Why compare with us
-
You'll pay the same price as going direct - we don't charge fees
-
We don't ask for your phone number to see prices
Each month we analyse over 10,000 extras insurance products and rate each one on price and features. What we end up with is a nice round number out of 10 that helps you compare extras cover a bit faster.
We want to compare apples to apples, not apples to apple pie. It doesn't make sense to compare a top extras policy with coverage for hearing aids and braces against a policy designed only for dental. So we've separated all the extras policies on the market into pools and categories. Once in their pools and categories, each product gets a price score and a features score, which are then combined to give the Final Score.
Read the full Finder Score methodology
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. Be aware, not all extras policies that cover dental will cover orthodontics. You need to look for the actual word 'orthodontics' when checking the policy inclusions.
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.
"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."
Braces can cost anywhere from $6,000 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 costs you could be up for. This should be used as guide only as your own quote would differ based on your personal needs.
Type | Cost estimate |
---|---|
Metal braces (traditional braces) | $6,000 – $9,000 |
Ceramic braces | $6,500 – $9,500 |
Lingual braces | $9,500 – $15,000 |
Clear aligners | $6,500 – $9,500 |
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.
Find out how much veneers cost in Australia and how you can avoid being hit with a big bill.
Find out how much dentures cost in Australia and how you can get cover with mid-level health insurance.
Did you know many Australian health funds can provide you with discounts on preventative oral treatments through no gap dental programs?
Your guide to dental implants, including implant types, cost and insurance cover.
How much does root canal therapy cost and what can you expect from the procedure? Find out here.
Need to have your wisdom teeth removed? Find out how much it will cost in this handy guide.
Most general dental treatments are not covered by Medicare unless you are an eligible patient, usually with a concession card.
finder.com.au outlines how the private and public health system in Australia handles major and complex dental procedures.
We’ve got all the info on what endodontics services are, how Australian health insurance providers handle them and what policies will cover you.