Are you an Uber or Lyft driver (or any kind of gig worker) struggling to figure out how to get affordable dental insurance—without a boss, without a company plan, and without paying crazy high monthly premiums?

That was me. Until I discovered a few little-known options that saved me hundreds (and saved my teeth).

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to find dental insurance for gig economy workers, what to look out for, and the smart steps you can take—even if you’re just driving part-time or hustling between gigs.

🚦 The Problem: No Employer = No Dental Plan

If you’ve Googled phrases like:

• “best dental insurance for Uber drivers”
• “how to get dental coverage as a Lyft driver”
• “cheap dental plans for gig workers”
• “self-employed dental insurance 2025”

…then you know most advice is old, confusing, or just leads you in circles.

Most rideshare companies (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, etc.) don’t provide any dental or health insurance for drivers—leaving us to figure it out alone. But you don’t have to go uninsured (or pay out of pocket every time you need a cleaning or cavity fixed).

🕵️‍♂️ How I Searched for Gig Worker Dental Insurance

My journey:

I started by checking the “big” insurance companies—Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife—directly, but the rates were sky-high ($45–$75/month for a single adult, and not even great coverage).

So, I started searching for dental insurance plans for self-employed workers and “affordable dental plans for gig economy drivers.”

I also looked into discount dental cards, dental HMOs, and gig worker insurance platforms.

Here’s what worked (and what didn’t):

❌ What Didn’t Work

• Marketplace/ACA (Obamacare) plans:

Dental is usually just an add-on, and unless you’re getting a big subsidy, the premiums are still too high for basic care.

• COBRA/old employer plans:

Only lasts for a short time and usually costs more than buying private.

• Local discount “dental savings clubs”:

These can be hit or miss. Some are legit, some are just glorified coupons.

🏆 What Actually Works: The 3-Step Gig Worker Dental Solution

1. Gig-Focused Benefits Platforms

There are new platforms built just for independent workers, freelancers, and rideshare drivers. They do the shopping and negotiation for you, so you get access to group rates (even if you’re solo).

Top picks:

Stride Health

• Stride works with Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, and independent gig workers.
• They show you all available dental (and health/vision) options in your area—many plans start as low as $20–$30/month.
• Pro tip: Filter for “PPO” plans so you can pick your own dentist.
• Affiliate link (if you have one): Check Stride Dental Plans for Gig Workers

SafetyWing

• International coverage and flexible plans for digital nomads, freelancers, and gig workers.
• Dental add-ons available for many plans.

Next Insurance

• Known for business insurance, but now offers bundled health and dental to gig economy professionals.

2. National Discount Dental Programs

If you want instant savings, consider a discount dental plan (not insurance, but can cut dental costs by 40–60%).

• Use services like Careington or DentalPlans.com to get access to network dentists at reduced rates.
• These plans often start at $10–$15/month, no waiting period, and anyone can join (no health check).

3. Compare with Local Credit Union or Freelancers Union Plans

Some local credit unions and professional freelancer groups (like Freelancers Union) offer special group rates for dental coverage.

They partner with major insurers and sometimes have zero waiting period for cleanings.

📊 What I Chose (and My Results)

After comparing all the above, Stride Health had the best rates for my area (big city, lots of dentist options). I was able to sign up for a PPO dental plan for $27/month—about half the price of what I saw going direct to the insurer.

What’s included?

• 2 cleanings per year (free)
• Low co-pay for fillings, x-rays
• No dental network restrictions
• Fast online signup—no paperwork

Pro tip:

You can switch or upgrade during open enrollment every year, or if you move to a different state/city.

💬 FAQs: Dental Insurance for Uber/Lyft Drivers

Q: Can I write off dental insurance as a business expense?

• Sometimes! If it’s part of your overall self-employed health expenses, ask your tax pro. (Or check my Gig Worker Tax Fix Pack for more details.)

Q: Do I need to be full-time to get covered?

• No! Most plans are open to anyone earning income as a 1099 or self-employed worker, even if you drive just a few hours a week.

Q: Can I get dental for my family/kids?

• Yes—look for “family” or “dependent” options when comparing plans.

💡 How to Get Started Today

1. Compare dental plans on Stride Health or SafetyWing.
2. Check local freelancer or credit union options.
3. Consider a discount plan for instant savings if you need work done now.
4. Use my affiliate link here: See Affordable Dental Plans for Gig Workers Now

🏁 Bottom Line: Don’t Skip Dental!

It took me weeks of research, but you can find affordable dental coverage as an Uber or Lyft driver—without employer benefits or crazy premiums.

If you’re hustling in the gig economy, make sure your teeth are as protected as your income.

Compare plans now, save money, and get the care you deserve.

Questions about gig worker insurance, taxes, or benefits? Leave a comment or DM me on TikTok @taxtock and Instagram at TaxTok_pro ——happy to share what I’ve learned!