Is it possible to get dental work done and pay nothing for it? It is if you have a extras policy offering no gap dental.
More and more health funds have heard your pleas and are offering extras policies with "no gap dental", a special dental benefit where you can visit any participating dentist and pay zero out-of-pocket for checkups, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments and sometimes even mouthguards.
But first you'll need to find a fund that offers this fantastic benefit. Lucky for you, we've already done all the work.
Which health funds have a no gap dental scheme?
| Health fund | What services are covered? |
|---|---|
 |
If you visit a Teachers Health Fund Health Centre in NSW or VIC you can receive no gap cover for a range of preventative dental services including cleaning, polishing, x-rays and fluoride treatment. |
 |
Eligible CBHS members are completely covered for selected preventative dental services including check-ups, scales, cleans and fluoride treatments at any CBHS Dental Choice Network Provider. |
| Australian Unity | Australian Unity No Gap Dental services offer eligible members preventative dental treatments at no out-of-pocket cost up to a set yearly limit from providers chosen by Australian Unity. |
 | HCF’s More for Teeth program provides a range of diagnostic and preventative dental services for the whole family. Over 7,000 dental providers across Australia participate in this program. |
 | nib extras cover provides eligible members with 100% of any cost back for dental check-ups at nib Dental Care Centres. Each check-up includes an examination, scale, clean and fluoride treatment. |
 | Transport Health members are eligible for 'No Gap' Dental if treated at Primary Dental Centres. This includes check-ups, scales, cleans and fluoride treatments. Limits for each service apply. |
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How does no gap dental work?
A gap is that annoying charge that you have to pay to your dentist after the insurer has already paid their share. With a no gap dental policy you'll have access to a network of dentists who've agreed to let you walk out without paying a cent. Your insurer will pay for all basic dental services you received as long as those services are listed in your policy.
What types of services are included in no gap dental?
Insurers want you to have healthy teeth so that they don't have to shell out for more expensive treatments later. No gap dental helps accomplish this by helping you out with the preventative side of things.
Here are the preventative services commonly offered:
- Initial check-ups
- Scale and clean
- X-rays
- Basic fillings
- Topical fluoride treatment
- Preventative examinations
- Custom mouth guards for contact sports
What types of services are included in no gap dental?
No two no gap policies are the same, so you'll want to keep the following in mind
Does it cover the services you need? Not every insurer will pay for all the same services. For example, some will cover mouth guards and others won't. Make sure it has the benefits you need.
Is there a participating dentist near you? To take advantage of your no gap policy, you need to visit a dentist who already has an arrangement with your insurer. A no gap policy won't do you any good if the nearest participating dentist is 20km away.
Is the benefit limit high enough? Your no gap dental cover will come with a benefit limit. The insurer will continue to pay the dentist for your covered treatments until you hit this limit, and you’re responsible for everything after that. So make sure your limits are high enough to cover what you’ll need throughout the year.
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