Insurance

At Dentalnook, we understand the importance of protecting your smile. In Australia, most dental care is provided by private clinics, and with Medicare offering limited coverage for dental services, many Australians turn to health insurance with dental cover to manage costs and avoid financial surprises.

However, not all insurance policies are created equal. Let us guide you through the essentials of dental cover, how it works, and how to choose the best policy for your needs.

What Is Dental Cover?

While there is no such thing as a stand-alone dental health insurance policy, dental care is included as part of extras health insurance. This cover offers rebates for specific dental services, categorized into:

• General dental: Cleanings, exams, and fillings.
• Major dental: Crowns, bridges, and dentures.
• Orthodontics: Braces and aligners.
• Endodontics: Root canal treatments.

For surgical procedures like wisdom teeth removal, hospital cover within your health insurance may help offset costs not covered by Medicare.

Why You Need Dental Cover

Maintaining oral health goes beyond a bright smile. It’s about protecting your overall health. Poor dental care can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even contribute to serious conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Here is why investing in dental cover is a smart move:

• Cost savings: A routine check-up with cleaning, x-rays, and fluoride treatment costs around $350. With dental cover, you can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
• Cosmetic dentistry options: Some policies include coverage for teeth whitening, crowns, or implants.
• Emergency protection: Accidents or sudden dental emergencies can cost tens of thousands. For example, a single dental implant costs approximately $4,000. Dental insurance can cushion the blow.
• Ambulance cover: Dental emergencies might involve ambulance transport, which isn’t covered by Medicare and can cost thousands.

Choosing the Right Dental Insurance

Selecting the right health insurance with dental cover doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep these tips in mind:

• Understand the waiting periods: For high-cost treatments like implants, you may wait up to a year, while basic services like check-ups often require only a couple of months.
• Switching policies: If you have already served your waiting period with another insurer, most funds will waive waiting periods when you switch.
• Assess your needs: Are you planning orthodontic treatments? Do you need major dental work? Choose a policy that aligns with your expected dental care needs.
• Check inclusions: Extras policies often bundle dental with other services like optical, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care, giving you more value.

What Is the Best Dental Health Insurance?

The best dental health insurance for you depends on your budget, the coverage you need, and the rebates offered by the policy. Look for a plan that balances an affordable premium with generous coverage and minimal out-of-pocket expenses (the gap). This ensures you have access to a wide range of treatments without straining your finances.

Another factor to consider is the health fund's network of Preferred Providers. If you already have a dentist you trust and love visiting, you will want to ensure your chosen policy includes them as a provider.

At Dentalnook, we make it easy for you. We accept all health funds and offer seamless HICAPS claiming at our office, thereby, helping you save more when you visit the dentist in your local area.

Take charge of your dental health today. Explore insurance options that keep you covered, no matter what life throws your way!