Does FEDVIP Cover Dental Implants? Understanding Your Federal Dental Benefits
Dental implants can really improve your life by letting you eat, talk, and smile like normal. But because implants are so pricey, federal workers and retirees want to know: does FEDVIP cover dental implants? In this article, I’ll explain how FEDVIP dental insurance works for implants, what the rules are, give simple tips, and show you how to get the most from your federal dental plan. Keep reading if you want to help both your mouth and your wallet.
Table of Contents
What is FEDVIP and Who Can Use It?
First, let’s go over what FEDVIP is. FEDVIP means Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. It’s a special dental and vision benefit from the U.S. government made for:
- Federal employees (full-time or part-time)
- Federal retirees
- Members of the uniformed services (like military, National Guard, Reserves)
- Eligible family members
FEDVIP lets you pick from a bunch of dental insurance companies—like MetLife, Delta Dental, GEHA, United Concordia, and more. Each company usually has a few plan choices (like “Standard” and “High”).
Why Does This Matter?
Dental care gets expensive, especially for people who want to keep their teeth and gums healthy for a long time. Not all health insurance—even government plans—cover dental work. FEDVIP fills in that gap.
Why Dental Implants Matter (and Cost So Much)
If you have lost a tooth, you know it isn’t easy. Dental implants are sturdy and look like real teeth. They keep your jaw in shape, your bite strong, and your smile natural.
But here’s the problem: Dental implants can cost a lot of money. Even one implant (including surgery, the post, connector, and fake tooth) can easily cost between $3,000 and $6,000. Need more than one? The price adds up really fast.
This is what a dental implant usually needs:
- Tooth pulling
- Bone graft or sinus lift (if your bone needs help)
- Putting in the metal post
- Waiting for it to heal (a few months)
- Adding the connector piece
- Putting on the crown
It’s a big job—and a big bill.
Does FEDVIP Cover Dental Implants? Quick Answer
Here’s the main question:
Does FEDVIP cover dental implants?
Yes, most FEDVIP plans do cover implants, but there are rules. What you get depends on your exact plan, what dental work you need, your deductible, and the yearly max. Coverage is usually “partial,” not the full price, and the amount FEDVIP pays depends on your plan.
Let me explain more below.
How Do FEDVIP Plans Work for Implants?
FEDVIP dental plans usually treat implants as a “major service” or “big dental job.” That means the plan pays more for regular stuff like cleanings but less for big things like implants.
What matters most:
- Coverage Percent: High options might pay up to 50% of the cost. Standard plans may only pay 20–40%.
- Deductibles: You pay a certain amount first (maybe $25-50 a year) before insurance kicks in.
- Annual Maximum: FEDVIP will only pay up to a certain amount per year. Most plans stop at $1,000–$2,500.
- Waiting Period: Big dental work like implants often has a 6- to 12-month wait. You can’t join and get surgery the next month.
- Parts Covered: Some plans pay for each part of the implant one at a time, while others bundle it. Things like bone grafts may be covered less—or not at all.
Tip: Always check your “Summary of Benefits” for your plan’s details.
Which FEDVIP Plans Offer Dental Implant Coverage?
Let’s go over the main choices you might see.
MetLife Federal Dental
MetLife plans usually have implant coverage as a major service (often 50% after deductible if you pick High Option). Bone grafts, connectors, and crowns might also be covered, but just if you use an in-network dentist.
Delta Dental FEDVIP
Delta Dental has Standard and High Options. Both cover implants, but High Option pays more. You might get 50% after deductible for High, and 30-40% for Standard. Waiting times and annual limits apply.
GEHA Connection Dental
GEHA’s “High” dental plan pays 50% for implants after the waiting period and deductibles, up to the yearly max. They might ask for a cost estimate before you have the work done.
United Concordia FEDVIP
United Concordia usually pays 50% for big dental work like implants, after waiting.
Others: Humana, Aetna, FEP BlueDental
These are about the same. Always read their Benefits Brochure to see what percent is paid, the yearly max, waiting times, and if they want a pre-authorization.
What Factors Change Your Dental Implant Benefits?
A lot of things can change what you pay (or get paid back) for a dental implant under FEDVIP:
- Your plan choice: High Option pays more than Standard.
- Your status: Whether you are an employee, retiree, service member, or dependent.
- Reason for implant: Is your tooth gone from an injury or sickness? Insurance may pay more if it isn’t for looks only.
- Waiting period: Have you had your plan long enough for major work to be covered?
- Annual max: Have you already used your benefits on other work this year?
- Dentist’s network: Are you using a dentist in the plan’s network? Out-of-network costs usually are higher.
- Pre-approval: Did you get the dentist to send an estimate first?
Most plans want your dentist to send an estimate so you don’t get a surprise bill.
How Much Do Implants Cost with FEDVIP?
Here are some sample numbers. These are just guesses—check your plan to be sure!
| FEDVIP Plan Example | Plan Pays (Implant) | You Pay (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| High Option (50% Major Services) | $1,000 (of $2,000 implant) | $1,000 plus deductible, anything above max is on you |
| Standard Option (30% Major) | $600 (of $2,000 implant) | $1,400 plus deductible, above max is on you |
| Annual Maximum | $1,500–$2,500 | After that, you pay all costs for the year |
| Deductible | $25–$50 per person (per year) | You pay this first |
Don’t forget, you might need a tooth pulled, bone graft, or sinus lift, too. Some plans cover these as different major services, while some don’t cover them at all.[1]
If you need several implants, your costs can really add up. Some people do part of the work at the end of one year, then finish after the max resets the next year. That’s a smart way to use more benefits!
How to Maximize Your FEDVIP Dental Implant Coverage
Here’s how I help people get the most from their insurance:
Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?
Yes! Not everyone needs or wants an implant. Here are a couple of top picks:
Dental Bridges
Bridges fill the spot where your tooth is missing using a fake tooth. They’re usually covered better by FEDVIP and may not need surgery.
Dentures (Full or Partial)
Removable dentures are a cheaper choice, and FEDVIP coverage is often better for them. Some people pick dentures that snap onto implants, which is a mix of both ideas.
Picking What’s Best
Ask your dentist what’s right for you. Implants last the longest and look most real, but sometimes a dental implant laboratory product or a bridge works better for your needs and budget.
How Do You Check Your Own FEDVIP Dental Implant Coverage?
It’s easy:
Always get answers in writing before you start big dental work.
Summary Table: FEDVIP Dental Implant Coverage Details
| Key Item | Typical Value/Info |
|---|---|
| % Covered (High Option) | 50% for implants |
| % Covered (Standard) | 20-40% |
| Waiting Period | 6-12 months for major dental services |
| Annual Maximum | $1,000–$2,500 per person per year |
| Deductible | $25–$50 per person |
| Parts Covered | Post, connector, crown; some plans also cover bone grafts |
| Network Requirement | Less cost if you use a network dentist |
| Pre-Treatment Estimate | Highly advised, sometimes needed |
Reviewed by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I need more than one implant—does my plan pay for all?
A: Only up to your yearly max. After that, you pay everything else for that year.
Q: My tooth has been missing for a long time. Will FEDVIP pay for an implant?
A: Maybe. Some plans don’t cover teeth gone before you joined. Check your Summary of Benefits.
Q: Are all the parts of the implant covered?
A: Normally, the main parts—post, connector, crown—are covered as big dental jobs. Extra things like bone graft or sinus lift are treated separately.
Q: If FEDVIP pays only part, can I get help with payments?
A: Many dental offices let you make payments or offer special financing.
Q: Can I change insurance or plan type to get better coverage?
A: Yes, but only when open enrollment comes. Moving from Standard to High Option or picking a different company might help your implant benefits.
What Should You Remember?
- Most FEDVIP plans cover dental implants, but coverage is different for each plan, option, and provider.
- You’ll probably pay part of the cost (20–50%), and there’s a yearly limit.
- Look for waiting times, and always get a written pre-treatment estimate.
- Try to spread your treatment over two years to use more benefit max if you need more than one implant.
- Ask your dentist if a bridge or removable denture might be right for your case.
- Stay with in-network providers—they know the FEDVIP rules and you’ll save money.
- For special dental work—like crowns, digital models, veneers, or ceramic teeth—pick a good dental ceramics lab that’s used to making these repairs.
Dental care is a big choice for your health, and your money. The more you know, the better decisions you’ll make for your best smile.
References:
Big things to remember:
- Check your FEDVIP plan’s brochure for implant details.
- Implants are usually covered 20-50%, but only up to the yearly cap.
- Always get a pre-authorization in writing before big dental work.
- Use network dentists and labs to save more.
- Check out bridges and dentures if your coverage is small.
- Call the member services team and ask your dentist questions.
- Plan your treatment to use your yearly benefit max if you need more than one implant.
