VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)

The VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) is a VA-subsidized dental insurance program that allows eligible veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries to purchase dental insurance at reduced rates. It is administered through two private insurance carriers: Delta Dental and MetLife.

Important distinction: VADIP is not the same as VA dental care. VA dental care — where the VA directly provides dental treatment at no cost — is limited to specific eligibility groups, including veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating (or rated permanently and totally disabled), former POWs, veterans with service-connected dental conditions, and a few other categories. VADIP is a separate program for veterans who do not qualify for free VA dental care but want access to affordable dental insurance.

You are eligible for VADIP if you meet either of these criteria:

• Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare: If you are enrolled in the VA healthcare system (regardless of your priority group), you are eligible to purchase VADIP dental insurance.
• CHAMPVA beneficiaries: If you receive healthcare coverage through CHAMPVA (the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA), you are also eligible for VADIP.

You do not need a service-connected disability or any specific disability rating to enroll in VADIP. You simply need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or be a CHAMPVA beneficiary.

VADIP offers plans through two insurance carriers. You choose one when you enroll:

Tip: Compare both carriers before enrolling. Coverage, premiums, and provider networks vary by location. Check which of your preferred dentists are in-network with each carrier before making a decision.

VADIP plans generally cover a wide range of dental services, including:

• Diagnostic services: Exams, X-rays, and oral evaluations
• Preventive care: Cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants
• Endodontics: Root canals and related procedures
• Periodontics: Gum disease treatment, scaling, and root planing
• Prosthodontics: Crowns, bridges, and dentures
• Oral surgery: Extractions and other surgical procedures
• Orthodontics: Limited orthodontic coverage (varies by plan)

Specific coverage levels, annual maximums, and deductibles vary by plan and carrier. Review the plan documents carefully before enrolling.

VADIP is not free — you pay monthly premiums for the dental insurance. However, the premiums are subsidized and generally lower than comparable plans on the open market.

Typical monthly premiums:

• Individual coverage: Approximately $12 to $54 per month, depending on the plan and region
• Individual + family coverage: Approximately $30 to $135 per month, depending on the plan and region

Premiums are deducted automatically. The exact cost depends on which carrier you choose, the plan level you select, and your geographic region. Both Delta Dental and MetLife provide online tools to get exact pricing for your area.

You can enroll in VADIP through the following methods:

• Online through VA.gov: Visit the VA VADIP page for links to both carriers' enrollment portals
• Directly through Delta Dental: Visit deltadentalvadip.org or call 1-855-370-3303
• Directly through MetLife: Visit metlife.com/dental-insurance/vadip or call 1-888-310-1681

Enrollment Details

• Coverage start date: Coverage begins on the first day of the month following your enrollment
• Minimum enrollment period: You must remain enrolled for a minimum of 12 months. You cannot cancel coverage within the first year.
• Dependents: You can enroll eligible dependents (spouse and children) in your VADIP plan

• This is insurance you pay premiums for — it is not free dental care: Unlike VA dental care for eligible veterans (100% P&T, former POWs, etc.), VADIP requires you to pay monthly premiums. Make sure you understand the cost before enrolling.
• Waiting periods may apply: Some services, particularly major procedures like crowns, bridges, and orthodontics, may have waiting periods before coverage kicks in. Review the plan documents to understand what is covered immediately and what requires a waiting period.
• Check which dentists are in-network: Going to an out-of-network dentist will cost significantly more. Before enrolling, search both carriers' provider directories to make sure there are in-network dentists convenient to your location.
• Compare both carriers for your area: Premiums, coverage levels, annual maximums, and provider networks differ between Delta Dental and MetLife. What is the better deal depends on your location and dental needs. Take the time to compare.
• 12-month commitment: Once enrolled, you are committed for at least 12 months. Factor this into your decision — if you only need one dental procedure, VADIP may or may not be cost-effective compared to paying out of pocket.
• Annual maximums: Like most dental insurance plans, VADIP plans have an annual maximum benefit. Once you hit that maximum, you pay 100% of costs for the remainder of the year.

• VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) Overview
• Delta Dental VADIP
• MetLife VADIP
• VA Dental Care Eligibility (for free VA dental)