Eye exam cost abroad: $30-80
- Glasses abroad: $50-200
In many countries, paying out-of-pocket is similar cost to insurance. Vision insurance makes most sense if you need expensive prescriptions or frequent updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental and vision insurance worth it abroad?
Depends on where you live and your needs. In countries with affordable dental care (Mexico, Thailand, Portugal), paying out-of-pocket often makes more sense. In expensive countries (US, Switzerland), insurance provides more value.
What about dental emergencies?
Emergency dental (injury, severe pain) is often covered under your main medical insurance, even without a dental add-on. Check your base policy—many cover dental emergencies up to $200-500.
Can I add dental coverage after I already have a plan?
Usually yes, at renewal. But waiting periods will apply for major work. You can't add dental coverage right before getting expensive work done.
Do waiting periods apply to routine cleanings?
Usually no or minimal (0-3 months). Waiting periods primarily apply to basic procedures (6 months) and major work (12 months).
Are dental implants covered?
Usually excluded or heavily limited. Implants are expensive ($2,000-5,000+ per tooth) and most dental insurance caps don't cover them adequately. Consider dental tourism for implants.
What about LASIK or other vision surgery?
Usually excluded as elective surgery. Some premium plans may offer partial coverage. LASIK abroad (especially in countries like Turkey or Thailand) can be affordable enough to pay out-of-pocket.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Coverage details, limits, and waiting periods vary by insurer and plan. We are not insurance brokers. Always verify current terms directly with insurers.
