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Health Insurance for Orthodontics, Braces, Aligners and Retainers

Save money, avoid extra taxes – get orthodontics cover that’s right for you.
Without health insurance, traditional metal braces can cost as much as $10,000
Braces and other orthodontic treatment typically have a 12 month waiting period before you can claim
Orthodontics coverage is typically included in comprehensive extras health insurance policies
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Without health insurance, traditional metal braces can cost as much as $10,000
Braces and other orthodontic treatment typically have a 12 month waiting period before you can claim
Orthodontics coverage is typically included in comprehensive extras health insurance policies
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FIX YOUR CROOKED TEETH & UNLOCK THE PERFECT SMILE WITH HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ORTHODONTICS, BRACES, ALIGNERS AND RETAINERS.

If you’re considering dental work like orthodontics, brace, aligners or retainers in Australia, you’ll probably know the cost can be quite high.

Enter: orthodontics insurance – an excellent way to manage these costs and give you the smile of your dreams.

You'll typically find orthodontics coverage included in some extras health insurance policies, but it’s not included in all extras policies.

So, if you're specifically interested in getting coverage for orthodontics, along with other popular services like optical and physiotherapy, it's important to look for the right type of health insurance policy.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about health insurance for orthodontics so you can find the best insurance plan that suits your orthodontic and overall healthcare needs.

Want to skip straight to comparing policies? Use our handy comparison tool below. Find and compare countless orthodontics and private health insurance policies in just minutes.

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HOW MUCH DOES ORTHODONTICS INSURANCE COVER OF YOUR TREATMENT?

Extras health insurance typically includes coverage for orthodontics. With this type of insurance, you pay a regular fee called a premium, and in return, you can receive a partial reimbursement for certain healthcare treatments.

It's important to note that you won't receive 100% of the cost of your orthodontic treatments back through health insurance.

The coverage provided will typically be a percentage of the cost or a fixed amount, which is usually lower than the total cost.

The specific amount of coverage can vary depending on your insurance provider, policy, and the type of treatment you receive. You can find detailed information about your coverage in your product disclosure statement (PDS).

For instance, your insurance fund might cover 80% of your bill, up to a maximum of $800, or they may offer a flat benefit of $800.

A NOTE ON ANNUAL & LIFETIME LIMITS AND WAITING PERIODS

Annual Limits

When considering health insurance for orthodontics, it's important to be aware of annual limits and lifetime limits. Annual limits refer to the maximum amount you can claim for orthodontics treatments within a single year.

Typically, this limit ranges from several hundred dollars, but it may increase the longer you hold your policy.

On the other hand, lifetime limits represent the total amount you can claim for orthodontics treatments throughout your life.

Almost all insurance funds have a lifetime limit that applies universally, meaning you won't be able to switch funds to access additional orthodontic treatment unless you opt for a more comprehensive policy.

Waiting Periods

Additionally, it's worth noting that waiting periods apply to extras policies. A waiting period is a set period of time, usually 12 months, that you need to wait before you can make a claim for orthodontics or braces.

This measure prevents individuals from taking out health insurance, making a significant claim, and then immediately cancelling their policy.

However, some extras policies may have no waiting period for general dental care, allowing you to receive basic dental treatment sooner.

HOW MUCH DO BRACES COST WITHOUT ORTHODONTICS INSURANCE?

The cost of braces can vary widely depending on various factors. On average, braces can range from $4,500 to $15,000 or even more for a 12 to 24-month treatment, which includes regular consultations.

The actual cost is influenced by factors such as the specific type of treatment needed, the duration required to correct your teeth, and the choice of clinic or specialist you opt for.

Here is a summary of a few online quotes we came across to give you an idea of the potential costs involved with different types of braces:

Braces Type Cost Average
Metal braces (traditional braces) $3,500-$10,000
Ceramic braces $4,000 - $10,500
Lingual braces (hidden braces) $7,000 - $15,000
Clear aligners (like Invisalign) $3,500 - $9,000
Removable retainers $200 - $500

WHAT LIMITS APPLY TO ORTHODONTIC INSURANCE?

Annual limits:

When it comes to extras insurance, there are annual limits set for specific benefits, including orthodontics. These limits determine the maximum amount you can claim within a single year.

For instance, if your annual limit for orthodontics is $1,000, that is the maximum you can claim until your benefit limit resets. It's important to note that limit resets typically occur in January, although some funds may reset in June.

Additionally, some insurance plans may offer increasing annual benefits over a certain number of years. For example, your annual benefit might start at $600, increase to $700 the following year, and then to $800 the year after. While this may not always be the case, it's worth keeping an eye out for any increases.

Lifetime limits:

Most insurance funds impose lifetime limits on orthodontics. This means that regardless of how long you maintain your policy, there is a maximum amount you can claim for orthodontic treatments throughout your lifetime.

It's crucial to understand that this lifetime limit applies across different insurance funds. So, switching funds will not allow you to access additional orthodontic benefits.

The only way to potentially increase your claimable amount would be to opt for a more comprehensive policy with a higher limit.

ARE BRACES COVERED BY MEDICARE?

Medicare, unfortunately, does not typically cover braces and orthodontics. In fact, most dental treatments are not covered by Medicare.

Although there is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which provides dental coverage for children, it's important to note that orthodontics and braces are specifically excluded from this coverage.

So, if your child requires orthodontic treatment, it's essential to explore other options such as private dental insurance or out-of-pocket payments.

FINDING THE BEST HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ORTHODONTICS, BRACES, ALIGNERS AND RETAINERS.

Finding the best health insurance for orthodontics requires some careful considerations, such as treatment needs, budget, and potential additional benefits. Here are some things to consider:

Finding the best health insurance for orthodontics requires some careful considerations, such as treatment needs, budget, and potential additional benefits. Here are some things to consider:

Compare online: Don't solely rely on familiar brands or recommendations from friends. Take the time to compare different policies online. Just a few minutes of research could save you hundreds of dollars.

Assess annual limits: Annual limits determine the maximum amount you can claim for orthodontics within a year. Higher limits allow for greater claimable amounts but usually come with higher premiums. Evaluate the annual limit offered by each policy.

Check lifetime limits: Insurers also set lifetime limits for orthodontic coverage. If you anticipate needing extensive treatment, ensure you review the lifetime limit as it represents the maximum you can claim throughout your policy's duration.

Consider percentage back: It's important to note that having a $500 annual limit does not mean you can claim the full amount. Policies typically reimburse a percentage of your orthodontic bill. Look for policies with higher reimbursement percentages to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Price: While price is a significant factor, avoid solely opting for the cheapest policy. Compare different options as you may find better deals elsewhere. However, also ensure that the chosen policy aligns with your budget.

Explore other benefits: Extras policies often include additional benefits beyond orthodontics. These may include discounts on massages, physiotherapy appointments, or even gym memberships. Take a closer look at the supplementary benefits offered to find a policy that suits your needs comprehensively.

READY TO TAKE OUT HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ORTHODONTICS, BRACES, ALIGNERS AND RETAINERS?

If you’re ready to dive in and take out health insurance for orthodontic work, check out our handy comparison tool below. Let us do the comparison work for you!

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