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UnitedHealthcare

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4.8

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: March 4th, 2025

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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3.9

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82 Reviews

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16%

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6%

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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

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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

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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.

3 years ago

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Daphne Brown Riverton, UT

It was a good experience but I kept wishing they weren't the non IHC guys. They were good on customer service but I really wanted bettter rates and perks.

5 years ago

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Erika Douglas Cedar Fort, UT

Our coverage is only so-so. There are upgrades we always have to pay for. But it's definitely better than some of the others.

5 years ago

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Lissette Sanchez

It's been some time since dealing with company, it was ok but a little confusing on the payment plans and benefits.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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M. Jones Clovis, CA

need better vision, and dental, prescriptions, need to be lowered as far as the deductible goes.

6 years ago

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Kiara Guerrier Lake Worth, FL

I currently have this insurance. It’s not bad but it’s a bit expensive and I don’t really understand why.

5 years ago

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Dale L Farmer Littleton, CO

I have had pre authorizations turned down for reasons that made no sense. Their payment fees are low.

5 years ago

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Tony's Babygirl Staton MO

Affordable in every state with low to zero out of pocket expense

2 years ago

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Ken Bangs

Penny pinchers when it comes to providing care for the policy holder

5 years ago

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DeeDee G. Dallas, TX

Coverage is very limited, so I would reccomend perhaps getting just paying for a dentist you trust.

5 years ago

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Jessica Mendez Clarksburg, MD

It's pretty expensive but I guess it's alright.

3 years ago