Dental implants have a high reported success rate in clinical literature, though outcomes vary by individual — ask your dentist to discuss the risks and benefits for your situation.
The catch is that a dental implant procedure has relatively high costs, depending on the type of implant and the dentist performing the surgery. This means many patients wonder whether dental insurance will cover implant placement in Australia.
Keep reading to know everything concerning dental insurance options available for dental implants. Coolamon Dental Centre can help you check what your current health fund policy covers for implant treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Some extras policies pay a benefit towards part of the cost of dental implants, subject to waiting periods and annual limits.
- You may need to choose from a network of dentists when going for treatment.
- Dental implants typically fall into extra cover in your medical insurance.
- Coolamon Dental Centre is a preferred provider with several health funds and can help you check your cover.
How Dental Insurance Coverage Works
First things first, dental insurance works in a slightly different way than your regular medical insurance here in Australia. Your dental insurance coverage for your dental implant will fall under your extras coverage.
What Dentists Do You Have In Your Network?
Some types of dental insurance coverage will require you only to get treatment from a particular network of dentists. Sometimes, you must choose a primary care provider who will issue referrals when necessary.
On the other hand, a few plans give you total liberty, allowing you to pick a dental care provider outside your network. Just note that in some cases, the coverage will be less for out-of-network dentists.
Can You Choose Who Your Dentist Is?
If your plan features a network of dentists, you may be allowed to get your dental treatment from any of them. You may also choose a dentist outside your network if you don’t mind less coverage.
How Is Coverage Structured?
Dental coverage in Australia is typically segmented into two kinds: general and major cover. Of course, the structure varies between insurance providers, but it can be quite similar.
General Dental Cover
The general dental coverage focuses mainly on preventative dentistry, with coverage ranging from annual checkups to minor fillings.
Major Dental Cover
This is where coverage for dental implants falls into. The major cover includes coverage for major dental procedures like complex fillings or tooth extractions.
Can You Choose When You Want To Go To The Dentist?
You can go to the dentist whenever you want, but some plans have a waiting period so that may mean no coverage. It may allow coverage for general dental care in the first year but only covers major procedures like dental implants in the second year.
Ensure you understand a dental insurance policy before opting for it. If not, you may spend much more from your pocket when the need for dental care arises.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants Treatment?
A good number of insurance companies will not offer coverage for dental implants. This is because they see it as a cosmetic procedure when dental implants return the function of your teeth in reality.
However, depending on your implant procedure, some extras policies will pay a benefit towards part of the cost. That means your dental insurance may cover surgeries like tooth extraction during your procedure.
What Are The Types Of Dental Insurance?
Various types of dental insurance can cover your dental implant treatment. Coolamon Dental Centre can help you understand how your existing cover applies before your implants are placed.
Dental Insurance in Australia
In Australia, dental cover typically comes through extras or major dental policies with providers like HCF, Bupa, Medibank or HBF. These usually involve annual limits, waiting periods, and either preferred-provider networks (higher benefits at partner clinics) or any-provider access — check your policy for specifics.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of your dental implant procedure will vary as per the procedure and the dentist performing the surgery. At Coolamon Dental Centre, a single implant with abutment and crown starts from $3,999, and All-on-4 starts from $19,000 per jaw. Your final cost is confirmed after assessment, and we will give you a personalised quote based on your treatment plan.
Coolamon Dental Centre understands the importance of teeth restoration and provides suitable payment plans and financing options to make your treatment more affordable.
Visit Coolamon Dental Centre To Get Your Dental Implants
Dental implants can be a long-term solution to missing teeth when maintained properly. However, the initial cost can be high. Coolamon Dental Centre works with a range of health funds — our team can help you check what your specific plan covers for implants.
At Coolamon Dental Centre, we provide dental implants in Ellenbrook using modern techniques suited to your individual needs. Our experienced implant dentist Ellenbrook uses modern techniques and materials designed to support a comfortable, well-fitted result.
FAQ
What Dental Procedures Are Covered By Medical Insurance?
Private health insurance extras cover may pay a benefit towards general dental care such as check-ups, cleans and X-rays. Higher levels of cover may include major dental such as crowns and bridges, subject to waiting periods and annual limits.
Does HCF Cover Dental Implants?
Some HCF policies include implant cover under major dental, but this depends on your specific plan and level of cover — check directly with HCF or bring your policy details to your consultation.
Does BUPA Cover Dental Implants?
As with HCF, some Bupa extras policies include implants under major dental, depending on your level of cover, waiting periods and annual limits. Check with Bupa before treatment.
Is Dental Covered In Health Insurance?
Your health insurance may cover some essential dental treatments, like annual checkups, although it will offer no coverage for most dental care.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Medicare generally does not cover the cost of dental implants in Australia, although some exceptions may apply under specific circumstances — check with Medicare or your dentist for details.
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