CHAMPVA dental insurance: how VADIP works and what it costs
Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Confirm with CHAMPVA and your provider. Last verified against VA.gov: October 11, 2026 (VA VADIP page updated May 1, 2024). Changelog
CHAMPVA’s own dental rules
The CHAMPVA Guidebook says all dental care requires pre-authorization, and coverage is limited to dental treatment that’s part of treating some other covered medical condition (for example, loss of jaw tissue from trauma or cancer treatment). Routine dental care, braces, and dentures aren’t covered. More: Vision & dental.
What VADIP is
The VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) offers discounted private dental insurance. VA says you may be eligible if you’re the current or surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran or service member, and you’re enrolled in CHAMPVA. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can also join.
- Covers the U.S. and its territories.
- It’s now a permanent program. If you were in the 2013–2017 pilot, you must enroll again.
- Carriers may offer separate options for family members who aren’t CHAMPVA beneficiaries.
What it covers
VA says VADIP plans may cover diagnostic and preventive care, root canals and restorative work, dental surgery, and emergency dental care. Details depend on the plan.
The two carriers
| Carrier | Plans and enrollment | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Dental | feds.deltadentalins.com/vadip | 855-370-3303 |
| MetLife | metlife.com/vadip | 888-310-1681 |
What it costs
VA doesn’t publish one price. You pay the full premium for each person on your plan, plus any copays when you get care. Compare current plans and premiums on the carriers’ sites above.
How to enroll
Pick a Delta Dental or MetLife VADIP plan and enroll online through that carrier. After you enroll, you manage your plan on the carrier’s website.