Extra Cover for Dental Crowning

BeanCounter on 25/06/2021 - 20:03

Hi all,
I currently have Medibank First Choice Extra cover which costs me around $30 per month and gives be two free dental clean/check up and their preferred providers and $200-$250 on glass p.a.

I haven't had to get any additional dental work done other than the general check up in the last few years.

My dentist told me during my last check up that it is likely I'll need a crowning done in the next 6-12 months for an old large filling.

I checked on Medibank out of pocket estimator - it would always crowning is not cover under my current cover. I've been generally happy with my level of cover due to low cost.

But I was wondering whether it's worth signing up to a second extra cover for 6-12 months (for the purpose of waiting period) which cover crowning. Does it make financial sense to do it? Can any recommend any extra cover for the purpose of crowning?

Thanks in advance!

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • thriftysach on 25/06/2021 - 20:16

    How much do dental crowns cost?

    • AndyC1 on 25/06/2021 - 20:23
      +1

      $1 to $2k depending on where and what you want it made out of. But it can be allot higher.

    • BeanCounter on 25/06/2021 - 20:24

      My guess for my crowning will be around 1-2k plus. Probably more 2k as I'm in regional area and I don't think price is as competitive as captial cities.

  • Benoffie on 25/06/2021 - 20:27
    +2

    You'll need to of course weigh up how much in monthly premiums you'll pay while you are waiting for the waiting period to expire, then how much of the cost the extras would cover. Unless its really top table extras, you'll usually find its better to pay cash for the dental work.

  • shadow131 on 25/06/2021 - 20:29
    +1

    Depends on the quote he gave.

    Waiting period cost + any remaining out of pocket vs quoted cost of the crown. Also worth telling your dentist that you dont have a policy and likely will be out of pocket… and see what they can so. My dentist was able to give me a discount because at the end of the day, a denist and customer is an on going relationship - Sometime for the duration of their career if they are good.

  • shadow131 on 25/06/2021 - 20:32

    Also i can see your in QLD.

    I dont know youre situation but if you fall into any of the below catergories

    https://www.health.qld.gov.au/oralhealth/services/adult

    Adults in Queensland can access free publicly funded dental care if they meet the following eligibility criteria:

    are a Queensland resident and be eligible for Medicare; and
    receiving benefits from one of the following concession cards:
    Pension Concession Card Issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
    Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink;
    Health Care Card;
    Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; or,
    Queensland seniors card.
    This eligibility is extended to dependents named on an eligible adult’s concession card.

    • BeanCounter on 25/06/2021 - 20:39

      Thanks! I don't fall other those categories.

  • mskeggs on 25/06/2021 - 21:43

    Not trying to be difficult, but how would health funds stay in business if there was cover for expensive dental procedures available to customers who contributed less in premiums?

    The only “value” to be had from extras cover is if you have a big family and/or you have a large number of health issues where you are happy with the treatment covered by the insurance.
    With 4 kids we don’t make money on extras with dental for all, some braces, some optical and occasional physio etc.

    Every time this comes up there are posts from people who claim they get amazing value from extras cover, but they never seem to be able to give details on their policies or claims. I think they don’t keep close track of their expenses and have a year every now and again when they get rebates on inflated prices from optical stores or something so they think it is a good deal.

  • Tech5 on 25/06/2021 - 23:28
    +2

    From a dentist: Upgrading your cover to provide rebates for major dental (Crowns, root canals, implants, dentures etc.) is rarely, if ever, worth it.

    If you had a lot of general dental such as fillings, extractions to do, that would make more sense.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join