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Let’s compare two of our most popular dental plans: Cigna vs Delta Dental. If you’re looking for affordable individual coverage you can purchase on your own, any time of the year, without any broker fees keep reading!
When comparing Cigna vs Delta Dental insurance plans there are many similarities. You pay a monthly premium to join a network of dentists and specialists at contracted lower fees.
Like most dental insurance plans there are small deductibles, waiting periods, and annual maximum benefits. However, that’s where the similarities end.
In this post, we’ll examine the main differences and compare Cigna vs Delta Dental, such as price, network, and coverage.
Take a moment to explore individual dental insurance and why it’s a wise investment. Routine exams and good oral health are scientifically linked to your overall well-being. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while now is the time.
Note: We’re referring to individual & family plans that you can purchase on your own, not group or employee benefits at your job.
In This Article:
Cigna vs Delta Dental (Network)
With most dental insurance plans you can visit an out-of-network dentist and get reimbursed. However, to get the full benefit of membership and you should find a network provider.
Member-only rates have already been negotiated and the dentist will bill the insurance company leaving you with just the deductible and any balance.
Delta Dental is widely recognized for its extensive dentist network, which is one of the largest in the country. Delta Dental members are usually more likely to find a dentist or specialist conveniently located who accepts their insurance.
This extensive network coverage can be particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently travel or relocate. It can also be a bit confusing since Delta Dental is comprised of several different companies:
“Today, Delta Dental Plans Association is comprised of a network of 39 independent Delta Dental companies operating in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, and together we provide coverage to more Americans than any other dental insurance company.”
So to find your network or get a quote, you’ll have to visit Delta Dental and locate your state.
On the other hand, Cigna Dental also has a large network of dentists and specialists, but they have more options for coverage: dental only, dental & vision, and dental, vision & hearing
With a Cigna Dental quote, you can bundle coverage when plans are available in your area.
One of the first and most important steps is to search the provider network. If you don’t have a doctor, locate a network provider convenient to where you live and call them to confirm they accept the plan. This will avoid any frustration down the road.
Winner: Cigna Dental
Do Dental Plans Have Waiting Periods?
Cigna & Delta Dental have no waiting periods for preventative (checkups, cleanings), 6-month for basic and 12-month waiting periods for major and pay 100/80/50 respectively:
- Preventative: No waiting period, 100% covered
- Basic Services: 6-month waiting, 80% covered
- Major Services: 12-month waiting, 50% covered
Cigna Dental
- Waiting Periods: Yes
- Vision & Hearing? Yes
- Preventative Covered: 100% (no waiting)
- Basic Services Covered: up to 80% (6 months)
- Major Services Covered: 50% (12months)
- Orthodontia: Yes
- Cosmetic: No
- Annual Maximums: $1,500-$3,500
Delta Dental
- Waiting Periods: Yes
- Vision & Hearing? No
- Preventative Covered: 100% (no waiting)
- Basic Services Covered: up to 80% (6 months)
- Major Services Covered: 50% (12 months)
- Orthodontia: Yes
- Cosmetic: Yes
- Annual Maximums: $1,000-$2,000
Cigna vs Delta Dental (Coverage)
Both Cigna Dental and Delta Dental offer a range of dental plans to accommodate different needs and budgets. Overall though, Cigna Dental has more plan options across the country.
Dental plans classify their services:
- Preventative – office visits, dental exams, routine cleanings, x-rays
- Basic – fillings, simple tooth extraction, emergency treatment
- Major – deep cleaning, crowns, oral surgery, bridges, dentures
- Cosmetic – teeth whitening, aligners, mouthguards
- Orthodontia – braces, retainers, etc
The specific coverage, benefits, and costs can vary between the two providers, so take your time to understand each plan before you apply.
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Delta Dental
Of the two individual Delta Dental plans we offer, their Premier PPO is the most comprehensive. It has a generous annual max of $2,000 and while you will have to wait 6 months for basic coverage to kick in they will pay 80% of the bill.
For comparison, you may see other dental plans online with no waiting period but be sure to double-check the coinsurance (what they pay).
Typically, if a plan requires no waiting for basic and major services it will only pay 20%-30% of the bill during the first year.
| Basic PPO | Premier PPO | Dental & Vision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $50 individual $150 family | $50 individual $150 family | n/a |
| Annual Max | $1,000 | $2,000 | |
| Preventative (no wait) | 100% | 100% | |
| Basic (6 months) | 80% | 80% | |
| Major (12 months) | — | 50% | |
| Orthodontia (12 months) | — | 50% | |
| Cosmetic (6 months) | — | 80% | |
| Vision | — | — |
Cigna Dental
A major difference with Cigna is the option to bundle dental, vision, or hearing where available. For those who want the convenience of all their plans under one roof, this is a plus.
Another distinguishing feature is Cigna Dental offers plans with high annual maximums up to $3,500.
This means individuals with these plans have greater protection for dental procedures and treatments, providing them with additional financial protection in case of extensive dental work.
| Cigna Dental 1000 | Dental 1500 | Dental Vision 1000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $50 individual $150 family | $50 individual $150 family | $50 individual $150 family |
| Annual Max | $1,000 | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Preventative (no wait) | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Basic (6 months) | 80% | 80% | 70% |
| Major (12 months) | 50% | 50% | — |
| Orthodontia (12 months) | — | 50% | — |
| Cosmetic | — | — | — |
| Vision | — | — | Exam: $50 max Allowance: $100 |
Winner: Cigna Dental
Cigna vs Delta Dental (Price)
In general, the cost of dental insurance along with the price of procedures will vary based on location. You’ll want to perform a search of your ZIP Code to determine actual prices.
The cost of premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and the extent of coverage can differ between Cigna vs Delta Dental plans. It’s advisable to carefully review each provider’s plans to understand the specifics of what is covered and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Prices are estimates only for individual coverage. Family plans are available. Check your ZIP Code.
Delta Dental
| Basic PPO | Premier PPO | Dental Vision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Premium | $25-$30 | $35-$45 | — |
Cigna Dental
| Dental 1000 | Dental 1500 | Dental Vision 1000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Premium | $30-$35 | $35-$45 | $30-$40 |
Winner: Draw
Cigna vs Delta Dental: Which is Best?
Ultimately, the choice between Cigna vs Delta Dental will depend on your specific dental needs, preferred network availability, and budget.
For most of our readers, saving a few dollars each month isn’t as important as having access to a good dentist close by. In addition to the plan price, be sure to search for a provider that meets your needs conveniently.
Choosing which plan is best will come down to what’s most important to you:
Cosmetic: Delta Dental
Orthodontia: Draw
Dental & Vision Bundle: Cigna Dental
Hopefully, our guide has given you some insight to make the best choice. If you have questions or need more information please let us know.
Find & Compare Dental Insurance
In addition to the Cigna vs Delta Dental comparison, Ameritas plans are worth considering. If you need treatment now, you may want to consider a dental plan with no waiting period.
Quotes are free and available anytime. Check your ZIP Code and browse plans, prices and doctors near you.
Ameritas Dental (no waiting period)
Ameritas dental insurance plans feature next-day coverage, no enrollment fees with increasing benefits.
You can add vision and hearing in many states.
There are no waiting periods for all dental services and no enrollment fees when you sign-up online.
Preventive visits, such as dental exams and cleanings, are covered up to 100%.
Fillings and extractions are covered in Basic services. Crowns, implants, dentures and even teeth whitening are covered in select plans.
Online quoting and enrollment.
Additional benefits and options are available such as vision, LASIK, orthodontia, or hearing. Check your ZIP Code for availability.
- PrimeStar Lite
- PrimeStar Boost
- PrimeStar Complete
- Annual maximums from $1,500-$3,000
- Increasing benefits
- Child orthodontia
Cigna Dental
Cigna offers individual dental insurance plans along with options for vision and hearing.
Plus, Cigna Dental 1500 offers orthodontia
Get instant quotes on Cigna Dental plans, dental & vision, new high annual maximum plans or dental, vision & hearing bundles.
Online quoting and enrollment. Not all plans are available in all states. Check your ZIP Code >>
- Cigna Dental Preventative
- Cigna Dental 1000
- Cigna Dental 1500 (orthodontia)
- Cigna Dental Vision 1000
- Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 2000
- Cigna Dental 3500
UnitedHealthcare (no waiting period)
From one of the best known names in healthcare, affordable solutions to protect your important assets. Their large network is widely accepted throughout the country.
UnitedHealthcare dental plans provide flexible options for basic and major dental services with no age limit, no waiting period, Day 1 coverage and increasing benefits.
Preventive, basic and major services covered. Annual maximums from $1,000-$3,000.
Popular plans: DentalWise 1000, DentalWise Max 1000 (covers vision) and DentalWise 2000 (covers implants) & DentalWise Max 3000.
DentalWise Max plans include vision. DentalWise 2000 covers implants with a separate $1,500 benefit (12-month waiting period applies to implants. No waiting period on all other services)
Online quoting and enrollment are available in licensed states. Contact us for assistance or if your state is not listed:
DC, FL, GA, MD, MS, NC, PA, TN, TX, VA.
- DentalWise 1000
- DentalWise Max 1000 (& vision)
- DentalWise 2000 (covers implants with additional $1,500 benefit)
- DentalWise Max 2000 (& vision)
- DentalWise Max 3000
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Information is meant to be accurate and educational and not intended to be legal, medical or financial advice. Be sure to do your own research and contact a professional for help. Our site is free to use, but we may receive a commission from our partners & advertisers at no additional cost to you. Read our disclosure for more information.