Your dental benefits and health funds will likely expire at the end of the year. They won’t roll over! Because of this, your Oatley dentist encourages you to schedule your next dental visit as soon as possible to avoid losing the funds you’re entitled to.
About Private Insurance and Health Funds
Most private dental insurance plans and health funds work with the calendar year. In other words, they start on the first day of January and expire on the last day of December. This “use it or lose it” reality prompts many patients to take advantage of their entitled benefits throughout the calendar year.
However, life and general obligations sometimes get in the way. We skip checks and cleans or ignore a sensitive tooth, hoping it will sort itself out.
We understand these things, so we’re posting this gentle reminder.
Our team also urges you to check your dental insurance or fund reset dates to ensure there is still time to use your entitled benefits. Knowing these key dates helps you maximise coverage.
For example, the funds below and plenty of others typically expire at year’s end:
- Medibank
- Bupa
- HCF
Other funds tend to expire on the first day of July, including but not limited to:
- AHM
- Defence Health
- Navy Health.
Still others may expire on the yearly coverage anniversary:
- Queensland County Health Fund
- Hunter Health Fund
Remember, policies vary, and coverage dates may change, so please recheck your policy!
Other Health Fund and Dental Benefit Considerations
Some dental treatments require more than one dental visit. So, you can start treatment at the end of this year and continue with your new coverage benefits next calendar year—an excellent way to maximise your entitlement.
Additionally, the holidays are a time of indulgence—sweets and acidic beverages are everywhere. By booking your next check and teeth clean in Oatley now, you can ensure your smile is healthy this holiday season.
Consider an orthodontic consultation if it is covered in your health fund or private insurance plan. You can consult with the dentist this year, exhausting your benefits, but start treatment after the first of January when coverage starts fresh.
If you have a sensitive tooth, it can signal an emerging root infection, which can be painful without treatment. Book with your dentist today before a severe toothache sets in and you have a dental emergency.
End-of-Year Scheduling Advice
Dental claims in Australia reached over $900 million at the close of the June quarter, making the latter part of the year the busiest time for dentists and patients. Because of the heavy bookings associated with this time of year, we encourage you to call as soon as possible to ensure you get the dental care your health fund or private insurance entitles you to.
Your Oatley Dentist Encourages Your Call
A dental team member can help you navigate the language of your policy or health fund to ensure remaining coverage. To get started or if you have any questions, we welcome your call on (02) 9570 6999.
We’re pleased to serve patients of all ages and welcome people from all locales.