Many seniors struggle with significant dental problems because dental care costs are exorbitant, even outrageous, despite taking good care of their teeth.
There is, however, great news for seniors looking for affordable dental care , quality dental care, and tax-deductible dental care .
The ideal solution is to go abroad!
Indeed, dental tourism has become a popular way for millions of people to combine important dental treatments with a vacation.
Better yet, you can be accompanied by a person who knows the country, the customs, dental care and has already lived there in order to make your stay pleasant, profitable and satisfying.
In this guide, I explain to seniors everything you need to know about dental tourism and what you should consider when choosing this solution.
I also explain the Canadian Dental Care Plan to you.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Dental Vacation Destination
Despite the absence of an agreement with the Quebec government, the federal government has begun the deployment of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Even if you are eligible and already registered in the Plan, we would like to make a few warnings so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises.
available on the Sun Life website, which is the administrator of the SDCP for the Government of Canada, to help you find a provider.
As of July 8, 2024, if the provider agrees to bill Sun Life directly for reimbursement, you will be able to see the provider of your choice. People covered under the Plan should still and only pay for expenses not covered by the Plan.
In addition, it is important to respect the start date of your coverage. Appointments can only be made from this date or after.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan will only pay for dental care services covered by the Plan and according to fees established by the SDCP. As a result, individuals covered under the Plan, which is not free, may have to pay additional fees directly to the dental care provider if the fees differ. In addition, it is also possible that you may have to pay a co-payment based on your adjusted net family income.
Please note that Plan clients are never required to pay the full amount of covered expenses to the provider, but only what is not covered under the Plan. There will be no reimbursement made directly to individuals.
To learn more about the care and amounts covered, you can consult the Service Canada website .
How to check your eligibility?
Dentists retain the freedom to charge prices higher than the fee schedule established by the federal government. In this case, the difference will have to be paid by the patient.
Under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, applications will be accepted gradually. Letters with a personalized enrolment code and instructions on how to apply have been sent to all eligible individuals aged 70 and over. The code to complete registration via the automated telephone system is valid until April 30. After that, registrations will be done online, as will be the case for those aged 65 and over starting in May.
Should I travel abroad for dental care?
The main reasons for traveling abroad for dental care are high treatment costs and lack of insurance coverage in one’s home country.
Besides savings, it is crucial to consider two other factors: The additional costs of staying abroad and the safety in the chosen country.
Therefore, when planning a dental tourism trip, thorough research is essential.
As a dental tourist for a senior, your additional costs may include airfare, travel and city stay, and the cost of time away from work and home.
As a dental patient, things to consider are the dentist’s experience, the country’s healthcare system, the clinic’s reputation, the safety protocols followed, the quality of the materials used and obviously the experience of the attendant.