I've recently been to the dentist for the first time in a while, and have a bit of a list of recommended treatments.
| Qty | Item | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4x | Composite Posterior Restorations (to replace existing amalgam fillings of 20+ years) | ~$1000 total |
| 1x | Occlusal Split (for teeth grinding) | $550 |
| 2x | Surgical Removal of tooth (for two superfluous molars) | $600 total |
I don't consider these prices to be a problem at all, and more than happy to pay that.
What this post is all about is that the dentist suggested if I didn't already have Dental Extras health insurance, that I could get it, and it would likely be financially beneficial because it could cover the cost of the treatments.
I found this pretty hard to believe, and I've looked into it, and my research re-enforces my original belief… I'd seem sure to run afoul of either the waiting period (2 months - 12 months depending on treatment item and insurer), or the per year/treatment caps, which seem to max out at like $750/year per person.
My current insurance is Frank Basic Hospital, just for the Medicare Surcharge exemption.
And it's a single plan, I'm 42 and in VIC (seems relevant on insurance details).
Am I right here, or is there an insurer or magic trick that I'm not aware of that could really be an overall financial benefit here (in regards to Dental… I'm not interested in stacking up extras to get physio or other health visits included).
Your dentist is talking absolute bollocks.
Waiting periods, item limits and annual limits mean this would never happen.