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Many people put off dental visits because they’re worried about the cost. If you’re looking for ways to make dental care more affordable, dental insurance and dental discount plans are two worthwhile options. Both plans can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs, but they work in different ways. Read on to understand the differences between a dental savings plan vs. insurance and how to choose the right option for your needs.
Table of Contents
Dental insurance helps cover the cost of dental care in exchange for a monthly premium. Depending on your plan, you may need to pay a deductible and copay or coinsurance for certain services.
Many dental insurance plans follow a 100/80/50 payment structure, in which:
Many dental insurance plans have waiting periods for certain services, which require you to wait a certain period before receiving coverage. Dental insurance can also come with annual maximums, which limit how much your insurer will pay each year.
Aflac’s network dental insurance plans for individuals and families can help reduce the cost of routine visits and more complex procedures. Aflac also offers supplemental dental insurance, which provides cash benefits that you can use toward out-of-pocket costs your primary plan doesn’t cover.
A dental discount plan, sometimes called a dental insurance discount plan or dental savings plan, isn’t traditional insurance. Instead, it's a membership program where you pay an annual fee to access discounted rates from participating dentists. Rather than filing insurance claims, you pay the dentist directly at the reduced rate at the time of service.
Unlike dental insurance, dental discount plans don’t have:
While you can start using your discounts right away, you’ll still need to pay the full reduced cost of each service.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedWhen comparing a dental savings plan vs. dental insurance, the biggest differences come down to how you pay for care and how much coverage you receive. Let’s take a closer look at how these two options compare:
Dental insurance typically requires a monthly premium, while dental discount plans charge an annual membership fee. On average, dental insurance premiums range from $20 to $50 per month. Meanwhile, dental discount plans cost around $150 per year, or $12.50 per month.1
Dental insurance may cost more upfront, but it can reduce your overall dental expenses if you need multiple procedures throughout the year.
With dental insurance, your provider usually bills the insurance company first, and you pay your share through copays or coinsurance. With a dental discount plan, you pay the dentist directly at a discounted rate with no future reimbursements or cost sharing.
Dental insurance provides partial coverage for eligible services. Dental discount plans don’t cover any portion of the bill. Instead, they simply reduce the price of dental services.
Most dental insurance plans include annual maximums, which cap how much your plan will pay each year. In contrast, dental discount plans typically don’t have annual limits.
Dental insurance plans may include deductibles and waiting periods for certain procedures. Dental discount plans usually don’t have either, allowing you to use the plan immediately after enrolling.
When deciding between a dental plan and dental insurance, the right choice depends on your budget and dental needs.
A dental discount plan may be a good fit if you:
Dental insurance may be a better option if you:
In some cases, you may choose to use both types of plans. For example, dental insurance can help cover major procedures, while a discount plan may help reduce your remaining out-of-pocket costs after you reach your primary plan’s annual maximum.
Understanding the difference between a dental savings plan vs. insurance can help you choose the right option for your needs. While discount plans may offer lower upfront costs, dental insurance can provide more comprehensive coverage over time.
Aflac offers network dental insurance plans with flexible coverage options, along with supplemental dental insurance that can help cover additional expenses.
Speak with an Aflac agent today to explore your options and find a plan that fits your budget.
Get Started
Having some type of cost-efficient dental plan, like the ones offered at Aflac, can help you avoid the high fees that may come from buying dental care without insurance.
Dental insurance can save you money on dental care. Learn how it works, what it covers, and how to get a dental insurance plan.
Having some type of cost-efficient dental plan, like the ones offered at Aflac, can help you avoid the high fees that may come from buying dental care without insurance.
Dental insurance can save you money on dental care. Learn how it works, what it covers, and how to get a dental insurance plan.
1 HealthInsurance.org. What’s the difference between dental insurance and dental discount plans? Updated on November 4, 2025. Accessed on April 15, 2026. https://www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/whats-the-difference-between-dental-insurance-and-dental-discount-plans/.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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