MetLife’s dental plans cover preventative oral care services like routine cleanings, as well as braces, fillings, and unexpected major services like crowns. The company advertises less out-of-pocket costs, with an extensive network of thousands of dental providers from which to choose.
Most cleanings and exams are covered 100 percent, and when you have to pay, their negotiated fees are typically 30 to 45 percent less than the average.
No preauthorization is required, and you can schedule specialist visits directly (known as a direct referral basis). You can also obtain the name of a network specialist from any participating dentist.
Together, MetLife administers dental benefits for over 20 million people. Should you be their next customer, though? Let’s start by taking a look at the dental plans they offer.
Which Dental Plans Does MetLife Offer?
Overall, MetLife offers five different dental plans.
1. PPO Plans
MetLife’s PPO dental plans feature a broad range of covered services and procedures, an expansive network of dental providers, and their Preferred Dentist Program, which is designed to save you money on dental services (depending on “various factors, including the cost of the plan, how often participants visit the dentist, and the cost of services rendered.”).
In-network preventative care is often 100 percent covered, and your dentist will submit your claim directly, which saves you from having to complete a lot of paperwork.
2. HMO/Managed Care Plan
Available in CA, FL, NJ, NY, and TX, MetLife’s HMO/Managed Care plan delivers an extensive network of dental providers and no deductibles, and you’ll have the opportunity to preselect a dentist upon enrollment.
Like with PPO plans, your dentist will submit your claims if you choose to enroll in an HMO/Managed Care plan.
3. MetLife TakeAlong Dental
MetLife advertises their TakeAlong plan as “on-the-go dental coverage,” with the freedom to choose your own dentist, whether in or out of network (you could experience higher out-of-network costs, though). Still, the plan features 36 percent lower network fees than typical service costs.
Despite this lower cost, TakeAlong covers hundreds of services and procedures, with a
variety of options to meet your specific needs and budget.
4. Dental Insurance for Veterans
MetLife’s dental insurance for veterans covers those who served in the US military and their families. You won’t pay an annual deductible for in-network benefits, and children’s orthodontics are covered up to the age of 19 (up to $3,500 annual plan maximum per person).
Currently, MetLife offers two different veteran plan options: standard and high. Here’s a quick table outlining some of the differences.
| Standard Option | High Option | |||
| In-Network | Out-of-Network | In-Network | Out-of-Network | |
| Basic (Class A) | 100% | 60% | 100% | 90% |
| Intermediate (Class B) | 50% | 40% | 70% | 60% |
| Major (Class C) | 30% | 20% | 50% | 40% |
| Orthodontia (Class D) | Not covered | Not covered | 50% | 50% |
5. Federal Dental Plan (FEDVIP)
MetLife’s Federal Dental Plan caters to US federal employees, retired uniformed service members, and their families.
Like the Veterans plan, FEDVIP is available in Standard and High options. According to their website, you can expect in-network discounts of up to 45 percent, access to over 492,000 dentist locations, and no out-of-pocket costs for in-network cleanings, X-rays, and exams.
We’re also told that 98 percent of dental claims filed under the FEDVIP plan are paid within 10 days, and claims are automatically submitted to FSAFEDS for you.
Note: MetLife also offers vision insurance through their FEDVIP program, which provides access to one of the nation’s largest networks (131,000+ providers).
How Much Do MetLife’s Dental Plans Cost?
MetLife doesn’t post online rate information for their PPO, HMO/Managed Care, TakeAlong, and Veteran dental plans.
With this said, when it comes to the FEDVIP plan, pricing ranges between $22.21 (self only, rating area 1) and $173.53 (self and family, rating area 5) per month. You can find detailed rate information in MetLife’s FEDVIP Dental Plan brochure.
Note: Keep in mind that your premiums are in addition to each plan’s copays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs.
Do You Need More Information About MetLife’s Dental Plans?
Since 2008, the IHS Insurance Group staff has helped clients like you learn more about the dental plans available and how much you might expect to pay, including those from MetLife. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you!
Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:
- If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
- If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
- Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.
We look forward to speaking with you today!
