Travel Insurance For Dental Treatment Do You Have Cover When In Turkey?

Travel Insurance For Dental Treatment Explained

Below is an explanation of what different scenarios may be covered under standard travel insurance and specialised travel insurance.

ScenarioStandard Travel InsuranceTravel Insurance For Planned Dental TreatmentI break my tooth on holidayCould be coveredCould be coveredI suffer from sudden tooth acheCould be covered if it’s classed as an emergencyDepends on your policyI have planned treatment done (i.e veneers/crowns)Not usually covered as you’re on holidayDepends on your policyI have dental implants fittedProbably not as its not normal holiday treatmentDepends on your policyI have a complication from my dental treatmentMost likely notDepends on your policyI need to extend my holiday due to a complicationMight be covered if stated in your policyMay be coveredI need to go back for corrective treatmentMost likely notSome policies will cover thisI don’t like the colour of my teethUnlikely to be coveredNot usually classed as a complication

Always double check your policy exclusions to be sure what’s included and what’s not.

Does Travel Insurance Cover You If You Need Dental Treatment?

Some travel insurance will cover you if you need emergency dental treatment following a sudden dental injury or accident.

However most travel insurance companies won’t cover you if you’ve travelled for a planned dental procedure.

Travel insurance typically includes cover for things that you didn’t plan for. So if you suffered an emergency whilst on holiday your travel insurance would cover you.

So if you broke your tooth or developed an infection you could claim dental cover on your travel insurance.

The insurer may only cover you for what’s deemed an emergency though. They may not want to pay for a routine scale and polish or to have new teeth!

Make sure you read your policy to find out what your limit is for dental claims.

What If I Travelled To Turkey For Dental Treatment?

If you’re travelling to Turkey for dental treatment your travel insurance may not cover you for that treatment.

If you had 20 crowns, bridges, or implants fitted your travel insurance probably won’t cover you if anything goes wrong.

As you were travelling specifically for that reason.

If you suffered from a tooth ache whilst on holiday in Turkey your travel insurance could cover you. Because you weren’t travelling there for that purpose.

Again always double check your policy to see if this is covered.

Do I Need Insurance If I’m Having Dental Treatment In Turkey?

Yes you should always travel with insurance if you’re travelling for dental treatment.

However you need to tell your insurance company that you’re travelling for dental treatment.

For example “I’m travelling to Turkey to have dental treatment”.

Then you should state what type of treatment you’re having i.e. veneers, dental crowns, dentures, brace and orthodontics, dental implants etc.

If you just state you’re travelling to Turkey for a holiday they may not cover you for your dental treatment.

What Is Dental Tourism Insurance?

Dental tourism insurance, sometimes called dental travel insurance, is insurance that will cover you if you travel abroad for planned dental or medical treatment.

Don’t confuse dental tourism insurance with your regular dental insurance.

It also differs from your regular travel insurance.

Some dental tourism insurance will cover you for any complications that may arise from your planned treatment.

This may include emergency medical expenses, emergency medical treatment, hotel stays, changing flights, aftercare or repatriation depending on the policy.

Again it depends on your policy so make sure you read what’s included and what’s not.

Does Dental Tourism Insurance Cover My Treatment?

Usually no. Your dental tourism insurance is there to cover you if you have a complication from your planned treatment.

So if you travel to Turkey to have dental implants you’ll still have to pay for them.

However your insurance may cover you if you suffer from a complication that your insurance deems is a valid claim.

So remember dental tourism insurance is NOT your dental treatment insurance.

Are Complications Covered By Travel Insurance?

This all depends on your insurance company. But that’s one of the main reasons people look for insurance when they travel for dental treatment.

If you suffer from a complication that your insurance company classifies as a medical emergency they may cover you.

So if you suffered from an infection they may cover you. But if you just decide you don’t like the colour of your teeth that’s unlikely to be covered.

Always speak to your insurance company to see if they’ll cover you for a complication from your dental treatment.

If you’re having dental implants you should ask if they cover you for.

• Infection
• Complications from surgery
• Treatment failure
• Any further medical treatment you may need
• Corrective treatment
• Flying back to the UK

Make sure you get all of this in writing if you can.

Will My Insurance Cover Me If I Have An Existing Dental Problem?

This all depends on your insurance company. Some may not cover you if you have an existing dental problem.

They may see it in the same light as pre-existing medical conditions.

So if you had an aching tooth before you flew out they may not cover you. Or if you knew a tooth was cracked etc.

Its best to speak to your insurance company about this before you purchase your policy.

Do They Cover Me If I Have Existing Dental Work?

Some travel insurance will not cover you if you have existing dental work.

They may not cover you if you break your crown, as opposed to treating a broken tooth.

So if you have existing dental work make sure you speak to your insurance company.

To see if your travel insurance will cover you for an emergency.

Does Travel Insurance Cover You For Cosmetic Treatment?

If you’re travelling for cosmetic treatment or elective cosmetic procedures, this probably won’t be covered by your travel insurance.

So if you’re having veneers done or teeth whitening you’re unlikely to be covered.

Unless your insurance company states otherwise.

Will My Insurance Pay For Me To Stay In A Hotel?

This will again depend on your insurance company and what’s stated in your policy.

If you have a complication and your dentist says you can’t fly home on your return flight.

You may have to pay for extra hotel stays, flights etc.

Your insurance may cover this but again it all depends on what’s stated in your policy.

Will My Insurance Cover Me If I Have To Fly Back To Turkey?

This may be covered by your insurance but you should never assume.

If you need to have a crown redone your dental clinic may offer you a warranty.

But that doesn’t mean they’ll pay for you to fly back to Turkey. Or your insurance will pay for you to have it fixed by a UK dentist.

Always check with your insurance company and the dental clinic.

What Do I Need To Know Before Buying Travel Insurance For Dental Treatment?

Don’t just pick between insurance plans because they say on there website they cover you for dental treatment.

Make sure you read your policy to see what’s included, what’s excluded and whether trip cancellation is covered.

Some questions you should ask yourself.

• Will I be covered if I have planned dental treatment abroad?
• Do they cover Turkey?
• Will my dental treatment be covered?
• Will complications be covered?
• What is classed as an emergency?
• Do they cover you if you have existing dental work?
• What is a pre existing condition?
• Is there a limit on how much they’ll pay out for dental?
• Will corrective treatment be covered?
• Can you claim for hotel stays?
• Can you claim if you have to change flights?
• Can you claim if you need to fly back for corrective treatment?
• Do you need to contact them before you receive emergency treatment?
• Does the dental clinic need to be licensed?

If you have any other questions its best to speak to your insurance company before you purchase your policy.

What Do I Need To Have If I Want To Make A Claim?

If you need to make a claim on your travel insurance. Make sure you have any documentation.

Such as your insurance policy, invoices from your dental clinic, X rays, prescriptions etc.

If you need emergency dental care whilst you’re away from the UK, keep in mind your GHIC will not cover private dental care or treatment in Turkey, so try to contact your insurer’s assistance number immediately.

Make sure you don’t leave until you’re back in the UK to realise you should have contacted them first.

Can You Claim On Your Travel Insurance For Dental Treatment?

This is the main question most people will ask when looking for travel insurance for dental treatment.

If you break your tooth on holiday and need emergency treatment you could claim on your travel insurance.

However if you travel abroad to have dental treatment your travel insurance may not cover you.

If you’re travelling for dental tourism look into insurance that will cover you for your treatment.

What Happens If I Have An Emergency During My Trip To Turkey?

If you suffer from an emergency that has nothing to do with your dental treatment, remember that state healthcare agreements like the EHIC won’t apply outside the EU in places like Turkey.

You should try to get emergency treatment and contact your insurance company.

Let them know that you’re in Turkey for dental treatment. And then see what they can do to help you.

Always make sure you have the dentists diagnosis and invoice for any treatment you receive.

Should I Get Travel Insurance Or Dental Tourism Insurance?

If you’re just travelling for a holiday then travel insurance may be fine for you.

However if you’re travelling to have dental treatment done. You need to find out if your travel insurance will cover you for that.

If not look into dental tourism insurance.

Just make sure you find a single trip or annual travel insurance policy that suits your needs.

Sources

1. Association of British Insurers — Travel insurance
2. MoneyHelper — Travel insurance: what does a good policy look like?
3. General Dental Council — Going abroad for dental treatment