Australia’s Medicare health insurance, generally speaking, will not cover dental implants.
However, in many cases, dental implants will be partly covered by Australian private dental insurance.
Are you considering dental implants as a permanent solution to replace your missing teeth? Well, we understand that when it comes to dental implants in Australia, the costs involved can be quite high. In this article, we’ll explore your options for health insurance companies covering your dental implants.
- Most private dental insurance plans cover basic dental services like teeth cleaning.
- Dental implants fall under major dental, which often requires a 12-month waiting period (at least), and can be restricted by annual claim limits.
- Dental implants are a long-term investment; they are expensive, but will save you money in the long run.
Contents
How Dental Insurance Coverage Works
In Australia, you won’t be able to find a “dental-only” private health insurance plan or health fund. Dental cover is usually part of your private health insurance’s extras policy. This extra cover often includes coverage and policies for additional pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy, chiropractic, mental health, and optical services.
Dental insurance will mostly cover preventative treatments related to oral health (examinations and check-ups), fillings, X-rays, tooth extractions, and root canal treatments. These items fall under general dental cover, which, depending on your chosen plan, may have annual limits.
On the other hand, dental treatments, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and veneers, are classified as major dental procedures. Major dental benefits often require a 12-month waiting period (as a minimum) and are usually restricted by the scheme’s annual limits.
Does Private Dental Insurance Cover Implants?
Many private dental insurance plans will cover part of your dental implants in Perth. Even though dental implant treatments restore the function of your teeth and prevent bone loss, most insurance providers consider dental implants to be part of cosmetic dentistry, a type of dental care that focuses on aesthetics and enhancing the patient’s appearance. As a result, dental implants are not covered in full.
We’ve summarised the benefits offered by the top three dental implants private health insurance plans in Australia.
Private Health Insurance – Dental Implants Coverage
|
|
Program |
Major Dental Annual Limit (incl. implants) |
Waiting period |
|
AHM |
$1,100 |
12 months |
|
|
Bupa |
$1,100 |
12 months |
|
|
HBF |
$1,000 – $1,500 |
12 months |
It’s important to note that the amount covered will be based on your specific insurance program, so it’s best to reach out to your broker or provider for clarification on the costs that will be covered, whether there’s a waiting period, and how long it would be for your specific treatment.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implant costs depend on several factors, from the number of appointments you need and whether you need bone grafting, to your choice of artificial teeth and whether you’re getting single implants, All-on-4 or All-on-6; there are various factors that influence the final cost.
As a rule of thumb, single tooth implant costs start at $3,999, and All-on-4 implants cost begin at $19,000 per jaw. However, bear in mind that this cost varies from patient to patient.
Payment Options for Patients Not Covered by Private Dental Insurance
There are various, flexible payment plans available for individuals who need dental implants but are not on or covered by dental insurance. These plans are offered by third-party finance providers and allow you to pay weekly or monthly instalments instead of having to pay a lump sum for your dental implants upfront. Your dentist will discuss the cost and payment options available with you in detail.
Get Your Dental Implants From My Implant Dentist
At My Implant Dentist, we pride ourselves on the skills, expertise, and comprehensive training our exceptional dentists have garnered over the years. We carefully and meticulously carry out every dental implant procedure after thorough treatment planning and consultation.
Contact our clinic on (08) 9361 5544 in Perth or (07) 3130 0077 in Brisbane today to book a consultation and get a quote for your treatment.
