At Glenferrie Dental, we understand that navigating the complexities of dental insurance and Medicare coverage can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to the costs associated with dental implants. Dental implants offer a long-term solution for tooth loss that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your smile but also restores functionality and overall oral health.
The benefits of dental implants are numerous, ranging from the ability to enjoy your favourite foods without hesitation to the confidence of knowing your smile is complete. However, understanding if and how these procedures are covered by insurance or Medicare can be confusing.
Glenferrie Dental’s specialists are committed to not only providing top-tier dental services but also guiding you through the intricacies of dental coverage. For any queries, please feel free to contact our reception on (03) 9818 1930 so that you can make a well-informed decision about your oral health. We are more than happy to assist you with your concerns and book a consultation for your needs.
How to Check if Your Insurance Covers Dental Implants?
Firstly, let’s find out if you have major dental cover with your health insurance provider.
Major dental is essential because this is usually the only plan that covers dental implant treatment in Australia.
If you have major dental cover, it should help with some of your costs.
However, in our experience at Glenferrie Dental, insurance providers won’t cover the complete dental implant treatment cost.
Bear in mind that even if your policy does cover dental implants, there is usually a 12-month waiting period before you can claim.
However, some insurers offer dental with no waiting period.
Again, be sure to check with your insurer about any waiting periods that may apply to you.
Depending on how many dental implants you require, the total cost can range between $4,500 for a single implant to $20,000 for All-on-4 dental implants in Melbourne.
If you only have a general dental cover on your policy, this only covers part of the cost for routine dental treatments and won’t help with dental implant treatment and dental care.
Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
Generally speaking, Medicare does not cover dental examinations and treatments such as dental implants. Still, in some cases, Medicare may contribute to the cost of deemed clinically necessary procedures.
Speak to our friendly dentists about your situation, and they will be more than happy to advise you on your best options.
Many patients also choose to fund the cost of dental implants either via payment options such as SuperCare.
Dental Implant Payment Options
At Glenferrie Dental, all of our implant costs are detailed on the individual treatment plan that you will receive at your free consultation.
Dental implant treatments are a significant investment in your health and confidence. We want to make tooth implants as accessible as possible for all Australians.
Glenferrie Dental offers flexible payment options, including:
- Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
- Credit and debit cards
- Cash
- Humm Finance
- Early release of superannuation for eligible patients via SuperCare.
| Dental Implants Insurance | Coverage for Dental Implants | Waiting Period | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Insurance | Varies by policy | Varies by policy | Varies by policy |
| Medicare | Limited coverage for medically necessary cases | N/A | Eligible individuals in Australia |
| Health Insurance | Varies by policy | Varies by policy | Varies by policy |
| Dental Benefits Scheme (Australia) | Coverage for medically necessary cases | N/A | Eligible individuals in Australia |
| Child Dental Benefits Schedule (Australia) | Coverage for children aged 2-17 | N/A | Eligible individuals in Australia |
| Dental Savings Plan/Discount Dental Plan | Discounts on dental procedures, including implants | N/A | Varies by plan |
Dental Insurance that Covers Implants
Dental insurance policies can vary greatly in terms of what they cover. Some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of dental implants, while others may not. To find out if your dental insurance covers implants, you’ll need to check your policy or contact your insurance provider. Some types of dental insurance that may cover implants include major dental insurance and full dental insurance. It’s worth noting that dental insurance that covers implants may have a waiting period before coverage begins.
Does Health Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Health insurance policies can also vary in terms of what they cover. Some health insurance plans may cover the cost of dental implants, while others may not. To find out if your health insurance covers implants, you’ll need to check your policy or contact your insurance provider. Some types of health insurance that may cover implants include private health insurance and health insurance with a no waiting period for dental coverage.
What About Dental Implants Overseas in Bali or Thailand?
As you can imagine, overseas dental treatment, including teeth implants, carries significant risks. Australian health insurance won’t cover dental implant treatment if it’s done overseas.
The promise of lower costs coupled with an exotic holiday might appear too good to pass up. However, we strongly advise considering the potential risks and pitfalls associated with seeking dental implant procedures abroad.
While there may be well-trained and competent dentists in Bali and Thailand, the regulatory standards and enforcement may not always be as stringent as those in Australia. As a result, the risk of complications arising from poor infection control, inadequate sterilisation conditions, or substandard implant materials dramatically increases.
Dental implants require precise placement and high-quality materials to ensure successful integration with your jawbone. Errors in either of these aspects can lead to significant health complications, including severe infections, nerve damage, and implant failure.
Furthermore, the follow-up care and redress options in the event of complications can be limited when the procedure is performed overseas, while many Australian dentists will not be able to work on dental implants that were done overseas.
Dental implants often require multiple visits and ongoing monitoring to ensure their success, which might be challenging if your dentist is thousands of kilometres away. Also, if you experience complications, it may be more difficult to seek legal recourse in a foreign jurisdiction.
FAQs
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
It depends on the specific policy. Some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of dental implants, while others may not. It’s important to check your policy or contact your insurance provider to find out if your dental insurance covers implants.
Does Medicare cover the cost of dental implants?
Medicare does not typically cover the cost of dental implants. However, there may be exceptions for cases where the dental implant is deemed medically necessary to address a medical condition. It’s important to contact your Medicare provider to find out if your specific case qualifies for coverage.
Are there options for free dental implants in Australia?
Yes, there are options for free dental implants in Australia for eligible individuals. These may include government-funded dental care through the Dental Benefits Scheme or the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and charity organisations that offer free dental implants to those in need.
How can I find dental cover that includes implants?
To find dental cover that includes implants, research different insurance providers and compare their policies. Look for policies that specifically mention coverage for dental implants or major dental procedures. Consider any restrictions or waiting periods that may apply.
Can seniors on Medicare receive coverage for dental implants?
Yes, seniors on Medicare may be able to receive coverage for dental implants if they are deemed medically necessary to address a medical condition. It’s important to contact your Medicare provider to find out if your specific case qualifies for coverage.
Can I get dental insurance with no waiting period for implants?
Some dental insurance policies may include no waiting period for coverage of implants. It’s important to research different insurance providers and compare their policies to find dental insurance with no waiting period for implants.
What are my options if my insurance does not cover the cost of dental implants?
If your insurance does not cover the cost of dental implants, you may be able to get coverage through a dental savings plan or discount dental plan. These plans typically offer discounts on dental procedures, including implants, but they may not cover the full cost.