Health insurance for orthodontics and braces

*Prices are based on a single person living in Sydney earning less than $93,000 a year.

Compare health insurance with orthodontics cover

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.

1 - 10 of 24

Updated regularly

Name	Product	Treatments	Price	Apply
Frank Some Extras 50% Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$35.40 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
choosable 60 – teeth / eyes Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$37.28 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
choosable 60 – teeth / wellbeing Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$38.04 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
choosable 60 – teeth / muscle & bone Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$38.30 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
GMHBA Mid Extras Set Benefits Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$46.63 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Frank Some Extras 80% Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$47.61 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
choosable 60 – teeth / eyes / wellbeing Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$48.59 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
choosable 60 – teeth / eyes / muscle & bone Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$48.82 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
choosable 60 – teeth / wellbeing / muscle & bone Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$49.53 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Lifestyle Extras Extras cover		General Dental Major Dental Orthodontic Endodontic Optical Physiotherapy Psychology Remedial massage	$57.41 per month	Go to Site All treatments Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What is orthodontics insurance?

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.

How does orthodontics insurance work?

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.

Benefit amounts

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.

Annual and lifetime limits

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.

Waiting periods

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.

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

How much do braces cost without insurance?

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.

How to maximise your health insurance orthodontics benefits

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)

What limits are applied to orthodontics?

Annual limits

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.

Lifetime limits

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.

Are braces covered by Medicare?

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.

How to find the best health insurance for orthodontics

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:

• Compare online. Don't just go with a brand you recognise, or the one your best friend recommends. Compare online to find out which policy is right for you - you could save hundreds of dollars just by researching for a few minutes.
• Look at annual limits. This is the most you'll ever be able to claim in a year for orthodontics. The higher the limit, the more you can claim. However, you'll also pay a higher premium.
• Check lifetime limits. Insurers also apply lifetime limits to orthodontics. If you know you're going to have a lot of work done, be sure to check the lifetime limit as it's the most you'll ever be able to claim - no matter how long you hold a policy.
• Percentage back. Just because you have an annual limit of $500, doesn't mean you'll be able to claim $500 back. That's because you can only claim back a percentage of your bill. Keep an eye out for higher percentages as it means you have to pay less on every bill.
• Price. We all know price is important. Don't just go for the cheapest policy without comparing your options, as you might be able to find a better deal elsewhere. On the flipside, don't push yourself beyond your budget.
• Other benefits. Extras policies come with heaps of benefits on top of orthodontics. You can get money off massages, physio appointments and even gym memberships. Take a look at what else is on offer to really make the policy work for you.

• See full table of health funds with orthodontics cover

  Health fund	Which policies include cover for orthodontics and what are the benefit limits*?	Find out more
  AHM	Super Extras. Annual limit of $900 with a lifetime limit of $2,900. Family Extras. Annual limit of $700 with a lifetime limit of $2,200. Lifestyle Extras. Annual limit of $600 with a lifetime limit of $1,800.	Get quote
  Australian Unity	Active Extras. $400 limit in the first year. Prime Extras. $700 limit in the first year.	More info
  Bupa	Wellness Extras. Annual limit of $600 with a lifetime limit of $1,200. Super Extras Active. Annual limit of $600 with a lifetime limit of $1,200. Top Extras. Annual limit of $800 with a lifetime limit of $1,600. Top Extras Boost. Annual limit of $1,000 with a lifetime limit of $2,000.	Get quote
  GMHBA	Top Extras 75% & Top Extras Set Benefits Annual limit starts at $700 and caps at $2,000. Lifetime limit is $3,200. Mid Extras 65% & Mid Extras Set Benefits Annual limit starts at $400 and caps at $1,500. Lifetime limit is $2,400..	Get quote
  Frank Health Insurance	Some Extras. Annual limit of $300 with a lifetime limit of $1,050. More Extras. Annual limit and a lifetime limit of $1,800. Lots Extras. Annual limit of $700 with a lifetime limit of $2,900.	Get quote
  HBF	Top 70. Annual limit of $800 with a lifetime limit of $2400. Complete 60. Annual limit of $600 with a lifetime limit of $1800.	Get quote
  HCF	HCF TOP EXTRAS. Annual limit of $800 with a lifetime limit of $2400. HCF VITAL EXTRAS. Annual limit of $700 with a lifetime limit of $2100.	Get quote
  Healthcare	Premier Extras. Annual limit of $900 with a lifetime limit of $2,700. Healthy Extras. Annual limit of $600 with a lifetime limit of $1800.	More info
  Health Partners	Better Extras. Annual limit starts at $800 and caps at $1500 after 4 years. Maximum yearly amount, less previous amounts claimed. Lifetime limit is $1500. Best Extras. Annual limit starts at $900 and caps at $2800 after 4 years. Maximum yearly amount, less previous amounts claimed. Lifetime limit is $2800.	Get quote
  HIF	The orthodontic benefit limit in HIF policies is a lifetime limit that forms part of the overall annual limit. The limit also increases annually and caps after 5 years. Essential Extras. Annual limit starts at $1,250 (shared with dental) and caps at $1,250. Advanced Extras. Annual limit starts at $800 and caps at $2,000. Top Extras. Annual limit starts at $1,000 and caps at $2,500.	More info
  Hunter	Healthy Extras. Annual limit starts at $100 and caps at $1,200. Hunter Extras. Annual limit starts at $400 and caps at $2,400. Premium Extras. Annual limit starts at $600 and caps at $2,500.	More info
  Latrobe	Core Complete Extras. Lifetime limit of $900 after 2 years which increases each following year until it caps at $1,800 after 6 years. Premier Family Extras. Annual limit of $750 with a lifetime limit of $2,400. Premier Singles and Couples. Annual limit of $750 with a lifetime limit of $2,400.	More info
  Medibank	Top Extras. Annual limit of $400 with a lifetime limit up to $1,200. Growing Family Extras. Annual limit of $100 with a lifetime limit up to $1,200.	More info
  Mildura Health Fund	Dental Only. Annual limit of $600 with a lifetime limit of $1,500. Five Star Extras. Annual limit of $800 with a lifetime limit of $2,400.	More info
  onemedifund	Comprehensive Extras. Lifetime limit of $2100.	More info
  nib	Advantage Extras. The annual limit starts at $700 and increases by $100 per person per calendar year to $2100 lifetime limit.	More info
  Peoplecare	Premium Extras. Annual limit of $1,000 with a lifetime limit of $3,000. High Extras. Annual limit of $800 with a lifetime limit of $2,400.	More info
  Queensland Country Health Fund	Ultra Extras. Annual limit of $1,000 which increases each year until it caps at $3,000 after three years of holding cover. Lifetime limit is $3,000. Essential Extras. Annual limit of $500 which increases each year until it caps at $1,500 after three years of holding cover. Lifetime limit is $1,500.	More info
  stlukeshealth	Super Extras. Annual sub-limit of $1,000 which is deducted from an overall dental benefit limit of $1,500. Overall lifetime limit is $2,800.	More info
  Transport Health	Deluxe Extras. Annual limit of $500 which increases to a maximum of $1,000 after five years. Lifetime limit is $2,500.	More info
  Westfund health insurance	Mid Extras. Limit builds up to $500 per member per policy year, to use on orthodontics with a maximum accrued lifetime benefit of $2,500. High Extras. Limit builds up to $500 per member per policy year, to use on orthodontics with a maximum accrued lifetime benefit of $2,500. Ultimate Extras. Limit builds up to $650 per member per policy year, to use on orthodontics with a maximum accrued lifetime benefit of $3,250.	More info
  CBHS Health Fund Restricted fund**	Top Extras. Lifetime limit of $2,800. Intermediate Extras. Annual limit of $700 with a lifetime limit of $1400.	More info
  Defence Health Restricted fund**	Premier Extras. Annual limit of $1,000 with no lifetime limit. Value Extras. Annual limit of $800 with no lifetime limit.	More info
  Navy Health Restricted fund**	Premium Extras. Annual limit of $2,500. Healthy Living Extras. Annual limit of $2,000.	More info
  Doctors Health Fund Restricted fund**	Total Extras. Annual limit of $600 with a lifetime limit of $3,000. Essential Extras. Annual sub-limit of $320 which is deducted from an overall dental benefit limit of $1,600. Lifetime limit is $1,600.	More info
  Police Health Restricted fund**	Rolling Extras. Annual limit of $1500 with lifetime limit of $3,000.	More info
  rt health Restricted fund**	Top Extras. Annual limit of $1,000 with a lifetime limit of $3,000.	More info
  rbhs Restricted fund**	Premium Extras. Annual limit of $890 which increases every year until it caps at the lifetime limit of $4,450 after 5 years.	More info
  TUH Restricted fund**	Comprehensive Extras. Annual limit of $1,000 with a lifetime limit of $2,800. Healthy Options Extras. Annual limit of $700 with a lifetime limit of $2,100. Mid Range Extras. Annual limit of $550 with a lifetime limit of $1,650. Family Extras. Annual limit of $850 with a lifetime limit of $2550. Everyday Extras. Annual limit of $700 with a lifetime limit of $2100.00	More info

  _{This table was last updated May 2024.
  *Unless otherwise stated, all benefit limits are per person.
  **Restricted funds only provide cover to members of specific industries, groups and organisations. In some cases family members may also be eligible to join.}

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Frequently asked questions

• Does health insurance cover braces?

  Some health insurance policies include cover for braces, but not all of them. If you're looking for help with braces, you need to look for an extras health insurance policy which includes orthodontics cover. With orthodontics cover, you'll be able to claim back some of the costs related to braces. However, it's unlikely the full cost of your braces will be covered. Health funds will either pay a percentage of your bill or a set amount up to certain limits, which are generally lower than the total cost. Orthodontics generally hs a 12-month waiting period before you can claim.

• What’s the best health insurance for orthodontics?

  Major dental policies typically cover orthodontics. GMHBA Mid Extras is our expert's pick for major dental because it is was the cheapest eligible policy in the market that covers major dental treatments. Keep in mind that if your main concern is how much of the costs it will cover, there are more comprehensive but expensive plans.

• Can I get health insurance that covers orthodontics with no waiting period?

  No. Unfortunately major dental, which includes orthodontics and braces, always has a 12-month waiting period. You can skip waiting periods on general dental though. This can include x-rays, examinations, tooth extractions and minor restorative services such as fillings.

• How much do braces cost in Australia?

  Braces are expensive, and can cost between $4,500 and $15,000 for a 12- to 24-month treatment. Medicare will not cover the cost, so you'll need to pay out of pocket or take out health insurance for braces and orthodontics.

• What does orthodontic health insurance cover?

  Orthodontics is usually defined as specialist dentistry treatment which aligns teeth and jaws. Treatments include braces, plates and retainers. You may need orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth, a bad bite, gaps between your teeth, teeth that stick out, or even if you have issues speaking, breathing or chewing. In addition to more traditional braces, Invisalign should also be covered by health insurance with orthodontic benefits. Just be aware, Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional methods for similar treatments, so you could be left with greater out-of-pocket expenses.

• Why are waiting periods applied to orthodontics?

  All orthodontic health insurance policies have a 12-month waiting period. Waiting periods are applied to orthodontics because orthodontics treatments can be a major expense. If there was no waiting period, there is a risk people would sign up to a health fund just to make a claim worth several hundred dollars and then leave after a week. If that happened, health funds would quickly start losing money and would have to put the price of their policies up for everybody else, making them unaffordable.

Finder survey: Which extras services have Australians made a claim for?

Written by

Nicola Middlemiss

Senior writer

Nicola Middlemiss is a contributing writer at Finder, with a special interest in personal finance and insurance. Formerly a business and finance journalist, Nicola has written thousands of articles helping Australians better understand insurance and grow their personal wealth. She has contributed to a wide range of publications, including Domain, the Educator, Financy, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Insurance Business, MoneyMag, Mortgage Professional, Yahoo Finance, Your Investment Property, and Wealth Professional. Nicola has a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds. See full bio

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Nicola has written 237 Finder guides across topics including:

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Co-written by

Tim Bennett

Insurance Expert

Tim Bennett is a Finder insurance & utilities expert. For over 10 years he's reported on news, politics, finance and other topics as a journalist and radio presenter. Tim's roles have included radio news reader and breakfast at the ABC, news producer for SBS and producer for Fairfax Media. Tim regularly appears as a health insurance expert on programs like Sunrise and SBS news, as well as in the Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and more. See full bio

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Tim has written 115 Finder guides across topics including:

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