UnitedHealthcare Logo

UnitedHealthcare

Is This Your Business?
star star star star star_border

5.3

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: September 8th, 2024

UnitedHealthcare is a well-known insurance provider. It's mission is to help people live healthier lives and to help make the health system work better for everyone.

The company is continually working with health care professionals and other key partners to create a health care system that is accessible and affordable to all.

UnitedHealthcare and Optum (health information, technology, and services firm) have managed to provide medical benefits to people throughout the nation and in more than 130 other countries. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare has a network that includes over 1.3 million physicians - and other health care professionals - and more than 6,000 hospitals and other facilities.

Read UnitedHealthcare Dental Reviews

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

  • Finding Coverage Options Is Simple
  • Dental Insurance FAQs
  • UnitedHealthcare App
  • Employer Offerings
  • Additional Insurance Products

Finding Coverage Options Is Simple

For specifics on dental insurance coverage available through United Healthcare, individuals must provide their address, age, gender, and other information to view the cost and coverage available for dental care and treatment in their area.

As you look at dental coverage options, pay attention to what kind of dental work is covered, including preventive services and basic services. Preventive care typically includes cleanings and fluoride treatments. Basic services include fillings. Check to see what major dental services are covered. Major services usually include root canals and retainers.

Be sure to understand whether or not there is a waiting period. While some plans might not have a waiting period, some plans do. The period can range anywhere between 4 and 12 months.

Some UnitedHealthcare dental insurance plans may include cost-sharing or discounts for orthodontic care. Some plans may only offer orthodontic coverage for children, though some may offer coverage for adults.

Once you understand the coverage, you need to evaluate the cost. The plan's full costs includes copays, monthly premium payments, and the deductible. Consider how much dental work you'll need and estimate those costs. This will help you find an affordable plan that fits into your budget.

Dental Insurance FAQs

Those who are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of a dental insurance plan can visit the UnitedHealthcare Frequently Asked Questions page and get answers to common dental insurance questions. UnitedHealthcare does a fantastic job of explaining how dental insurance works, specific terms, the scope of coverage, and even coverage options for seniors.

UnitedHealthcare App

The UnitedHealthcare app is handy as it allows you instant access to your health plan details. The app includes the following features:

  • Find network care options for doctors, clinics, and hospitals nearby
  • Talk to a doctor via video
  • View reviews and ratings for doctors
  • Generate and share digital health plan ID cards
  • View claims and account balances
  • Manage prescription drugs and refills
  • Estimate costs of common procedures
  • View copay, annual deductible, and out-of-pocket expenses
  • View Health Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Account, or Health Savings Account

You can download the app for free from the App Store® and Google Play®.

Employer Offerings

UnitedHealthcare also offers plans that employers can offer employees. It's much easier to find general information on the kinds of dental plans offered to employers. Employers can choose a PPO, INO, or Select Managed Care plan. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans offer coverage outside of its network of dental providers. In-network only (INO) plans only offer coverage when visiting participating care providers. Select Managed Care plans offer coverage only for in-network care. These plans also provide direct compensation.

Some plan structures are not available in every state. Employers should work directly with UnitedHealthcare to learn more about options and their costs in their area.

Additional Insurance Products

For those interested in purchasing health coverage or vision insurance along with dental coverage, UnitedHealthcare offers other insurance products. These include health insurance, short term health insurance, and supplemental insurance plans. Its supplemental insurance plans include hospital and doctor insurance, vision, term life, international travel, accident, hospitalization, critical illness, and student health insurance.

If you're eligible for a Medicare plan, UnitedHealthcare partners with the AARP to offer Medicare plans.

For employers, UnitedHealthcare also offers medical, vision, life, accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, hearing, and global insurance. Employers seeking to offer more than dental benefits to employees can find additional insurance products from UnitedHealthcare.

thumb_down

The Bad

  • Limited Information

Limited Information

Because UnitedHealthcare requires people to enter their address, age, gender, etc. it is difficult to give a general evaluation of the company's dental insurance plans. Depending on the given information, the plans will vary in price, coverage, and availability. You should should pay attention to what dental services will be covered, like routine cleanings, dentures, orthodontics, etc.

You should also see if there are any waiting periods, and discount differences between an in-network provider and an out-of-network provider when considering a dental policy. If you like your current dentist, you should see if they are a network dentist on the plans you're considering.

gavel

The Bottom Line

While it was difficult to find general information to provide an overview of UnitedHealthcare and its dental insurance offerings for individuals, it is a trusted and respected health insurance company. Because United Healthcare offers many products and has a broad reach, the lack of general information also speaks to the level of specificity and variety available.

UnitedHealthcare dental plans are worth more investigating further. If you’re not up for more direct research on the United Healthcare site, other dental insurance companies may be better suited for you.

View Best Dental Insurance Companies

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

4.0

star star star star star_border

80 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

50%

4 grade

20%

3 grade

16%

2 grade

6%

1 grade

8%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_border

Quality

star star star star star_border

Service

star star star star star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_border
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
star star star star star

Joy Fulkerson

I have been with UnitedHealthcare sense April 2016. They have taken such good care of me. One thing has changed which I do not like. They lowered the amount of money they give us for utility payments, food and over the counter medicine by half.

4 months ago

star star star star star

Sherry Betts

United Healthcare has some of the best Dental Insurance plans I have ever had. They are quick to pay the provider, and are very easy to work with. I have not been to a dentist or orthodontist office that does not take UHC Dental. I highly recommend choosing them as your Dental Insurance if you have a choice of providers.

1 year ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Marie Iddings Bend, OR

If I could leave a ZERO rating I would! DATE ACTIVITY & STATUS 5/9/2023 Lava crown replacement with core build-up and pins; Cost=$1325; pt. Paid $630 or 50% of costs to dentist 5/25/2023 Initial claim filed by Bridgeview Dental 6/18/2023 Letter received by patient advising UHC denied entire claim 6/19/2023 Patient called Bridgeview; billing department resubmit all documentation 7/24/2023 Bridgeview Dental called patient to advise they have filed an appeal for denied claim today 7/31/2023 Patient called Bridgeview; “appeal on denied claim for DOS 5/9/23 is in process” 8/15/2023 Patient called UHC Dental Customer Care & was transferred 2 (two) times; spent 34 minutes on the phone to be advised that UHC Dental has not received an appeal to date for DOS 5/9/2023 from Bridgeview Dental 8/16/2023 Patient called Bridgeview Dental and advised Robin that UHC Dental is denying that they have ever received the appeal filed on 7/24/2023 9/7/2023 Patient spoke with Bridgeview Dental billing representative Robin who had spent time consulting with UHC Dental on the status of the appeal for DOS 5/9/2023 and she will follow up with UHC in 2 weeks 10/16/2023 Patient called UHC Dental; REFERENCE # E16012086; on hold for 18:30 as the customer service personnel “investigated” the status of the appeal for DOS 5/9/2023. They were unable to find any appeal or give me a status update. On call for 31 minutes and was disconnected by Customer Service. 10/16/2023 Patient called Bridgeview Dental to advise of unknown status on appeal. They will follow up with UHC Dental. They also have obtained reference numbers for submitted appeals and for submitted documentation that they have uploaded multiple times. 01/04/2024 Patient spent 48 minutes on the phone with UHC Dental representative CHRIS who advised that the claim for DOS 5/9/2023 is “still pending”. Chris is going to contact Bridgeview Dental as UHC Dental has not yet received documentation via their electronic transfer system: NEA ELECTRONIC TRANSFER REFERENCE #304 09 3009 Must specify that the crown was done to address “cracked tooth syndrome” Chris advised she would contact M. Iddings within 3 business days with an update on the pending claim and obtaining the required documentation from Bridgeview Dental. Patient went to Bridgeview Dental Office and was present when Robin (billing representative) confirmed with UHC Dental that they had successfully received via their electronic transfer system all required documentation. REFERENCE # documented by dental office. Due to time of delay in UHC processing this appeal, patient paid the outstanding balance due on the 5/9/2023 claim for $542.30 01/18/2024 TC to UHC Dental; was disconnected TC to UHC Dental again; spoke with Rachel and advised her of the history of claim for DOS 5/9/2023. After being put on hold 2X for Rachel to “investigate the claim”, Rachel advised me that the status of the claim is “still waiting for the dental provider to submit an X-ray image”. Advised of UHC Reference # which confirmed receipt of all required documentation on 1/4/2024 and the fact that I was in the office when Bridgeview Dental received the reference number. 26:03 minutes on call 01/19/2024 TC from Rachel who advised she has been unable to reach anyone at Bridgeview Dental Office due to “weather event” in Portland, OR this past week. She will continue to try and reach them and update me ASAP. 02/06/2024 Time spent on calls to UHC Dental today: 1:33 (one hour + 33 minutes) TC to UHC Dental; spoke with Juna regarding I have had 10 contacts with UHC dental since 5/25/2023; appeal filed 7/24/2023; advised concerns that no response from UHC Dental after 8/15, 10/16/2023 calls and then subsequent calls on 1/4/2024 (with Chris) and 01/18/2024 (with Rachel). Requested I be transferred to a supervisor who could address these issues today. Transferred to Julie F who is a Medicare Appeals Advocate! I then advised that I had been an employee of UnitedHealthcare, I have COBRA coverage for UHC Dental and I reviewed the history of the claims problems for my husband. Julie has no access to any data confirming that I have coverage. Julie attempted to call the 1-800 UHC dental number for customer service and NO ANSWER! 41 minutes into the call, Julie called the UHC Dental Customer Service number and requested to speak to a Claims Supervisor. At 59:24 minutes into the call, I was transferred to Adam. Adam put me on hold to look into my appeal and advised that there were no X-rays nor any documentation in my files. I advised him that my dental office had submitted the x-rays and narratives multiple times and had confirmation numbers to verify the successful uploading of the files. Adam called Bridgeview Dental and will have the dentist email files directly to him. REFERENCE # 48392785 Adam confirmed he has received the X Rays and a complete dental narrative on the crown. 02/08/2024 TC from Adam, UHC Dental Supervisor confirming all necessary clinical documentation has been received and forward to the dental clinical team for review. Adam will call me by 2/12/2024 for a status update. 3 minute call. 02/12/2024 NO CALL from UHC Dental 02/15/2024 Received letter denying payment of claim

9 months ago

star star star star star

Stephanie Faenza Tempe, AZ

Great healthcare system.I was able to search for a dentist easily on their site and had no issues at the dentist I chose with the insurance. Good coverage for dental necessaries.

1 year ago Edited September 7, 2023

star star star star star_border

Amanda George IL

It's great coverage, it's just hard to find a dentist that will take United. I don't usually have any issues with primary doctors, but when it comes to other practices, it becomes difficult to find. However, I found one recently and so far I've not received a bill or anything.

1 year ago

star star star star_border star_border

Robert C.

Fairly good coverage of routine treatments, cleanings. But if you have anything more advanced, there is a good chance they will deny it. We had a claim denied because my spouse's dentist insisted that a crown should be replaced (dentist's professional opinion). Because the original was not cracked, United denied it - twice. The reviewer was probably not a dentist. This is sort of like United maintaining that people get crowns replaced for entertainment value. Even appeals by the health care provider often get denied.

2 years ago

star star star star star

Beverly

The amount I pay is quite affordable. I can reach them easily by phone. They pay the dentist promptly. You don't have to wait a period of time before they will cover a need.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

star star star_border star_border star_border

Millie Cumming, GA

We used UHC Medicare Advantage for three years. All seemed pretty good until I tried to make a dental claim which I was assured was covered, according to the contract I had signed onto. Well it was denied. I was talked into buying a dental rider which (foolishly) I did. Ultimately I discovered that for $2350 worth of needed dental surgery, UHC would pay less than $300. Their allowable rate is putrid and unrealistic. I am going with another plan for this open enrollment season. I appealed my original claim of $327 for dental cleaning and X-rays but after two months still not resolved. Of course I paid for all of my dental work out of pocket. Stay away. For some reason this company has really gone down hill,

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Jeremy Balls Kaysville, UT

United Healthcare has been the best healthcare and dental insurance we have had. Their network seems to be larger and accepted by more Doctors and Hospitals. They are just as good at their coverage of Dental. I would fully recommend them. The only we ended up changing was that their price went up.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Nicole Jones Sandy, UT

I've had United Healthcare insurance for the past 12 years through my employer. We've always had the option between Cigna and UHC, and I will always choose UHC as long as it is an option because of their coverage, pricing and customer service.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Gail Strother Bentonville, AR

I am new to Untied Health Care. I am impressed with the professional and easy to use web site. I like the links to find participating doctors and to my HSA account . The site has everything I need to easily manage and track my claims.

5 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Jennifer Smith Salt Lake City, UT

A couple of years ago my husband's company was using United healthcare and we did not have the best experience as we worked through dental costs. Our kids to not have the best teeth and unfortunately they have been to the dentist many times during their years. United was never easy to work with. We would always get our dental bill and insurance would cover significantly less than we had expected (based on prior insurance coverage form other carriers). I spent many hours on the phone attempting to get answers, but many times after waiting, I felt just as frustrated after talking as I did before. I would be cautious when using this insurance. Make sure that it is the best coverage for you and your family before signing on.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Dental Office Alabama

I am writing as a dental office insurance coordinator and a providers office for UHC. This is the most unprofessional, disorganized company that we have ever delt with. In October of 2022, we noticed that several of our claims had not been paid. After contacting multiple times and doing my own research, UHC had been sending our claims to a totally different address. We were told after numerous calls with representatives all over the world, this was corrected. It was not! We get same run around everytime we call and have to repeat the situation to every representative we speak with , even after providing them with previous reference numbers. We also spoke with a Senior Advisor , that assured us it was being corrected and they see the issue after doing an audit from their end on our office/claims. For the past several days, we have been receiving electronic payments (EOB's) that are not even our patients. The EOB's have our dentist name and a totally different NPI. Once again we did our own research and located the dentist under the wrong NPI on our claims, She was in California, our office is in Alabama. They are also not getting paid on several of their claims. We have several thousand dollars of completed dental claims that we have still not received payment from UHC. We have called multiple times, sent emails, letters and still not resolved. When we ask for supervisor to contact us or to speak with them, we get placed on hold and then disconnected. We resubmit the claims that have not been paid on , they send back to us and say duplicate claim payment and never pay it. These are not duplicates, if they would check to see if payment has cleared, they would know that it has not. They were sent to wrong address. We have been at this address for over 10 years, the address UHC is mailing payments to is a residential address. We do not know how many UHC representatives we have to speak with to get this issue resolved, in keeps getting worse. We will not be recredentialing with UHC ever again , we see why no other dental office near us are providers for UHC. While typing this review, I just had the owner of the residence in which our claims have been randomly sent to since october of 2022 bring in another correspondence from UHC today, and this is fixed?? I will be filing a complaint with the insurance commissioners office. I would not recommend ever taking this insurance with UHC or any dental office being a provider of service for them . UHC is horrible, and never resolve issues.

1 year ago

star star star star star

Phyllis Kent Glendale, AZ

Excellent customer service. I have them for my supplemental insurance. I never have to worry about going to the doctor and getting a bill. They take care of me!

1 year ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

ScrewedOnDental Fort Myers, FL

STEER CLEAR OF UNITED HEALTHCARE DENTAL I haven't felt this violated since my bank account was hacked by a faux helpdesk. United Healthcare does nice work but United Healthcare DENTAL appears to be a total scam, from being referred to an 'in network' list of dentists that is, in my area at least, ALL THE DENTISTS IN YOUR AREA ... to insurance guidance from UHC Dental on how to handle out of network reimbursement; only to find everything you were told is untrue. They told me not to worry about my dental discount plan interfering with my UHC Dental plan. Today ... weeks after I paid for and received dental services ... I was told one voids the other. Now they say they're 'reimbursing my dentist' who I've already paid. 'And he will pay me?' No dentist I know waits weeks or months for payment. And the work I had done was a broken tooth with an exposed nerve. This is a total CF. I don't know if I'll ever see that money. I hope someone initiates a class action lawsuit.

2 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Bianca Chipley, FL

UnitedHealthcare is one of the better healthcare coverage providers. The customer service representatives are super friendly and can always help me with whatever I need. The plans are well priced as well!

2 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Natalie Brown Boulder, CO

United is great and I highly recommend it! The customer service is very good and the policies they have fit perfectly with my budget. They are affordable but provide good coverage for the year.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Paige Baldwin Wellsville, UT

We used United for a long time and never had a problem. They had great coverage and their staff was willing to help with any questions we had. The billing process always went smoothly.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Rosann Stanko Logan, UT

We are pleased with United Health care and their service. I especially like the ease to which I was able to recently ask if something was covered and get a guarantee to go ahead with some testing. I do believe that the deductible should be way less and the per cent we pay should be less, though.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Anne Sainsbury Payson, UT

I've used UnitedHealthcare my entire life, and I have always been able to rely on United! They've taken great care of me and covered my dental visits! Plus, their customer service has been top notch!

5 years ago

star star star star star

Marissa Redwood Falls, MN

United Healthcare has been great insurance. Whenever I have to call about a question or claim, I've always been helped efficiently and the customer service reps do a great job at helping me understand my plan.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Cam Ward Brooklyn, NY

Takes 2 hours for an advocate to answer the phone. I wanted to pay my bill and register but after talking to them I think it’s best for me to go somewhere els. Need to hire more people to answer the phones and more knowledgeable people. Booo

10 months ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Aj B (Hichou) Queen Creek, AZ

the Bind/Sunrest is garbage. I hate that my work only uses this option. It is stupidly expensive and useless. thank you for not covering insulin that I am not allergic to and having refused hospital visits due to lack of coverage.

1 year ago

star star star star star

Vanessa Butler Columbia, MO

I went to a dentist to get dentures and unbeknownst to me my insurance paid for everything g. I had no out of pocket expense!!!

2 years ago

star star star star star

Aallen Katy, TX

We have had UHC for over 10 uyears. There are quality focote associated. The customer service is always helpful. The my UHC app is also very imfomsyice and easy to use

3 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

NG ,

I like the network of dentists I had access to with United Healthcare. The services covered were comprehensive, though the "higher level" care was somewhat inadequate (we just prayed we wouldn't need such treatment!).

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Justin McMurtrey South Jordan, UT

We have been on UnitedHealthcare for he past year. I have been pleasantly surprised with the coverage. It is a fair price with good people you help you understand your coverage.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Brittney Miskin Riverton, UT

Great option for dental coverage. They cover most standard dental procedures and their co pays for bigger dental procedures is competitive with other dental insurance companies.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Eric Smith Riverton, UT

We have been pleased with the premiums charged for the services we get and our preferred dentist was on the list so we did not have to make any changes.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Zac Marx Brighton, CO

United Healthcare takes great care of me and my family. It has great coverage and a great selection of doctors. We found our favorite dentist through United Healthcare.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Grant Lofgreen Provo, UT

This insurance company has been very fair and helpful. Their coverage has been more than adequate and has been easy to use at nearly every doctor's office I wish to go to.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Jessica Bjorling Eldridge, IA

I have worked with UHC from the business side and also as a user - I have had wonderful experiences. Their coverage is incredible and their customer support is very helpful.

5 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Bridget Walker Gulfport, MS

United Healthcare is an average dental plan. They are very pricey. And the coverage isn't all that great. If you are on a tight budget I don't advise you get United Healthcare for dental insurance

2 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Leslie Penfield Alexander, AR

My family has used United Healthcare for years as part of our healthcare insurance. It is what my husband's company uses and we have no choice. Overall it is fair insurance and we use it often.

2 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star_border star_border star_border

Vy Ha Birmingham, AL

Individual health care plans through this program are more expensive and not as worth getting since they do not get accepted in a lot of states. I had used this insurance when I lived in a different state so I can say when I was still using it the variety of insurance differed was great in dental, vision and health

2 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

hminfo Olney, MD

UnitedHealthcare dental is a good, reliable dental plan. Claims are processed quickly with explanations that are easy to understand.

3 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Brodie Smithfield, UT

UnitedHealthcare is who we have used for many years and they have been so easy to work with. They make seeing the breakdown of my claims super easy.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Alisha Silver Spring, MD

I Have had this insurance for years! They are prompt and always courteous. I do trust that they have my best interest as a patient.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Kimsreview Atlanta, GA

Love UnitedHealthcare!! They are responsive and very helpful. I have had their dental in the past but unfortunately now do not.

4 years ago

star star star star star_border

Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

UnitedHealthcare is decent dental insurance. It was the normal copays and nothing surprising came to me via the mail after my check ups. No complaints.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Melanie Rio Rancho, NM

The coverage provided was enough to take care of my teeth, although finding a provider who accepted this insurance proved to be difficult on occasion.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Karen Jorgensen Washington, UT

Our coverage has been excellent. We’re able to get cleanings every 6 months, sealants once a year for the kids, and xrays once a year.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Analisa Vigil Lubbock, TX

Great service and coverage. I have used this insurance multiple times.

11 months ago

star star star star star

Playa Del Carmen Eats and Drinks Cancún, ROO

I've always been pleased with this healthcare. I've had low co-pays and many services covered.

1 year ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Mary Reed

The co pay is to high the deductible is to high. They need to come down on these charges about 20 dollars. The dental insurance sucks. If I didn't need it I would cancel it.

6 years ago

star star star star star

CoachTrista Saratoga Springs, UT

I have been very happy with UHC as my dental insurance carrier. It allows me to be able to have two cleanings per year.

3 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Fairleigh Moore La Mesa, CA

An equitable and fair service. Accepted at every dentist I have contracted with. Most needs are covered with little out of pocket expenses.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Toni Baker West Valley City, UT

Thank Heavens for insurance, they take care us in all we need, i like that we can call and get the answers we need

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Jacob American Fork, UT

United Healthcare is great. With top providers and excellent customer service, I never have to worry about dental plans.

4 years ago

star star star star star_border

Connor Farmington, UT

This insurance is extremely reliable and helpful. They have good customer service and are transparent with what they cover.

5 years ago