Health Insurance for General Dental

Save money & avoid extra taxes —
get health insurance for general dental that’s right for you.
General dental is the base tier of dental cover, which includes Major Dental, Orthodontics and Endodontics.
Medicare doesn’t cover dental treatments (unless it’s part of a Medicare approved treatment)
The waiting period for general dental can be as short as 2 months, and in some cases, waived for treatments like preventive check-ups.

Want a Winning Smile? With Health Insurance for General Dental, You Can Maintain Your Dental Health without the High Costs.

In Australia, dental treatment can be expensive, especially if you don’t have private health insurance. Beyond the fear of drilling, the high cost of dental care is a big reason why many Aussies stay well clear of the dentist.

Unfortunately, you only get one set of teeth and keeping those pearly whites in great health requires more than just daily brushing and flossing. If you want to avoid extractions and root canals, maintenance is key.

The question is how do you choose the best health insurance for general dental that suits your current situation? It might be tempting to select the first cheap dental insurance policy you find, but understanding your options will ensure all your needs are covered at the right price.

The Different Types of Health Insurance for General Dental

Private health funds will offer general dental as part of your health insurance policy. Dental cover only plans are relatively rare, with most benefits falling under a hospital or extras covers . Below are the different levels of health insurance for general dental you’ll typically find:

HOSPITAL COVER

If you have hospital cover , you’ll be able to claim in-patient dental procedures, such as the removal of wisdom teeth. Depending on your level of hospital cover, you may be able to claim the entire cost of the dental procedure including accommodation, theatre and the anaesthetist fees. In this scenario, Medicare will cover some expenses, and your health fund will pay the remaining.

EXTRAS COVER

Most of the benefits for dental services will be covered under extras health insurance, also known as general treatment or ancillary cover. Insurance funds divide the cover of dental services into two classes: general dental and major dental . Depending on your level of extras cover, you’ll be covered for general dental or major dental services.

GENERAL DENTAL

Most basic extras policies cover general dental which includes cleaning, small fillings, plaque removal and X-rays. This level of cover typically appeals to those who are young, single and healthy without a complicated dental history. It suits those people who visit the dentist a couple of times a year for a check-up and only require minor treatments to maintain their winning smile.

MAJOR DENTAL

Major dental is typically covered under the policies of higher extras cover which generally covers surgery and emergency treatment. Major dental typically includes complex and expensive procedures like braces, crowns, wisdom teeth removal, bridges and root canals. You can also receive cover for orthodontic and endodontic works. Families and elderly people generally opt for major dental cover.

DOES MEDICARE COVER GENERAL DENTAL CARE?

As an adult, Medicare only covers the cost of dental treatment when it’s essential to protect your general health.

The public health system may also cover the cost of dental work if it’s part of a Medicare approved treatment. For example, if dental treatment is required prior to radiation for oral cancer.

Medicare may also cover the costs if you require hospitalisation following a dental-related procedure. For example, if you need to be admitted for treatment of an infection that developed after having a wisdom tooth extracted. Typically, Medicare will not pay for any follow-up dental treatment required once the general health condition has been resolved. The fees for specialists not related to the treated condition are also not covered.

Are you eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

In 2014, the Australian Government introduced a program known as the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) that provides access to up to $1026 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years, covering most basic general dental services (but not specialist services like orthodontics or services provided under general anaesthetic.)

The CDBS may cover the cost of dental services in a public or private clinic such as examinations, cleaning, fillings, X-rays, root canals, extractions, partial dentures and fissure sealing.

To be eligible for the CDBS the child must:

  • Aged between 2 – 17 years old
  • Be eligible for Medicare
  • Have received financial assistance from the Australian Government such as Family Tax Benefit A

In most cases, if your child is eligible for the CDBS, you’ll be notified at the beginning of the year.

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to private dental insurance. That’s why comparing different policy options to find the right plan for you is vital. If you don’t, you’re likely to be paying much more than you need or risk being improperly covered when unexpected dental costs arise. Don’t get caught out - take advantage of our comparison tool to find the right plan for you.

OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES, LIMITS AND WAITING PERIODS

The level of dental cover and the insurance fund you choose will determine 3 important factors:

  1. your out-of-pocket expenses
  2. the limits of your cover
  3. when you can claim.

When it comes to health insurance for general dental, it's important to be aware of how your insurer and Medicare cover different procedures. While some treatments may be fully covered, others may require you to pay a portion of the cost out of pocket, known as a medical gap. To avoid any surprises, it's recommended to check with your potential insurance provider about their gap cover arrangements and any excesses that may apply.

Keep in mind that dental insurance policies often have limits on how much you can claim for certain treatments. Some policies may have no limits for preventive dental check-ups, while others may impose annual limits. For more expensive treatments like orthodontics, there may be a lifetime limit. Choosing a policy with higher annual limits can help you save on premiums and get more coverage.

It's important to note that extras policies typically have waiting periods set by the insurer. These waiting periods prevent individuals from taking out insurance right before undergoing expensive procedures like root canals or braces. Waiting periods for major dental treatments can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on your insurer and the type of treatment. However, for general dental, the waiting period can be as short as 2 months. In some cases, the waiting period for minor treatments like preventive check-ups may be waived entirely.

Saving with no gap dental cover

Health funds understand the importance of preventive dental care and the benefits it brings to both your oral health and their bottom line. That's why many funds offer a "no gap" dental cover option, which aims to incentivize you to prioritise your dental health and reduce the likelihood of costly treatments in the future.

Under the no gap scheme, your health fund will cover any out-of-pocket expenses you may have after undergoing one of the covered preventative treatments. These treatments are specifically designed to prevent the development of more serious dental issues down the line.

To take advantage of the gap-free dental option, it's important to receive treatment from a dentist who is affiliated with your insurer. This small step ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of reduced costs without compromising on the quality of care.

By making preventive treatments more affordable and accessible, health funds not only protect themselves from higher expenses but also encourage you to take charge of your own health and financial well-being. It's a win-win situation that promotes proactive dental care and safeguards your long-term oral health.

Some of the dental services that may be covered by a no gap dental scheme include:

Initial dental check-ups Initial dental check-ups
Preventative examinations Preventative examinations
Scale and clean Scale and clean
Topical fluoride treatment Topical fluoride treatment
Basic fillings Basic fillings
X-rays X-rays
Custom made mouthguards for sports Custom made mouthguards for sports
To be eligible for gap free dental you must receive treatment from a dentist who is affiliated with your insurer. That’s a small price to pay for a potentially big saving! By making these preventative treatments more affordable and accessible for their members, health funds are protecting themselves from having to pay out for more expensive procedures. They’re also encouraging you to look after your own health and finances too!

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A DENTAL PLAN

In addition to traditional dental insurance options that cover procedures like fillings, cleanings, and orthodontics , some individuals opt for a discount dental plan. This type of plan operates on a membership basis, offering discounted prices for dental services in exchange for an annual fee.

Unlike dental insurance, a dental plan does not directly cover the costs of treatment. Instead, it provides access to a network of participating dentists who offer discounted rates to plan members.

There are several advantages to having a dental plan. The membership fees are generally affordable, and you can enjoy discounts on your dental care without having to wait through any waiting periods. It provides a more immediate and accessible option for cost savings.

However, it's important to consider the limitations of a discounted dental plan. You may be restricted to choosing dentists who are part of the plan's network, limiting your options for dental care providers. Additionally, the discounts offered may not cover the entire cost of your treatment, so it's important to budget accordingly.

Dental insurance, on the other hand, allows you the freedom to choose your own dentist and provides coverage for a wide range of services, with some or all of the costs being covered. However, it typically requires serving a waiting period before you can make claims, and there may be benefit limits that cap the number of times you can claim within a given year.

Ultimately, the choice between a discount dental plan and dental insurance depends on your individual needs and preferences. It's important to carefully evaluate the coverage, costs, and limitations of each option to determine which one aligns best with your dental care needs.

What to Consider When Comparing Health Insurance for General Dental

When it comes to finding the perfect dental cover for you and your family, it's essential to consider various factors. Investing in a dental insurance plan that doesn't align with your specific needs would simply be a waste of your hard-earned money.

To ensure you make the right choice, here are a few important factors to consider when comparing dental policies:

AGE

Unfortunately, as you get older more things need fine tuning. You may have noticed your body is a little stiffer or your mind is a little less sharp. Our teeth health can also decline as we age, which is why major dental cover is popular amongst those entering their golden years.

FAMILY

Dental care for children can be expensive, especially if they require orthodontic treatment such as braces. It may be more financially viable to be protected by dental cover, especially if you have more than one child.

FINANCES

The premiums you’re able to afford will dictate the level of dental cover you can choose. If you earn a high income, major dental insurance will be more attainable than someone of a lower income. If you’re eligible for CDBS or a dental plan, private health insurance may be unnecessary.

DENTAL HEALTH HISTORY

Consider your current and past dental health history to help you assess the level of cover you’ll benefit most from. Family history is also important to take into account, especially if you have children. If there’s a history of crooked teeth for example, dental insurance for braces will be at the top of your list!.

ANNUAL LIMITS

Even if you dread the dentist, the thought of accessing cheap dental treatments forever sounds appealing. Unfortunately, most funds impose annual limits on the amount you can claim.

WAITING PERIODS

Waiting periods on dental care and other extras are set by each health fund. This means the amount of time before you can claim will vary. General dental treatments typically only have a 2 month waiting period. However, dental insurance for orthodontics may have a waiting period of 12 months. It’s worth keeping your eye out for general and major dental insurance with no waiting period promotions.

OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES

Depending on the dental procedure required, you may find there are expenses you’ll need to pay that are beyond your health insurance benefit. Asking the fund about potential out-of-pocket expenses can save you the surprise of incurring unexpected costs.

GAP FREE DENTAL

Some funds will offer a no-gap dental program. This means you’ll have no out-of-pocket expenses when you receive preventative treatment from an affiliated dentist. This saves you money and maintains your dental health.

Our comparison tool makes comparing health insurance a breeze! All you need to do is determine the level of dental cover you require, and within a few minutes, you'll have access to a wide range of options suitable for singles, couples, or families. It's a quick and convenient way to find the dental cover that best meets your needs.

FAQs

1. What does dental health cover typically include in private health insurance?

Private health insurance for dental coverage typically includes a range of services such as preventive care (cleaning, check-ups), general treatments (fillings, X-rays), major treatments (crowns, root canals), and sometimes orthodontic treatments (braces). The specific coverage may vary depending on the insurance policy and level of coverage you choose.

2. How can I determine the rebate amount I'm eligible for on dental treatments?

The rebate amount for dental treatments can be determined by checking the schedule of benefits provided by your private health insurance provider. The rebate is usually a percentage of the fee charged for the treatment, and it may vary depending on the specific treatment and your level of coverage. You can also contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about the rebate amount for specific dental procedures.

3. Are there preferred dental clinics or providers associated with private health insurance?

Yes, many private health insurance policies have preferred dental clinics or providers associated with them. These providers have agreements with the insurance company, offering services at negotiated rates. By choosing a preferred provider, you may be eligible for additional benefits such as reduced out-of-pocket expenses or gap-free treatments. You can check with your insurance provider for a list of preferred dental clinics or providers in your area.

4. Is dental care considered a part of general healthcare or a separate category?Dental care is generally considered a separate category from general healthcare. While general healthcare typically covers medical services and hospitalisation, dental care is often categorised as an extras or ancillary cover. This means that dental treatments are usually covered under a separate portion of your private health insurance policy, specifically designed for dental services.

5. Can private health insurance cover tooth extractions and fluoride treatments?

Yes, private health insurance can cover tooth extractions and fluoride treatments, depending on your level of coverage and the specific insurance policy. Tooth extractions, especially for wisdom teeth, are often covered under hospital cover or major dental cover. Fluoride treatments, which are preventive measures to strengthen teeth, are generally covered under general dental cover. It's important to review your policy or contact your insurance provider to confirm the coverage for these specific treatments.

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