Wellness Tips | 09 June, 2021

Make the most of your dental extras

Got a private health fund? If so, you probably have dental extras benefits included in your policy.

From cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers to orthodontic procedures like Invisalign® teeth-straightening, your health fund could cover more you think in terms of extras.

Health fund policies reset yearly, and any unclaimed extras benefits do not rollover. So, to make the most out of your extras, you need to claim them before your health fund resets for another year.

It's important to remember that some health funds reset with the calendar year, while others the financial year - make sure you check with your insurer!

What is Extras Cover?

Extras Cover is a policy for medical treatments that happen outside of the hospital and aren’t covered by Medicare - think eye checks, trips to the physiotherapist and visiting your dentist for a routine clean. Medicare might not cover the costs, so without a private health fund, these services might be quite expensive. Especially when the whole family is involved. 

The three most common areas of medical treatment that people use their Extras Cover for in Australia, are Optic, Physiotherapy and of course, Dental. 

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Your Dental extas may cover: 

  • General (check-up, clean, X-rays, fillings, tooth removal)
  • Major (root canal treatment, dentures, dental implants, crowns and bridges, complex surgery)
  • Orthodontic (braces, retainers)

Extras Cover is great for these areas of care; however, it still may not cover the whole fee. You may find that there are still some out-of-pocket expenses involved - these are known as gap payments. 

Gap payments explained

A gap payment is what we call those out-of-pocket expenses that we all want to avoid - the amount you pay above and beyond what your insurer will cover.

Whether or not you will incur a gap payment depends on both your health insurer and your level of cover. Certain health fund providers, such as one of our preferred providers Defence Health, won’t pass any gap payments onto you for routine dental appointments.

That means you can pop in for your regular check-up and clean appointments with peace of mind, knowing that you won't come away with any unexpected fees.

At participating Maven Dental practices, Defence Health members will receive added value from their extras cover.

Learn more about Defence Health
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What dental benefits are included in your policy?

The first step in maximising your benefits is to find out what’s included in your health fund policy. Check the details to see exactly what you’re covered for and which dental treatments are eligible for a rebate under your policy.

Your plan may have certain terms and conditions relating to dental benefits, so work out what you can claim by calling your health fund directly, or dig out those policy documents.

Are there any cosmetic treatments you could take advantage of right now?

With some health fund policies offering rebates for certain cosmetic dental treatments, why not check your policy details and treat yourself to a brighter smile before your health fund resets? For example, your policy may provide a rebate for teeth whitening, allowing you to get the whiter smile you’ve been dreaming of!

Visit your nearest Maven dentist today before your health fund resets. Maximise your benefits - and get a beautiful smile in the process.