*Prices are based on a single person living in Sydney earning less than $93,000 a year.
This table lists some extras policies from Finder partners that cover orthodontics and braces. All have a 12-month waiting period before you can claim. All prices are based on a single individual with less than $93,000 income and living in Sydney.
If you have kids, take note of any waiting periods for orthodontic cover. My kids are enterting their teens so I made sure to make orthodontic cover part of my BUPA extras. With a 12-month waiting period, changing it well in advance will ensure you have it ready to go when the time comes.— Mark Neilsen, utilities writer and father of 2
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Orthodontics insurance helps towards the cost of orthodontics treatments, such as braces, aligners and retainers. Cover for orthodontics is found in some extras health insurance policies. This is the type of health insurance you should be looking for if you want cover for orthodontics, as well as for services like optical and physiotherapy.
Just be aware, not every health insurance policy with dental covers orthodontics. Always pay close attention to the benefits and features included, and use Finder to compare policies side by side.
Orthodontics is covered by extras health insurance. You pay a regular fee, known as a premium, and in exchange you can claim some money back whenever you spend cash on certain healthcare treatments.
You won't get 100% of the cost of your orthodontics treatments back. Health insurance will cover a percentage of the cost or a set amount, which will almost always be less than the total cost. The amount varies between funds, policies and treatments, but it will be listed in your product disclosure statement (PDS). For example, your fund might pay 80% of your bill up to a maximum of $800, or they might offer an flat $800 benefit.
There are also annual limits and lifetime limits to be aware of when taking out health insurance for orthodontics. Annual limits are the amount you can claim back for orthodontics treatments in a year. Usually this is several hundred dollars, but it may increase the longer you hold your policy. Lifetime limits are how much you'll ever be able to claim for orthodontics treatments. Almost all funds have a lifetime limit on orthodontics that apply across funds. That means you won't be able to switch funds and access more orthodontics treatment, unless you buy a more comprehensive policy.
Every extras policy applies a 12-month waiting period before you can make a claim for orthodontics or braces. This prevents people from taking out health insurance, making a big claim, then cancelling right away. That said, some extras policies have no waiting period on general dental if you need basic dental care soon.
Braces can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $15,000+ for a 12-24 month treatment, including the cost of regular consultations. The cost of braces varies significantly based on the type of treatment required, the time it takes to correct your teeth and the clinic or specialist you use. This table summarises a few of the quotes we were able to find online.
| Type of Braces | Cost estimate |
|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Ceramic braces | $5,000 – $9,500 |
| Lingual braces | $7,500 – $15,000 |
| Clear aligners | $4,500 – $9,500 |
With health insurance that covers orthodontics, you may be able to make a big dent in the cost of braces. As the treatment is spread over an extended period, you'll be able to claim your annual limit multiple times, once per year. For most health funds, benefit limits renew in January or July (check your PDS to be sure). Time it right and you may be able to max out 3 separate annual limits (up to your lifetime limit)
With extras insurance, each specific benefit has an annual limit. That means you won't be able to claim more than a certain amount every year. If your annual limit for orthodontics is $800, that's the most you'll be able to claim until your benefit limit resets. Limits usually reset in January, but some funds reset in June. Sometimes, your annual benefit may increase every year, for a certain number of years. For example, you may have $500 annual benefit which increases to $700 the following year and $900 the year after that. This isn't always the case, but it's something to keep an eye out for.
Most funds apply lifetime limits to orthodontics. That means, no matter how long you hold your policy for, you'll never be able to claim over a certain amount on orthodontics treatments. Importantly, this lifetime limit applies across funds. That means you won't be able to switch funds and access more orthodontic benefits. The only way to access more money back would be to take out a more comprehensive policy and increase your limit amount.
Braces and orthodontics are not generally covered by Medicare - most dental treatment isn't covered by Medicare. While the Child Dental Benefits schedule does offer some dental coverage for kids, orthodontics and braces are specifically not eligible.
The best health insurance for orthodontics may be different depending on how much treatment you need done, what your budget is, and any other benefits you're likely to claim.
Follow these steps and they should help you find the best policy for you:
| Response | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodontic | 4.6% | 3.33% |
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