Unum UK said it has paid £41.1 million in dental claims in 2024, a 35% increase from £30.3 million in 2023.
The rise follows continued challenges in accessing NHS dental services, with more people opting for private treatment.
Data from Unum showed that 75% of dental claims last year were for private care, with examinations, hygienist appointments and fillings among the most commonly claimed procedures. In 2019, private treatments accounted for 59% of total claims.
The number of individuals covered by Unum’s dental policies reached over 378,000 in 2024, up 27% from the previous year. The company offers dental cover as part of its broader employee benefits package, which is typically funded by employers.
Clare Lusted, head of product proposition at Unum UK, said the company’s dental plans were supporting employees in managing their health needs and that employers were adjusting benefits in response to workforce expectations.
She said access to NHS dental care remains limited in some areas, with certain towns no longer offering NHS services. Unum’s research found that more than one in five employees reported a dental issue in the past year, which she said underlined the role of private dental cover in meeting demand.
Lusted added that dental and health cash plans offer employers a way to provide flexible and cost-managed benefits. She said the ability for employees to tailor cover to their needs was becoming increasingly relevant in today’s employment environment.
NHS dental provision has faced sustained pressure in recent years, with reports of long waiting times, unfilled appointments, and staffing shortages. Some areas have been labelled “dental deserts” due to a lack of NHS availability, prompting concern among patient groups and health organisations.
In response, some employers have broadened their health benefits to include dental insurance, particularly as part of efforts to support workforce retention and engagement. For insurers, the shift has led to a rise in demand for dental products that cover both NHS and private treatment options.
Unum is one of the biggest dental insurance providers in the UK. Read more here.
