FAQS about Insurance

Are you a preferred provider?

Our practice has chosen not to participate in any “preferred provider” schemes. The only fact we care about is how best we can serve you. We do not believe that entering into contractual obligations with any health insurance companies ensures the success of our treatment – because:

• The only people we have to be accountable to is you
• We offer customized care that is not directed by an external party
• We believe that all fully insured patients have the right to choose their dentist and the quality of the care they want to receive, rather than being referred to dentists they can visit
• As a fully insured patient you should receive the same rebate regardless of which dentist you choose
• Freedom to adjust our fees to reflect the level of service and care we provide is based on the time and complexity of your needs
• All insurance companies pay the same annual limit regardless of whether you see a preferred or non-preferred provider

The following document will outline the most commonly asked questions.   https://www.ada.org.au

How much can I expect back from my health fund?

Many patients ask us this question. However there are many factors that determine the rebate amount such as:

• The health insurance company selected
• The level of cover you have for dental treatment
• The type of procedure you are having. In general, preventive and basic services will receive a greater proportion of rebate, while cosmetic and reconstructive procedures result in a greater out of pocket expense.

We strive to inform you about the exact cost of your treatment before it commences. We provide you with a detailed written treatment plan including the number of appointments, item numbers and costing.

You are then encouraged to contact your insurance company and find out the rebate amounts applicable to the item numbers. Depending on your company, our reception staff may be able to determine this for you on the spot without the need for you to contact them directly.

Which is the best health fund?

We do not recommend any specific insurance company because the right insurance company for you is specific to your needs. The most important factor when deciding is to look for one that offers you the freedom to select any health provider without penalty. This is opposed to the one that directs you to specific providers to maximize your rebate.

Should I join a health fund before I get my treatment?

There is much debate around the issue to have or not to have private health insurance. One has to weigh up the cost per year for the family and the rebates they are entitled to. Health insurance is not like normal insurance because there is an annual cap to the benefits you will receive. When these are not utilised in one year, they generally cannot be carried forward into the next.

Many patients decide that health insurance with “extras” is not for them because of the cost of the premium and the waiting periods. They would rather keep that money aside to help pay for the dental treatment when they need it rather than when their waiting period is over.

Further waiting for insurance to kick in often encourages patients to delay treatment or have treatment done based on when they are covered for it. This is not advisable as a small dental problem could escalate into a major problem requiring more extensive treatment.