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For whatever reason you have missing teeth, your dentist has recommended dental implants, which, not surprisingly, have a whopping success rate of 98%.
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 a lot of patients, and you probably wonder if you can get dental insurance coverage for implant placement in Australia.
Keep reading to know everything concerning dental insurance options available for dental implants. Coolamon Dental Centre will work with you to find the right insurance plan to make your implant procedure all the more convenient.
Key Takeaways
- Some insurance providers will cover some or all of the cost of your dental implants.
- 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 partakes in an array of convenient insurance plans for your implant placement.
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 Perth 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 filings 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 companies will cover part or even full payment. 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 strives to provide its patients with the most budget-friendly insurance when ready to get their implants placed.
Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO)
The Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) features a network of dentists contracted to provide discounts and accept reduced fees for dental treatments. Sometimes, the insurance will share in the reduced fee, drastically reducing your out-of-pocket cost.
The DPPO plan allows members to receive care from out-of-network dentists. The only downside is the higher out-of-pocket cost of dental treatments.
Dental Indemnity
A dental indemnity plan is sometimes referred to as a “traditional” insurance plan as it involves reimbursement by the insurance company after treatment. It’s worth noting that an indemnity plan may not pay exactly what the dentist charges but what they deem customary.
This plan allows members to choose any dental care provider but may require them to fill out a form to claim the reimbursement.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)
The Dental Health Maintenance organisation provides reduced costs for dental treatments, which are mostly preventative, e.g., oral cleanings. This type of insurance limits your options to just the dentists in your network.
The DHMO plan offers a much smaller network of dentists than the DPPO, although the member’s out-of-pocket costs tend to be much lower.
Dental Point Of Service (DPOS)
The DPOS plan is similar to both the DHMO and DPPO plans. Although, it allows you to get treatment from out-of-network dentists, which attracts less coverage.
However, the DPOS plan lets you get a referral from your primary care dentist. Under such conditions, the insurance provider will offer equal coverage.
Dental Exclusive Provider Organization (DEPO)
With this plan, you don’t need a primary care dentist or a referral to get coverage. However, coverage is only available for treatments gotten with in-network dentists. Although, there are exceptions in the case of dental emergencies.
The DEPO is a fee-for-service insurance plan, so you will initially pay for your treatments and be reimbursed later.
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. You can expect the cost to start at $1999 for a single tooth implant and $19,000 for All-on-4 dental implants per jaw.
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 permanent solution to missing teeth when maintained properly. However, the initial cost can be high. Luckily, Coolamon Dental Centre participates in several convenient insurance plans, so you don’t have to worry about coverage for your implants.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and see if dental implants fit you.
FAQ
What Dental Procedures Are Covered By Medical Insurance?
Medical insurance will likely cover general dental care like teeth cleanings, X-rays, and other procedures like crowns and bridges.
Does HCF Cover Dental Implants?
Your HCF insurance plan offers coverage for dental implants under the major dental section of your policy.
Does BUPA Cover Dental Implants?
Similarly to the HCF, your BUPA plan will cover the dental implant cost under major dental coverage.
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?
Unfortunately, the original Medicare plan does not cover dental implants.
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