Guardian® began as a life insurance company over 155 years ago. Guardian® works to make insurance accessible to everyone, and over the years has served over 20 million Americans.

Guardian® offers excellent dental insurance options with good coverage. You can find coverage for dental implants and child orthodontic treatment through Guardian®. It also has a superior financial rating from A.M. Best, which signals financial strength and Guardian®'s ability to meet its financial obligations when customers file a claim.

Customer Review: Angelina Hamilton from Jackson, Mississippi

"My company switched to this year and I went to the dentist yesterday and found out they cover more than my previous insurance did. No deductible for my cleanings! And it’s affordable!"

The Good

Excellent Plan Options for Individuals
Dental Benefits Through Employers
Additional Insurance Available

Excellent Plans for Individuals

Guardian^® offers Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) and Preferred Provider Organization.

Most insurance plans cover preventive care, like cleanings and dental check-ups. Coverage levels for diagnosis and restorative treatment (e.g. a root canal, filling, crown) varies by dental insurance plan. Plans typically don't cover cosmetic dentistry or orthodontics.

The PPO dental insurance plans have provider networks. However, plan members still have the same treatment covered if they visit an out-of-network dentist. The rates are usually higher for out-of-network dental care, even for preventive treatment. However, the flexibility is an advantage of PPO insurance.

Guardian^® also offers Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plans. The Dental HMO has a network of dental providers. It's easy to find an in-network provider on Guardian^®'s website. For coverage, plan members must receive care from a Guardian dentist. The network flexibility is how PPO and HMO plans differ.

Dental Benefit Options Through Employers

Guardian^® works with employers to create benefits packages for employees. For more details on dental plan options, you'll need to reach out to the company directly.

In addition to dental insurance coverage, employers may also be able to work with Guardian ® to offer vision, life, supplemental health, and disability insurance in their benefits package.

Additional Insurance Available

Independent buyers can purchase other kinds of insurance through Guardian^®:

Vision Insurance
Accident Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Cancer Insurance
Hospital Indemnity Insurance

These are great additional offerings. Some insurance providers offer more kinds of insurance, like health insurance. Others focus primarily on dental insurance.

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The Bad

Limited Customer Insight
Area Variability
Waiting Periods
Dental Discount Plans May Not Be Available
Must Provide Contact Information to See Options

Limited Customer Insight

Best Company has not received many reviews for Guardian^®. General conclusions about the customer experience are not currently available.

Area Variability

Guardian^®’s insurance policy offerings may vary depending on the area you live in. However, it is easy to view your insurance coverage options on the company’s website after entering your zip code.

Waiting Periods

Although there isn't usually a waiting period for preventive care, it's common for dental insurance plans to have a waiting period for restorative dental procedures like fillings and other major dental work. Some dental insurance companies do not have waiting periods. As you review Guardian^®'s dental plans, check to see if there are waiting periods for some dental work and whether or not the periods can be waived.

Dental Discount Plans May Not Be Available

If you're looking for a dental discount plan instead of insurance, you may not be able to find plans from Guardian^®.

While the website does not include any FAQs on dental discount plans, you won't know for sure until you provide your zip code and email address to view options and pricing in your area.

Dental discount plans are sometimes called dental savings plans. These plans are not insurance. Instead, they offer set discounts on dental services when you visit participating dentists.

Must Provide Contact Information to See Options

Before Guardian^®'s site shows you dental insurance plans in your area, you must provide your zip code, number of people covered, your age range, and email address.

If you're still in the research stages, it can be frustrating to provide an email address so that Guardian^® can email you quotes on plans.

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The Bottom Line

Dental treatment can be expensive and good oral health affects your overall health. Dental insurance helps by offering access to pre-negotiated discounts and cost-sharing. Regular preventive care like routine cleanings can help you avoid more expensive major services like root canals or bridges.

While Guardian^® may not have the same number of dental insurance policies as some of its competitor dental insurance providers, it has several great options for dental plans. Guardian^® provides good dental coverage. It's also convenient that the company offers other kinds of insurances, like vision insurance. Those interested in purchasing dental and vision insurance can find both products through Guardian^®.

Finding a dentist in Guardian^®'s dental network is a simple online process. Visiting a participating dentist helps you maximize your plan's dental savings. Before you buy a plan, you can check whether or not your current dental provider is included in Guardian^®'s network.

Before choosing Guardian^® as your insurance provider, be sure to check the website for zip code-specific cost and plan options. Consider the out-of-pocket expenses, annual deductible, annual benefit maximum, premiums, and coverage offered. Evaluate these features in terms of your budget and dental work or procedures you may need.

Customers should also pay attention to the waiting periods. If a you don't want to deal with waiting periods, choosing a plan from Guardian^® may not be the best option.

Although more customer reviews are necessary for a full recommendation, Guardian^® is a good dental insurance company to consider if its dental insurance plans offer the coverage you need.

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172 Reviews

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Lena Krisan

Not sure where these reviews are coming from! Up until 2 years ago, Guardian used customer service reps who spoke English and was easy to access. The EOBs were clear and easy to understand with the dentists' name and date of service and procedure written out in plan English. Trying to save money/make more money, Guardian has offshored and the people don't seem to have proper technology to look things up, find claims, etc. Also, difficult to get a hold of someone when we call. Talking to people who don't speak English well is like pulling teeth since they keep repeating same nonsense when I had a totally different question. Now the EOB doesn't always arrive and the website isn't always working. Also, EOBs are missing the dentist name and procedure explanation. When I called to ask the rep some questions the automated system couldn't find me, the rep couldn't find me until I provided an old claim number! Then Guardian barely covers for services and only pay the dentist a much lower price so we end up paying much more than the 50% we are supposed to be responsible for. We have a good plan through employer - $2500/yr and with a carryover account for unused $$ up to $1500 a year, however, most of the services, such as crowns, fillings are not covered at the reasonable going rate. I had a 28-yr old 4-teeth bridge fail and they wanted old records before they would cover anything! Finally after calling several times and talking to people who don't understand English we had only some of it covered! They still refuse to part with the $1500 carryover account. Is Guardian good coverage? Maybe... but their customer service is non-existent and foreigners who don't understand service and quote from a playbook... If you have the choice - STAY AWAY! My husband just moved to Aetna Medicare Advantage and dental PPO since out dentist suggested that. I am still stuck with Guardian!

2 weeks ago

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Shane Faherty

Very deceitful company!! In the plan details it says nothing about only paying 80% of the average for the cost in the area for out of network providers. So it makes it seem like there is no difference between out of network and in network. So after getting a filling done they only paid $123 for a $350 charge. They explained that $123 was 80% of the average filling cost in my area. I would have been better off not having insurance. Wont be renewing next year!

1 month ago

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Justin PM

Absolute trash. I have their $3500 PPO policy and if all you want is 2 basic cleanings and the exam covered, you're good. But God forbid you need actual treatments to keep your teeth intact. Deep cleaning? Forget it. Crowns? Forget it. More Xrays? Forget it. They love to deny claims left and right despite two dentists telling them that the procedures are required, I do have bone loss and must have a deep cleaning. Word to the wise - ensure your dentist gets pre authorisation before performing any procedures. They will likely deny you, even after they initially approve it but at least you won't be left with a bill you didnt expect. AVOID THIS SCAM INSURANCE COMPANY LIKE THE PLAGUE. Cigna was much, much better.

2 months ago

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Mannering Dental

I have been managing dental practices in the Chicagoland area for more than 33 years. Guardian has denied more claims for crown restorations and "deep cleanings" (aka periodontal scaling & root planing) than any other carrier I have ever dealt with. It appears that they have a standard policy of denying the former unless a tooth has had root canal therapy or upwards of 80% or more of the tooth structure is gone. And they will always deny claims for the latter procedure unless a patient's teeth are ready to fall out. Their requirements for deep cleanings to be covered are ridiculously stringent and outdated; their denials always violate the current norms of the American Academy of Periodontology. I have worked for practices where I have been brought on almost exclusively to appeal Guardian claim denials. Additionally, their response to my requests for claim review usually consist of a copy of the original EOB with an additional disclaimer that is always the same pro forma declaration that repeats the original denial reason with no other reasoning for their decision being provided. It is only when I have followed up these appeal denials with a formal complaint to state insurance regulators or involve the sponsoring employer's plan administrators that I have received a more comprehensive document delineating in detail why their alleged "dental consultant" upheld the decision to not pay benefits for legitimately rendered dental treatment. Guardian denies procedures that 99% of all other dental insurance carriers will cover. And this has been the situation for the more than 3 decades I have been submitting dental claims. This carrier is incorrigible, unethical and unrepentantly malfeasant in how they refuse to pay out benefits that their subscribers and we dental providers are rightfully owed.

3 months ago

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Iam TheLaw

Horrible horrible horrible insurance. How do you send a denial to pay months after you already approved it? Lazy disorganized pathetic excuse. They are a scam 100% and should be held liable for fraud.

1 month ago

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Reen Pip East Northport, NY

I have read many of these reviews. Not sure that’s are real reviews but I will give you my real experience. I have had fillings, preventative work crowns implants and always have reached a person to speak if any issue. Also I believe it has to do with the dentist you go to and making sure on their end the codes they are using are correct. You also have a max payout for dental and if you go over it’s on you like any other dental plan. I am in the middle of a procedure and going on Medicare in June and I called guardian and they told me since I have guardian now there are no waiting periods and my work will be covered. I have had guardian for over a year and a half and Delta Dental before that thru my company. So my advise to everyone is understand your plan , check to make sure your doctor is in their network and accepts their coverage in full not partial and know you will have out of pocket expenses. Btw.. my dentist and I get explanation of benefits and I know what to expect in a payment . Maybe it’s different in NY but so far so good for me !

2 years ago

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Anthony DeCaro

Total scam - They offer 100% coverage for in network or out of network providers for cleaning, x-rays, etc. Went to a pre appoved in-network provider and they are only offering to cover $78.00 of the total bill claiming that it is out of network. All of the reps just read the same thing off of a piece of paper.

2 months ago

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Michael Gohlke (DJ GoldKey)

How is it possible that these health care companies have all this money, and we still get the worst service possible? I asked them to set up auto pay, because their system is so bad, the payment reminders do not always get sent through. So i had my coverage lapse on accident, and now I have to manually pay every month now, even though i explicitly asked these morons to do auto pay *multiple times* lmao. I sincerely cannot wait for these big health companies to get gutted. I am so tired of this.

5 months ago Edited July 23, 2024

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Natalie McCandless

Guardian insurance has been extremely difficult when it comes to coverage. Even though my insurance plan states that coverage for crowns is 60% they are denying payment on the grounds that "the tooth is not decayed enough" I am no dentist but a "decayed" tooth should not get a crown but more likely get pulled on account of infection! Cracked teeth (of which mine is) should get crowns and they are refusing to pay. I am not happy with this insurance and their weaseling their way out of payment. They have been contacted several times regarding the situation and I get the same song and dance. I would definitely NOT reccomend Natalie

6 months ago

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K Wighton

I had Guardian Dental insurance through my work and each paycheck deducted approximately $34.00. That's around $812.00 from each employee every year. For over 2 years we avoided any dental visits because of Covid concerns and when I finally had to see a dentist to replace a crown Guardian kept losing my claim and dragging it out so I had to pay totally out of pocket to have approximately $900.00 of dental work. That was 15 months ago. I re-filed my very legitimate claim and finally today I hear that I will receive a reimbursement of $433.00. The rest my responsibility they said. So for my paychecks have been drained of over $3000.00 in dental insurance over a period of 4 years and this shady rip-off company won't cover the full cost of replacing a crown because it is a pre-existing condition. I'm an adult. All of my teeth are pre-existing. Dental insurance is a total waste of money. It's probably a waste of money even from an honest company. Just set aside a little every paycheck for a future dental appointment. Don't let these con artists did into your paycheck.

7 months ago

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Nick Albert

I've been with them 2years through the market place. I've set up auto pay a couple of times. Seems to always be and issue. You get these cancelation messages from their customer service computer. Looks to be one receives a negotiated dental price But that's where it ends, with Zero coverage for anything considered major! You're on your own. I told them to stick it sideways, couldn't care less what they do with my membership at this point. They really show no interest in dealing with anybody All voice recordings and antiquated dead ends. Im going to workout a direct dealing with my dentist without this cocomeme excuse of insurance.

7 months ago

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Cuban Queen Fort Lauderdale, FL

I had dental insurance with my husband insurance through BCBS of Florida. Needless to say I still have guardian only, now. The only thing I don't like is they took my children of my policy once they turned 20yrs old. Which makes no sense if I have no problem paying to keep them on my insurance. Overall they cover a lot more than most dental insurance companies.

1 year ago Edited October 23, 2023

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Ladie Lavender Eastsound, WA

Had this insurance for few months and I really liked their coverage and price. I wish they are staying updated on who their in network providers are, it was really difficult to find someone due to them not updating their records

1 year ago

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Dayna Brown Logan, UT

Quality dental care is important to our family! Guardian makes it so simple to find good 'in network' dentists to fulfill all the dental needs of our family. Their statements are easy to understand and read and I love that they keep us properly informed of costs, they don't hide anything from you! We have been customers of Guardian for years and are very pleased with their services!

4 years ago

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Douglas S Philadelphia, PA

My dentist filed a claim on my behalf. Guardian seemed to drag their feet processing the claim and they're saying the mailed. I haven't received it so I tried to call, and after trying to navigate the maze of their voice prompts (designed to make you just give up) I was supposed to be transferred to an 'agent'. Instead, they just disconnected the line. I logged into chat and got some responses - I need to wait 30 days and if I don't get the check, I can write them back and they'll see what they want to do. Absolutely terrible customer service - if you need help, have a very low bar so you won't be disappointed.

9 months ago

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L. D.

This is the worst dental insurance I have ever had. All of the negative reviews here completely reflect the experiences I have had with Guardian. I saw one of Guardian’s in-network dentists in November of 2023 and they have still not responded to my preauthorization request for crowns. It is now January 16th of 2024. They have told me on 4 different occasions that they were “making a note on my account” about my concerns. Today they claimed to have no records of me calling. They told me they had not even looked at my claim or requested more information until January 4th of 2024. My dentist sent more documents on January 5th and Guardian told me they received it. They said they had ANOTHER 12 days to make a decision. I called 12 days later and they completely changed the story. Now they claim that they never received the information from my dentist at all. These people are liars, and we are changing coverage.

10 months ago

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Jocelyn | Polished Chicago DDS Chicago, IL

Zero Stars. I work at a dental office as an admin and this is THE WORST insurance that we have to deal with. We are working on getting out of network with them. Reps are rude and mysteriously disconnect every call. Their "clinical consultants" are traitorous swindlers to the practice of medicine. Countless deep cleanings and crowns are denied by them every quarter. We even had a root canal patient's crown denied after the root canal was completed under the same plan. And the constant careless mistakes made by who/whatever is processing their claims is truly shocking. Had at least 3 regular cleanings last year denied by Guardian because *they* processed it with the wrong details, despite the information on the actual claim. We warn all our patients not to get a Guardian plan, so I am now extending the courtesy to anyone else who is searching for plans. Get Cigna, BCBS, MetLife, etc. Avoid Guardian at all costs. They won't be in business much longer if they keep treating their dentists and subscribers this way anyway.

11 months ago

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Charles Brown New York, NY

Beware if you need anything other than a routine checkup and cleaning. I have been seeing the same dentist for years and been on other dental insurances and have never once had a claim questioned on denied until having a claim submitted to Guardian for a crown. I should have known I was in for trouble when the dentist said that since I was on Guardian he was going to submit for preapproval before doing anything. The dentist took X-rays and pictures and even showed me the crack in the tooth visible on the hi-res picture, but Guardian still denied that the crown was needed. My wife needed a CBCT scan for oral surgery. The work was covered, but not the scan that was a needed prerequisite. There is no rhyme or reason to it.

1 year ago

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exguardian New York, NY

I've had the Silver / Core plan with Guardian Direct for several years in NYC. Basic cleaning and certain x-rays seems like they're 100% covered. However, things like white fillings (instead of silver) are not covered. All the advanced procedures are partially covered at the beginning of your 2nd year and there is only a small amount of implant procedure covered on a lifetime basis. I understand dental implants are expensive, but I believe they cap it at $700-$1,000 LIFETIME. If you're looking to have several implants, this insurance is pretty useless after your first one. Unless it's just cleaning, I feel like I'm always paying something out of pocket. You won't get much coverage on your first year, but your 2nd and 3rd yr will have better coverage. Overall, Guardian is an ok insurance for the premium I've paid. However, since I've exhausted my lifetime implant limit, I will be leaving them and try out another insurance such as Delta Dental.

2 years ago

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Mark Hunt Aiken, SC

So far, poor experience. Link in welcome email led to the wrong website “guardiandirect” dotcom when it should have sent me to “dentalexchange.guardiandirect” dotcom. I had no chance to understand why I couldn’t register online. Therefore I didn’t get the policy. Therefore, didn’t know that a $60 deductible and 6-month wait applied to even Preventative cleaning at the same dental office I've gone to for years. Deceptive, poor experience. Getting help through email is stupid, replies take 2 weeks and I think a computer would provide more intelligible replies than whatever human(?) is replying.

2 years ago Edited January 26, 2022

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Vince R Philadelphia, PA

Customer Service is awful - you must do everything online as it is almost impossible for you to get through to a representative. been on hold now 16 min with a BS recording saying someone will be with you shortly. Their website on dental plans are a little confusing (I think intentionally). I bought a Silver plan now I think called Core. I was certain that when I purchased the plan, it covered a number of services that I would use. I was also certain that the plan paid up to $1,000 annually which is a standard plan. Turns out, my documentation does not say that, but when I look online at my plan it pays $500. So, I am paying about $360/yr for a $500 a year benefit. I have not used the plan yet, but when I do I expect there to be issues with payment.

2 years ago

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Erinmarie Xian Seffner, FL

Guardian seems to be at the top as far as coverage goes. I was disappointed it didnt cover any Ortho service BUT upon looking thru other companies they still have the best coverage so its whatever (most do not cover ortho).

3 years ago

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Elizabeth Wall-O'Brien New York, NY

Frustrating: My daugeter needed a root canal. Both she and the dental office made calls to confirm coverage with guardian. In fact, the administrative assistant of the dental office put my daughter on the phone so that both the office and my daughter heard the same message: She was covered in full. When I got a sizeable bill for the procedure, both the office and my daughter called Guardian and were told that no one ever said she was covered in full. We asked them to pull the tapes on the call and they have yet to do so. Both my daugher and the dental office have made calls to request help from a guardian supervisor to no avail. They won't let us hear the correct tape. The dental office staff is our witness as we are for them.

5 years ago

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austin pliler Layton, UT

I recently switched companies and started using guardian for my vision and dental. The online interface is easy to use and they are excepted by a lot of places. Insurance is not exciting and neither is this review. Five stars

3 years ago

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todd bundy

BAD NEWS!!! They are playing games and not paying out for CROWNS!!! DO NOT GET DENTAL FROM THESE PEOPLE. They used to be a good company. Not anymore! I plan to take them to small claims court.

5 months ago

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B “vwpilot” R

Just got scammed out of 6 months of premiums. When I signed up it showed my Dr. as in-network. Dr. Bills $209. Gardian only covers $68, and now say my Dr. is not in network, my deductible for out of network is $120. I'm on the hook for the entire bill. Waste of money

6 months ago

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Addendum Drive

The worst phone and online system I've ever encountered. It just babbles at you, doesn't accept accurate information, and makes you jump through tons of hoops to get someone, with few choices of topics to even pick from when gating your call. Ridiculously complicated on all fronts.

7 months ago

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Mark Gerwitz Munich, BY

Guardian deigned benefits as requested to cover a cracked tooth. Photos, notes and x rays were send as they requested. The crack was the size of the grand canyon. They claimed that they had a dental expert review the information to make the decision. When pushed to reveal the dental expert.... Guardian did not know the experts name or background. The photos of the tooth were crystal clear identifying the crack.

9 months ago

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Matt

SCAM!!!!!! I wish there was a zero star option. This is the absolute worst dental coverage I have ever seen in my life. They refuse to cover basic procedures and play games for weeks on end by putting your claim in “pending status” until you give up. They confirm multiple times they’ll cover a procedure over the phone but when it comes to paying the claim, they play games and refuse to pay. This company is an absolute scam and is just taking peoples’ money in premiums and never paying out a claim. Stay as far away as humanly possible.

9 months ago

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Kevin Kan South San Francisco, CA

Okay, my job has paid Guardian premium for me and family for years. When I've gone in for cleaning and X rays, I've never had a problem. Now that I'm older and having more serious tooth issues with cracked teeth and crowns needed, I've been consistently denied. Resent new cracked pictures and still denied. This is a repeat offense. I've been eating on the other side of my mouth the last 1 1/2 years and even broke off a part of my tooth on the used side. Again denied. If you have a choice of dental insurance, don't pick Guardian. They stink. Totally frustrating.

9 months ago

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Mary P

This completely corrupt insurance company gave me a plan under DHMO stating that my dental office accepted this insurance. I had scheduled an appointment 8 weeks in the future and the day of the appointment found out that they DO NOT accept this plan. I called and cancelled the insurance. This was very disappointing and an example of FRAUD. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS INSURANCE TO ANYONE!!!!

10 months ago

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Deanie Tuscola, TX

Went to the dentist on August 15, 2023 for a routine exam/cleaning. I have a primary insurance and a secondary insurance through Guardian. They refuse to pay my claim and I consistently get the run around that they need an EOB - which I have already sent to them as well as the dentist office. Next they needed to know the policy specifics on my primary insurance which I also provided to them four times. They denied the claim that they didn't have that information. I called them and they told me they could not take that information over the phone that it had to come from the dentist office. They told the dentist office that information had to come directly from the policy holder. It is just one stall tactic after stall tactic to NOT pay for any claim. I have now sent the information to them via certified mail and a copy of all correspondence to the insurance commissioner's office for the state of Texas. They claim to have never received any correspondence so now I will force them to sign for it! I notice they never have any problems getting their premiums - that's the name of the game - pocket the money and screw over the policy holder!

11 months ago

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Bruce Raven Austin, TX

I had a piece of a tooth break off. I went to my dentist and they told me the tooth was also cracked and that I would need a crown. They showed me the x-ray and a picture of the tooth, clearly showing the fracture. The dentist submitted to Guardian and the claim was denied, saying there was insufficient evidence. The Dentist office appealed the claim and included the photos of the tooth clearly showing the crack. Guardian again denied the claim. I called their customer line and was told the only option was to have the dentist submit another appeal. I asked to speak to their consultant who denied the claim and they said that was not possible. It is not fair to the dentists office to waste more of their time to resubmit the same evidence that clearly shows the crack. This was my first claim with Guardian after having worked at other companies with different dental insurance providers. I have never had a claim appeal denied. If you have any choice, Do not use Guardian!

1 year ago

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Mary Lau-Thefaine

I visited 2 of their so called providers this week to try to take advantage of my benefit this year and to receive at least a cleaning. First provider demanded a $100 copay which was not correct for in network. Second provider was recommended by Guardian but when I got there at 4 and after a half an hour of X-rays with antiquated equipment and being told my out of pocket would be $3600, doctor told me I would have to return another day to receive a cleaning and that Guardian would not cover even 1 cent of the $88 cleaning fee. Total waste of my time and I’m exceptionally disappointed by the plan that provider stated has very low and slow reimbursement rates. I just flushed a year of premiums down the can.

1 year ago

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Jill Kuhn Los Angeles, CA

Absolutely terrible dental insurance. They deny every claim and the amount the pay dentists for regular preventive maintenance is so low you will always have to pay additional fees. I needed a crown for a huge crack across a molar. They denied it and said the tooth wasn't decayed enough and the crack could be fixed with a filling. If my dentist had drilled into that tooth to fill it, it would have cracked open and then I would have needed an implant--and Guardian would have refused to pay for that! Employers, don't saddle your employees with this horrible provider. Individuals, pay a bit more and get a provider who will provide coverage, like Blue Shield.

1 year ago

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desiree keane The Bronx, NY

If only zero stars were possible! To make a long story short, I was told by the guardian rep that came to our employment, by my HR rep, by 2 different representatives i spoke with on the phone that Invisalign is covered, that i have a copay of 2800. This is a flat out lie. After 16 phonecalls back and forth with them and my orthodontist, They do not cover Invisalign.! If i call right now again ans ask they will tell me its covered, thats theres no age limit and i dont need pre-auth. Lies. It is not covered and i changed my insurance because i was told it is covered, had to switch my primary dentist and waited the necessary year guardian claims is needed to be eligible for aligners. I could gave been paying the same price w my old dentist and started treatment a year ago. This is dusgusting.

1 year ago

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D Conifer, CO

Guardian is the absolute worst! Not only have I used their insurance in the past, but I also work with insurance companies for a group of dental offices. I can truthfully say that not one person in our financial department wants to work with Guardian. The benefits are almost always terrible, there is high out-of-pocket costs for most procedures, their provider website never works, the automated phone system is horrendous, but the worst part of Guardian is their customer service. They are rude, unhelpful, rarely have useful information, struggle to answer basic questions, hang up when they don't know the answers, and are all around useless and infuriating to deal with. Please, do yourself and your medical professionals a favor and find a different company!

1 year ago

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Jim Latta El Segundo, CA

Guardian Dental insurance is absolutely terrible. Every claim we have whether it’s a routine cleaning or something more involved is a total hassle. I had a routine cleaning that they wouldn’t pay for because they said I had one a tooth cleaning a month ago on in New York. After hours on the phone phone they finally acknowledged that my son in New York had the cleaning and not me and it was billed incorrectly, not me. Before that appointment,, I had had another routine cleaning that wasn’t covered, so after hours on the phone I had them call the dentist and email them and me proof of coverage. Strange how they process my payment without any problem? Just this week they refused to pay a claim for my wife’s crown work. They said that after 14 years of having their insurance I needed to wait twelve months for and major work to be covered. I had the same problem last year, yet they had no record of our conversation or emails. After talking to seven different customer service people over three days and 5.5 hours on the phone they said that was incorrect. The reason they won’t pay for the crown is because they only pay for crowns on the same tooth every 10 years and her tooth had a crown seven years ago. If you want to be totally aggravated and frustrated then sign up for Guardian’s highest most expensive Diamond program.!

1 year ago

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David Dafoe Louisville, KY

I own the company that offers Guardian Dental Plan in our benefit package. We now realize this is the WORST choice ever! They have done everything possible to deny coverage for me and my spouse. They have no shame. When I called and FINALLY got a live person she instructed me to read the fine print. I could not believe it and I got no real explanation for their lack of coverage during the call. I feel bad because I offer this for my employees. My dentist and my spouse's dentist told us that this was the absolute WORST dental insurance. Stay away from this terrible company - they are one step above organized scammers.

1 year ago

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A White South Bend, IN

I have been a customer for four years. Two dental visits per year at four years makes eight visits. I have never filed a claim in which I haven't had to chat online or call with an issue. NOT ONCE. This time was the winner. My claim was denied because they filed it under my husband's name and a non existent account. There is no account under my husband, and it's been mine the entire four years. Every time I talk to someone they say "we guarantee this will never happen again." I even sent a note with my plan and ID number and indicated that I always have an issue. They acknowledged they got that note. I don't even have enough words for how a company can operate like this. They also have no words for how they can operate like this other than, "sorry, it won't happen again". Except it will. EVERY SINGLE TIME.

1 year ago

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Mono Poly

-very difficult to speak to a human -they don’t cover all of the things most other dental insurances cover. I needed an implant + crown. They don’t cover the abutment/impression needed to create the crown. Can’t get a crown without this step, so go figure. And beware missing tooth clauses. -their communication is non-existent. I submitted various docs for an appeal and there is no feedback process to let you know they received the docs. You’re left guessing. And see the first bullet point about speaking to a real human. -their appeal portal on their website never worked. I submitted 3 times, got an automated receipt saying it had been submitted m, and three times no one had any record of it being submitted when I called to check. I ended up faxing and sending the appeal docs by certified mail. -I was reimbursed some money and they didn’t even communicate this to me. I found out days later they’d sent the check to my dentist. Only positive - the customer service people I reached over chat and the one time I managed to get someone on the phone were respectful and for the most part knowledgeable. They are free through my employer but I would rather pay a monthly fee and have better service and peace of mind.

1 year ago

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Hannah M.

I was told told by my dental provider that I needed a specific number for them to use my insurance, I assumed this would be one of the numbers I received on my monthly check but it is not, it is apparently on their ID cards but I have NEVER received a card, thought it was a fluke the first year, but my second year I also didn't receive anything. I have also tried logging in online, but you have to have the aforementioned number to open your account. It is an infinite loop of borderline fraudulent behavior that ultimately makes their services un-usable. I opted to just let my coverage lapse, however I now have a dental emergency and any bit would help, I am still in the grace period so I tried to call the number they said I could call to reinstate my plan but they won't recognize my ID number. Completely outrageous and infuriating. Dental insurance is bad enough as it is, DO NOT use this company.

1 year ago

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R Harrison Duchesne, UT

Guardian was the worst dental insurance experience I've ever had. Purchased a policy through the marketplace and they never paid out for anything. If you try to get a hold of a real person, good luck. I returned to my dentist today for my 6 mos cleaning and I had to pay $1K for past work that Guardian found various reasons for rejecting EVERY. SINGLE. CLAIM.... The last time my dental office billed it out to Guardian they told my dentist they would only pay amalgam fillings- not composite so my claims were all being denied. The time before that they said they would only pay Occlusal fillings not Lingual. What a scam company!

1 year ago

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julie roberts

Guardian dentals customer service is abysmal. I emailed customer service asking them to cancel my service before the next billing period, and got an auto reply that they’d handle my request in 2-4 business days. By business day 6, I decided to just pick up the phone. The bot on the line couldn’t understand I was saying DENTAL not CANCER and so I could not get on the line with anyone. I sent out another email requesting cancellation which also got no reply within 2-4 days. The premium was taken out of my acct in this time period. I emailed a third time and finally someone replied. No one has confirmed my coverage is canceled yet and no refund.

1 year ago

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Stephanie Lee Sun Prairie, WI

Horrible customer service -- I wasn't getting my full benefits that I paid for and had to call in multiple times to try to talk to someone who could explain to me why. Their website is useless, you can't even find your EOBs or claims on the website. Their phone automation system is terrible, it never understands what you're saying so it takes at least 10-15 minutes each time just to get routed to the right place. And then once you finally get someone on the phone they all know nothing and have to transfer you back and forth. The website is frequently down, on their end as well, so you have to constantly be put on hold while they wait for the system to come back up again. If I had a choice I would NEVER use them for insurance -- go with literally anyone else.

2 years ago

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b. p. Anderson, IN

I have had Guardian Dental insurance for more than 2 years and have never had an issue with routine services. I also had a crown, which I think was paid according to their coverage limitations. I wish they offered more services at an additional premium. $1,000 max cap per year isn't going to get you far with the cost of modern dental.

2 years ago Edited October 23, 2023

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Kyle Martin

Guardian has horrible customer service. They refuse to abide by their own terms and conditions of their product. I filed a claim since they only covered 50 percent of preventative care (they claim they cover 100 percent) but since the dentist charged more then they thought it should cost they claimed to cover 100 percent of a contracted rate. I have laced multiple appeals and the letters come back with an insulting response where no evidence is placed on why they should not cover the claim, but an introduction a conclusion statement about not covering any additional claims and a "This section is left in error" statement. They literally sent me a fill in the blank denial letter TWICE. I would avoid them if possible.

2 years ago

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OC Taos, NM

Be careful of this company and check your statement after you cancel their plan. They kept charging me after I changed my dental plan for the new year through healthcare marketplace. Guardian wouldn't refund my money, were rude, and blamed healthcare marketplace for not informing them. I called healthcare marketplace and they said it was canceled and they did inform them. Guardian then only refunded HALF of my money. I called Guardian to refund the rest and they were very rude again! So I called healthcare marketplace and they stepped in, got Guardian to refund the money owed as well as gave me the number for Texas Dept of Insurance to file a complaint as they were astonished how difficult and rude Guardian Dental was. Never again.

2 years ago

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Matt Petaluma, CA

Swindlers, cheats, and con artists. You should know when they say they'll cover something "100%", they actually mean "100% of whatever we think we should pay", which routinely means less than half of what the procedure actually costs. Literally every claim I've ever filed with them, they've always underpaid the percentage that my plan supposedly promises to cover. I called them on the phone to get an explanation on how they decide how much to pay, and why they are paying less than what my plan says it covers. And they just completely stonewalled me, giving the same canned response over and over, saying "that's what we've determined is the fair value for that procedure in that area", and they refuse to explain who determined that. Or how they determined that, or when. Or to let you talk to any one else who might know the answers to those questions. And it's funny how their "fair value" is always significantly less than what every doctor and dentist is actually charging in the area. That doesn't seem very "fair" to me. How is this legal?

2 years ago Edited August 18, 2023

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Danny Choi Syracuse, NY

Called to talk about claims. They have the call center setup to make you frustrated. The robo part in the beginning where you have to answer questions never works correctly, and then after awhile it gets you to real person. The first time i called i got hanged up on. After asking for someone else to help me. I called again this time i got someone who actually help me. But the way they have the plan written on their website is hard to tell if you are covered or not so i got confused. Not to mention why is it so hard if i have. the ADA codes to check if my plan is covered. Literally all they had to do is allow me to search by that code to figure it out but they don't. This company is the worst i have ever dealt with.

2 years ago