AARP dental insurance costs between $1 and $3 per day for basic coverage, but the actual price depends on your age, location, and which plan you choose

AARP offers dental coverage through two main routes: dental discount plans and dental insurance plans. Discount plans cost less upfront — typically $80 to $200 per year — but they don't cover as much. Insurance plans cost more monthly but cover a larger share of procedures. Neither one is the same as Medicare dental coverage, and neither one is sold directly by AARP itself.

The plans are actually underwritten by insurance companies that partner with AARP. The price you pay depends on where you live, your age, and what level of coverage you pick. There is no single "AARP dental insurance cost" — you have to get a quote for your state and zip code to know what you would actually pay.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP dental discount plans cost $80 to $200 per year and give you discounts at participating dentists but don't cover procedures the way insurance does.
  • AARP dental insurance plans are underwritten by companies like Aetna and Delta, and monthly premiums vary by state, age, and the specific plan you choose.
  • Insurance plans typically have waiting periods of 6 to 12 months before they cover major work like crowns or root canals.
  • You can get a price quote on AARP's website by entering your zip code, but you will need to compare plans side by side to see which one fits your budget and dental needs.

How AARP dental discount plans work and what they cost

A dental discount plan is not insurance. You pay a flat annual fee — usually between $80 and $200 — and in return you get discounts at dentists who are part of the plan's network. The discount is typically 10 to 60 percent off the dentist's regular price, depending on the procedure.

You pay the dentist directly at the time of service, minus the discount. There are no claim forms, no waiting periods, and no coverage limits. The downside is that you are paying out of pocket for everything — the plan just negotiates a lower price for you. If you need a $1,000 crown, a 40 percent discount brings it down to $600, but you still pay $600 that day.

Discount plans work best if you have low dental costs and want to avoid insurance paperwork. They don't work well if you need major procedures or want the insurance company to share the cost with you.

How AARP dental insurance plans work and what they cost

AARP's dental insurance plans are sold through partners like Aetna and Delta Dental. These are real insurance plans, which means the company pays a share of your costs after you meet a deductible. Monthly premiums vary widely by state and age.

A rough range for someone in their 60s is $20 to $50 per month for basic coverage, but this changes based on where you live. Florida, California, and New York have different rates. The only way to know your actual cost is to enter your zip code on AARP's website and see what plans are available in your area.

Most plans have three tiers: preventive (cleanings and X-rays, usually covered at 100 percent), basic (fillings and extractions, often covered at 70 to 80 percent), and major (crowns, bridges, root canals, covered at 50 percent). Many plans also have annual maximums — the insurance company will pay up to $1,000 or $1,500 per year, then you pay the rest.

Waiting periods and coverage limits you should know about

Most AARP dental insurance plans have a waiting period before they cover major work. This means if you sign up today, you might not be able to get a crown covered until 6 or 12 months from now. Preventive care like cleanings is usually covered right away, but major procedures are not.

Plans also have annual maximums. If your plan covers up to $1,200 per year and you have a $1,500 procedure, you pay the extra $300 yourself. Some plans have no waiting period for basic procedures but a longer wait for major work. You need to read the plan details carefully before you sign up, because waiting periods and maximums are the biggest surprises people encounter later.

How to get a price quote for your area

Go to AARP's website and look for the dental insurance section. You will be asked for your zip code and birth date. The site will show you plans available in your state, along with the monthly premium for each one.

Compare at least three plans side by side. Write down the monthly cost, the deductible, what percentage each tier covers, the annual maximum, and the waiting periods. A plan that costs $10 less per month might have a longer waiting period or a lower annual maximum, so the cheapest plan is not always the best deal.

Once you have narrowed it down, you can read the full plan documents before you enroll. AARP will send you a summary of benefits that spells out exactly what is and is not covered.

AARP dental coverage versus Medicare dental coverage

Medicare does not cover routine dental care — cleanings, fillings, and extractions are not included in any Medicare plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offer dental coverage as an add-on, but that coverage is separate from AARP's dental plans.

If you are on Medicare and want dental coverage, you have two choices: enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental, or buy a standalone dental plan like the ones AARP offers. The AARP plans are available to anyone 50 and older, whether or not they are on Medicare.

When a dental discount plan makes more sense than insurance

Choose a discount plan if you are healthy, rarely need dental work, and want to avoid monthly premiums. The $100 to $200 annual cost is low, and you can use it when ready with no waiting periods.

Choose an insurance plan if you expect to need major work in the next year or two, or if you want the insurance company to share the cost of procedures with you. The monthly premium is higher, but if you have a $2,000 crown and the plan covers 50 percent, the insurance pays $1,000 and you pay $1,000 — a much bigger help than a discount plan would give you.

Some people buy both: a discount plan for when ready use and an insurance plan that they will use for major work after the waiting period ends. This is more expensive upfront but covers all your bases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AARP dental plan if I already have a dental problem?

Yes, but if you buy an insurance plan, major procedures may not be covered until the waiting period ends — usually 6 to 12 months. A discount plan has no waiting period, so you could use it right away. Read the plan details to see what your specific waiting period is.

Do AARP dental plans work with Medicare?

AARP dental plans are separate from Medicare. If you are on Medicare and want dental coverage, you can buy an AARP plan, or you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental. You cannot use both at the same time.

What if I move to a different state?

AARP plans are state-specific, so your plan may not be available in your new state. When you move, contact AARP to see what plans are available where you are going. You may need to switch to a different plan or wait out a new waiting period.

Are there AARP dental plans that cover implants?

Some plans cover implants, but coverage varies by state and plan. Implants are usually classified as major work, so they fall under the 50 percent coverage tier and are subject to the annual maximum. Check the plan details for your state to see if implants are covered and at what percentage.

How do I cancel an AARP dental plan?

You can cancel during the open enrollment period or within 30 days of receiving your plan documents. After that, you can cancel at any time, but some plans may have a cancellation waiting period before you can re-enroll. Call the insurance company directly to cancel — AARP does not handle cancellations.