Costco members can access Delta Dental insurance plans through the Costco Auto Program and member benefits — typically saving 10–20% on premiums compared to purchasing individual dental insurance directly, thanks to Costco’s group purchasing power. For Costco members without employer dental insurance, this is one of the most cost-effective individual dental insurance options available.
| Costco/Delta Dental Plan | Monthly Premium (approx.) | Annual Maximum | Preventive Coverage | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A (basic) | $18–$28/mo individual | $1,000 | 100% | None for preventive; 6 mo basic; 12 mo major |
| Plan B (enhanced) | $32–$48/mo individual | $1,500 | 100% | None for preventive; 6 mo basic; 12 mo major |
| Plan C (comprehensive) | $46–$65/mo individual | $2,000 | 100% | None for preventive; 6 mo basic; 12 mo major |
| Family Plan B | $80–$130/mo | $1,500/person | 100% | Same as individual |
| Orthodontic rider | +$8–$15/mo | $1,000–$1,500 lifetime | N/A | 12-month wait |
How It Works
Costco partners with Delta Dental to offer individual and family dental insurance plans to Costco members as part of Costco’s member benefits program. The plans are underwritten by Delta Dental, one of the nation’s largest and most widely accepted dental insurance networks.
Access: Plans are available at the Costco member benefits portal (costcoauto.com or through the “Insurance” section at costco.com) or by calling the Costco Benefits line. You must be a Costco member ($65–$130/year for basic or Executive membership) to enroll.
Delta Dental network: Delta Dental’s network includes over 155,000 dentists nationwide, making it one of the most accepted dental insurance networks in the country. Coverage is available for both in-network (preferred provider, higher benefits) and out-of-network providers (lower reimbursement).
Plan structure: Like most dental insurance, Costco/Delta Dental plans cover preventive care at 100%, basic restorative at 70–80%, and major restorative at 50%, with annual maximums and waiting periods for non-preventive services.
Key benefit of Costco’s group rate: Individual dental insurance purchased directly from insurers typically costs 15–30% more than group plans. Costco negotiates group rates for members, which reduces monthly premiums vs. buying directly from Delta Dental’s individual market.
Costs & Savings Details
Premium comparison (individual, approximate 2025 rates):
| Plan Source | Comparable Coverage | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Costco/Delta Dental Plan B | $1,500 max, 100/80/50 | $32–$48 |
| Delta Dental Individual (direct) | $1,500 max, 100/80/50 | $42–$58 |
| AARP/Delta Dental (age 50+) | $1,000 max, 100/80/50 | $27–$47 |
| eHealth individual market average | $1,000 max, varies | $35–$55 |
Costco Plan B at $40/month ($480/year) vs. the same coverage direct at $50/month ($600/year) = $120/year savings on premiums alone.
Annual value analysis (Plan B, typical use):
- Annual premium: $480
- 2 cleanings + exams + X-rays (covered 100%): $0 out-of-pocket, $450 in benefits used
- 1 filling (80% covered): $0.20 × $200 = $40 copay
- 1 crown (50% covered, $1,500 max): $0.50 × $1,500 = $750, plan pays $750
- Total benefits received: $450 + $160 + $750 = $1,360
- Net value over premium: $1,360 – $480 = $880 net benefit
This is a best-case scenario in year 2+ (after waiting periods). In year 1, the 6 and 12-month waiting periods limit major benefit use.
Eligibility / Who Qualifies
- Costco membership required: Basic (Gold Star) or Executive membership ($65 or $130/year respectively)
- Open enrollment: Costco/Delta Dental plans typically allow enrollment year-round, not limited to specific open enrollment windows
- No medical underwriting: You cannot be denied for pre-existing dental conditions
- Age: Available to adults and dependents; some plans have age limits for dependent children (19 or 26 if full-time student)
- Geographic availability: Available in most US states; some states may have different plan options or carriers
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Group rate discounts vs. individual dental insurance direct purchase
- Delta Dental’s massive network covers most US dentists
- Guaranteed issue — no health screening required
- Year-round enrollment (no open enrollment window required)
- Bundling with Costco’s other member benefits (vision, auto, etc.) simplifies insurance management
- Can add orthodontic rider for children
Cons
- Requires Costco membership (additional annual cost)
- 6 and 12-month waiting periods for non-preventive services
- Annual maximums ($1,000–$2,000) limit value for major dental work
- Major care is only 50% covered — crown + root canal still costs $1,000+ out of pocket
- Costco plans may not be competitively priced in every state — compare before buying
The Costco dental plans are attractive but include the standard dental insurance waiting periods: 6 months for basic restorative, 12 months for major restorative. If you need a crown in the next 6 months, the plan won’t cover it at full benefit. Consider Costco’s dental savings plan alternative (discount-only plan with no waiting periods) if you have immediate needs.
Step-by-Step Guide
Confirm you have a Costco membership: If not, consider whether the combined value of Costco dental insurance + warehouse savings + other member benefits justifies the annual membership fee ($65 for Gold Star). Most Costco members recover their membership fee many times over.
Access Costco’s insurance portal: Visit the “Insurance” section at costco.com, or search “Costco dental insurance Delta Dental.” The portal connects to Costco’s member benefits partners including Delta Dental.
Compare plan options: Review Plan A, B, and C in detail. Key factors: monthly premium, annual maximum, basic and major coverage percentages, and the orthodontic rider if you have children.
Verify your dentist is in the Delta Dental network: Before enrolling, check your dentist at deltadental.com/provider-search. If your preferred dentist is Delta Dental PPO-listed, you receive the highest benefit levels. Out-of-network dentists are still covered but at lower reimbursement rates.
Calculate your specific break-even point: Based on your expected dental needs, total the premiums vs. expected benefits. If you use only preventive care, you may break even. If you have restorative needs, evaluate by year 1 vs. year 2+ (waiting period impact).
Enroll and set up your member portal: After enrolling, log into your Delta Dental member account at deltadental.com to access your ID cards, review your benefits, and check your deductible status throughout the year.
Consider alternatives for comparison: Before finalizing, compare Costco/Delta Dental against AARP (age 50+), your state marketplace, employer plans if available, or an in-house dental membership plan. The best choice depends on your specific situation.
If you need dental work within the next 12 months and want immediate coverage with no waiting period, Costco also offers access to dental savings (discount) plans through Careington — these provide 10–30% discounts at participating dentists immediately with no waiting periods. Use the discount plan while the insurance plan’s waiting periods run, then switch to relying on the insurance once the waiting periods expire.
Bottom Line
Costco’s Delta Dental plans are a solid, competitively priced dental insurance option for members without employer dental coverage. The group rate discount (typically $10–$20/month savings vs. individual market), guaranteed acceptance, and year-round enrollment make it a convenient choice. The plan works best for patients who primarily need preventive care now and can wait 6–12 months for full restorative benefits to kick in. Compare the total annual cost (Costco membership + dental premium) against alternatives before committing, and confirm your preferred dentist accepts Delta Dental PPO.