Extras Insurance - Worth It Just for Dental Checkups? eg This ahm Option

SBOB on 14/08/2024 - 19:51
Last edited 14/08/2024 - 19:51

As someone whose dental visits could be considered 'infrequent' (cost, effort, etc) I'm wondering if I'm overlooking something

With a deal like the one below, it seems like a cheap way for a family to get some regular dental clean/check ups for less than what it would cost paying out of pocket directly.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/853764

AHM ~$416/yr for family cover when I do a quote ($100 cashback if plan open end of sept)
Plenty of 'Pacific Smiles' dental places near us.
If i took a family of 4 to the dentist once for checkups it would cost me well over $316 (not in major metro, so places like fixed price dental dont seem to be prevalent around here)

Am I overlooking something, or is this a cheap way to get some basic dental visits for a more ozbargain worth price?

Health & Beauty Health Insurance Insurance

Comments

  • Benoffie on 14/08/2024 - 20:30

    Whats the gap? No way thats 100% coverage gor $400pa for a family. Theyd go broke

    • jv on 14/08/2024 - 20:36

      Ours is 100%, but we pay around $400 per month.

    • SBOB on 14/08/2024 - 20:37

      no gap dental at pacific smiles, up to coverage limit (which looks to be $1000 for a family plan)
      https://ahm.com.au/health-insurance/no-gap/dental

    • supersabroso on 14/08/2024 - 23:33

      It is 100% coverage but you're limited to a certain amount of money per year which won't be enough for 4 people, you're also limited to a certain amount per person. If you don't use it up, you can roll and boost next year's limit by up to an extra 50%. I've only used $720 in the last 4 years but I've paid $400/year, that's how they make money and don't go broke.

  • sam-1966 on 14/08/2024 - 21:10

    It also depends on the ages of children you may have - the government gives a couple of check-ups per year, can't remember how old the limit is.

    • SBOB on 14/08/2024 - 21:36

      Well outside the income level where any kid free dental would apply

      • Ozbar Gain on 14/08/2024 - 21:49
        +1

        My condolences

  • theHMASfriendship on 14/08/2024 - 21:35

    Lisa needs braces

    • zanzir on 14/08/2024 - 23:47

      dental plan

  • poboy on 14/08/2024 - 21:48

    In my view, providers linked to preferred insurer networks receive less pay per procedure, as they must fix their costs. This leads them to over service to make up the difference.

    I'm sure this isn't always true, but it's my view.

  • Tech5 on 14/08/2024 - 22:33

    Seems alright.

    Keep in mind though, some corporate linked practices are great and have long term, respected dentists. Others are revolving doors of dentists that spend 10 minutes on a check-up and another 15 minutes on a clean. I'm not saying private practices are always better, but the downwards cost pressure will be felt by the staff and practice management.

    It is also not clear cut. You can't say all BUPA clinics are good, or all are bad. It would be case by case.

    P.S.- You are unlikely to come out of the exam gap free. Most dentist will want bitewing radiographs at the very least, if you have not had them in the last 1-2 years and have them available for the exam. Otherwise, it is like doing something with one eye closed. Yes you can do it, but you won't be thorough and you won't be doing it safely.

  • DingoBilly on 15/08/2024 - 05:53

    You are 100% correct. I'm on the AHM plan and it's easy net gain for me. $200 a year for 2 free Dental check ups and some physio as well. Dental appointments alone are worth it, if I also use physio I'm laughing.

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