Dental coverage is often excluded from basic health plans. We break down whether standalone dental insurance is worth the cost for digital nomads and where to find affordable care.
The Dental Dilemma
Dental care is one of those things you don't think about until you need it, and when you need it abroad, the costs can be surprising. Most international health insurance plans either exclude dental coverage entirely or offer only emergency dental (like fixing a broken tooth).
So the question is: should digital nomads invest in standalone dental insurance?
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Dental insurance add-ons for international health plans typically cost $30-$80 per month. They usually cover: routine check-ups and cleanings, basic fillings and extractions, X-rays and diagnostics, and sometimes major work like crowns and root canals (often at reduced coverage levels).
If you're diligent about dental care and get regular check-ups, the insurance may pay for itself. But if you only see a dentist occasionally, you might be better off paying out of pocket, especially in countries where dental care is affordable.
Dental Tourism: The Alternative
Many digital nomads take advantage of 'dental tourism', getting dental work done in countries with high-quality but affordable dentistry. Popular destinations include Thailand, Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, and Hungary.
A full dental check-up, cleaning, and even minor work can cost $50-$200 in these countries, compared to $300-$1,000+ in the US or Western Europe. For many nomads, this makes dental insurance unnecessary.
When Dental Insurance Makes Sense
Consider dental insurance if: you have ongoing dental issues requiring regular treatment, you're spending extended time in countries with expensive dental care, you want the security of knowing dental emergencies are covered, or you prefer the convenience of insurance over shopping for affordable dentists.
Our Recommendation
For most healthy digital nomads, dental insurance is a nice-to-have, not a must-have. Prioritise comprehensive health insurance first, then consider dental as an add-on if your budget allows. If you do opt out of dental insurance, set aside a small emergency fund for unexpected dental costs.