Can Delta Dental PPO Pay for My Dental Work in Mexico?

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your dental plan could pay for your mexico dental work.

Here's How to Get Reimbursed!

Your step-by-step guide to filing an overseas dental insurance claim—and potentially getting money back for treatment you've already paid for.

Don't Leave Your Dental Benefits at the Border!

Getting dental treatment in Mexico doesn't automatically mean losing your American dental insurance benefits. Delta Dental even provides instructions for filing claims for treatment outside the United States.

"Patients often focus on saving money by going abroad, but they shouldn't overlook their dental insurance. Even if you pay a dentist in Mexico directly, you may still qualify for reimbursement. The secret is knowing your benefits and keeping the right paperwork."

— Mas’ood Cajee, DDS, MPH, Manteca, California

6 Steps to Getting Your Money Back

1. Call Delta Dental before traveling. Ask whether your particular PPO plan covers planned, nonemergency dental treatment in Mexico. Emergency coverage and elective treatment are not necessarily treated the same way.

2. Request a written treatment estimate. Ask your Mexican dentist to identify each proposed procedure, its price, and the tooth being treated. For major work, request a predetermination of benefits when available.

3. Get an itemized receipt. Delta Dental requests the dentist's name, address, telephone number, treatment dates, procedure codes, tooth numbers, and fees. Include proof of payment.

4. Ask for English documentation. Spanish receipts may be accepted, but an English translation can help avoid delays. Keep the original prices in Mexican pesos.

5. Submit your claim. Visit Delta Dental's claims page, download your PPO claim form, obtain the dentist's signature, and submit it with your receipts. Follow your specific plan's instructions for mailing or online submission.

6. Track your reimbursement. Check your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Remember, insurance may pay only a portion of the approved fee—not the entire amount you spent.

What About Other Insurance Companies?

Some MetLife and UnitedHealthcare dental plans also provide international claim procedures. But don't assume every policy offers overseas benefits. Some specifically exclude planned treatment abroad.

The golden rule: Confirm coverage before you travel, document everything, and submit your claim promptly.

Where to Get More Information

DID YOU KNOW…?

1. Your Mexican dental receipt could be worth money! Delta Dental specifically asks members to submit foreign-treatment receipts showing the original currency. It can convert foreign charges into U.S. dollars when processing claims.

2. Not all international insurance plans work the same way! Certain MetLife federal dental plans provide in-network benefit levels for treatment from internationally located dentists, even though those dentists are outside the U.S. network.

One final tip: Keep a copy of your X-rays, treatment records, and any implant component information. They're useful for insurance claims and for follow-up dental care back home.

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