What Happened to Spirit Airlines Dental and Vision Benefits
Like all Spirit Airlines employee benefits, dental and vision coverage ended when the airline ceased operations. These benefits were typically provided through separate group dental and vision plans — not embedded in the medical plan — and they terminated simultaneously.
Standalone Dental Insurance Options
Individual dental insurance is available on the ACA marketplace (as an add-on) or directly through dental carriers. Plans fall into two categories:
| Type | How It Works | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHMO (Dental HMO) | Select a primary dentist in-network; low cost, limited network | $15–$25/mo | Cost-focused; routine care |
| DPPO (Dental PPO) | Use any dentist; in-network rates; out-of-network coverage | $25–$50/mo | Flexibility; existing dentist relationships |
| Dental Indemnity | Reimburses a percentage of any dentist's fees | $30–$60/mo | Maximum freedom of choice |
Standalone Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is typically very inexpensive and covers annual eye exams plus an allowance for glasses or contacts.
| What Vision Plans Cover | Typical Annual Benefit |
|---|---|
| Eye exam | 1 per year (fully covered) |
| Frames or contacts allowance | $150–$300/year |
| Monthly premium (individual) | $8–$18/month |
| Popular carriers | VSP, EyeMed, Humana Vision, Davis Vision |
Good news: Unlike medical coverage, dental and vision plans have no "special enrollment period" restrictions — you can apply for standalone dental and vision insurance any time of year, regardless of whether you're still within your 60-day medical SEP window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Unlike ACA medical plans, standalone dental insurance is available for purchase at any time of year — there is no open enrollment period restriction. Former Spirit employees can apply for dental coverage immediately through carriers like Delta Dental, Cigna Dental, Humana, or MetLife.
Individual dental insurance typically costs $15–$50/month depending on plan type (HMO vs. PPO) and coverage level. Annual benefit maximums usually range from $1,000 to $2,000. Dental discount plans are also available for even lower monthly costs if you primarily need preventive care.
Individual vision insurance is available through carriers like VSP, EyeMed, and Humana Vision for $8–$18/month. Plans typically cover one annual exam and provide an allowance ($150–$300) for frames or contacts. Like dental, vision insurance has no enrollment period restrictions.
Yes. The ACA marketplace offers standalone dental plans that can be purchased separately from medical plans. Vision coverage is generally not offered on the marketplace but is available directly through vision carriers.