Why Dental and Vision Coverage Matters When Teaching Abroad
If you’re considering an offer from an international school, checking whether dental and vision coverage is provided as part of your overseas health insurance plan is probably not at the top of your list!
But, along with hospital visits, emergencies, and routine care, dental and eye care can really add up – no matter what your destination.
You don’t want to discover too late that these items aren’t part of the package. Or, that your coverage is so limited it’s not worth it.
Why Dental and Optometry Is Often Excluded
Most international schools purchase group insurance policies. These typically prioritise “major” health concerns, like hospitalisation, surgery, and chronic illnesses. Dental and vision care are often treated as “extras” rather than essentials.
There are a few reasons for this:
- Cost – Including dental and vision raises premiums significantly, which schools try to avoid.
- Routine vs. Emergency – Insurance companies often focus on unpredictable medical needs, while eye exams or dental cleanings are considered routine and predictable expenses.
- Variation in Local Costs – Dental and vision care costs can differ widely from country to country, making it harder for insurers to standardise coverage.
What This Means for Teachers and Families
Without coverage, teachers can end up paying out of pocket for basics like dental check-ups, fillings, eye exams, or prescription glasses. While these costs may be manageable in some countries, they can be very expensive in others.
“In one of my contracts, dental wasn’t covered. A single filling cost me over $250, which was a shock after years of NHS coverage back home.”
For families with children, these expenses can add up quickly. Orthodontics, in particular, is rarely covered and can run into thousands of dollars. Similarly, if you or your children need glasses or contact lenses, those costs usually fall outside your standard health insurance plan.
Why It’s Worth Knowing Before You Move
Dental and vision may not seem urgent when you’re signing a teaching contract, but they can have a big impact on your family’s budget when you move overseas. Some teachers choose to:
- Organise dental and eye check-ups before leaving home.
- Set aside an allowance for routine care not covered by insurance.
- Ask schools if they offer optional “top-up” insurance that includes dental and vision.
- Schedule check-ups back home when returning home for summer each year.
“We didn’t realize eye care wasn’t included until my son needed new glasses. Between the exam and lenses, we spent nearly $400. Now I always ask about vision coverage before accepting a contract.”
Questions to Ask Schools
Does the health insurance include dental and vision coverage?
If not, is there an optional “top-up” plan available?
Are dependents included in dental/vision coverage, or only the teacher?
Is orthodontics covered, and if so, up to what limit?
Are glasses, contact lenses, and eye exams reimbursed?
Final Thoughts on Dental and Vision Coverage
Dental and eye care is unlikely to be the first thing you think about when reviewing an international teaching contract. But overlooking them (and your broader health insurance coverage) can be costly.
Finding out what is (and isn’t) covered can help you to prepare yourself financially. It also avoids any nasty surprises, and ensures your family’s everyday health needs are taken care of.
But be warned – it can be challenging to get this level of detail from some international schools. With HR teams busy recruiting and organising visas for lots of staff – often these little details (which can be key for you) aren’t seen as important as they should be.
