Thinking about getting Invisalign in Canada but wondering if your insurance will help cover it? You’re not alone. Many people have that question. The answer is: sometimes, but not always. It heavily depends on:
the specific insurance plan you have or your employer offers
whether orthodontic coverage is part of that plan
whether Invisalign is considered a cosmetic or medically necessary treatment in your case
Below you’ll find up-to-date details (2025), what to watch out for, how much is typically covered (if it is), and how to check.
What the Law & Major Plans Say in 2025
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is rolling out dental coverage, and starting in 2025, some orthodontic services (including Invisalign) may be covered — but only in cases deemed medically necessary, and under strict criteria. Cosmetic or purely aesthetic cases often won’t qualify.
Private dental insurance companies (employer/group plans) often include orthodontic benefits. Some of these do list Invisalign as an eligible treatment. Coverage levels vary a lot.
How Much Insurance Usually Covers
Here are common patterns (typical but not guaranteed):
| Insurance Factor | Common Coverage Amount / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Private/group dental plans | ~ 25%-50% of the Invisalign cost, occasionally up to 75% if your plan is premium. |
| Lifetime maximums | Most plans place a cap (dollar limit per lifetime or per person) — e.g. $1,500, $3,000 etc. |
| Eligibility by age | Sometimes benefits are stronger or only available for minors/teens; adult coverage may be more limited. |
| Medical necessity | To claim coverage, sometimes you need to show a functional or health issue (bite problems, chewing/speech impairment) to get approval. Cosmetic alignment (just for looks) often not covered. |
What Is Not Covered
Public health insurance (like OHIP in Ontario, MSP in BC, etc.) generally does not cover Invisalign or braces unless part of broader medically essential hospital treatment.
If your private plan does not include orthodontic benefits at all, then Invisalign won’t be covered.
Cases purely for cosmetic improvement usually won’t meet the “medical necessity” requirement for coverage.
What to Check with Your Insurance Provider
Before you commit to Invisalign, confirm:
Does my plan include orthodontic treatment?
If yes, is Invisalign explicitly mentioned or do they treat it similarly to braces?What percentage / how much will they pay vs out-of-pocket?
Check your co-insurance, any required payment up front, and how much you’ll need to pay yourself.Is there a lifetime maximum or cap?
Many plans put a limit (e.g. $3,000 lifetime). Once you hit that, you’re on your own.Are there age restrictions or eligibility criteria?
Sometimes only children or teens are eligible. Or you may need a referral or proof of dental issue.Does “medically necessary” criterion apply?
If your teeth alignment is causing functional issues (mouth pain, speech, chewing), you may qualify; just wanting “straighter teeth” for aesthetic reasons may not be enough.Wait periods or pre-approval required. Some plans require waiting months/years after enrolling before orthodontic coverage kicks in.
Payment structure — do you pay up front and submit claims, or does insurance pay the clinic?
Real Cost & What You Might Pay
Invisalign treatment in Canada often costs CAD $2,000 to $8,000+ depending on complexity.
If insurance covers ~50%, you might pay half out-of-pocket (plus any amount over lifetime cap).
Many clinics offer payment plans to spread cost over time. This helps if insurance only covers a part.
FAQs
Q: Will OHIP or provincial health insurance cover Invisalign?
A: No. Provincial health insurance plans (e.g. OHIP in Ontario) typically don’t cover Invisalign or braces, because these are considered elective/cosmetic unless in special hospital cases.
Q: How much can private insurance cover for Invisalign?
A: Many private plans cover 25-50%, sometimes more depending on premium policy; there’s usually a lifetime maximum.
Q: Is Invisalign covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
A: Starting 2025, CDCP may include some orthodontic services including Invisalign—but only for medically necessary cases under strict eligibility.
Q: What does “medically necessary” mean for Invisalign coverage?
A: It generally means there’s a functional or health issue — such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, severe bite misalignment — not just cosmetic alignment.
Q: Can adults use employee dental benefits to cover Invisalign?
A: Yes, some employer or group plans include orthodontic benefits that cover adults, if their policy allows Invisalign. But requirements vary widely.
Final Thoughts
So, is Invisalign covered by insurance in Canada? Yes — in many cases, to some extent. But it depends entirely on your insurance plan: whether it includes orthodontics, how it treats Invisalign, and whether your case qualifies (medical necessity vs cosmetic).
Before starting treatment, request a cost estimate, ask the questions above, and compare clinics. That way you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay out-of-pocket and can plan accordingly.
