Teeth whitening has quickly become a sought-after cosmetic procedure, with many Australians eager to enhance their smiles. However, as the need for this treatment increases, so do the questions of how to lower their cost. Before you decide to whiten your teeth, let PureSmile clear up any confusion about the connection between private health insurance & teeth whitening.

The Basics of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to remove dental stains and lighten the colour of your teeth. It can be performed in various ways, from professional in-chair treatments at a dental clinic to at-home kits that offer convenience.

Professional teeth whitening treatments, like those provided by PureSmile, use advanced techniques and high-quality products to deliver instantly noticeable results in a safe environment. However, these procedures can be expensive, causing many to wonder if their private health insurance might help cover the costs.

Private Health Insurance & Teeth Whitening: What’s Covered?

Here’s the pressing question: Is teeth whitening covered by private health insurance? 

In Australia, private health insurance typically includes two main types of coverage: hospital cover and extras cover. Learning the difference between these two is vital when considering whether your teeth whitening treatment might be eligible for a claim.

Hospital Cover vs. Extras Cover

• Hospital Cover: This type of insurance is designed to cover the cost of treatments that require hospital admission, such as surgeries or other significant medical procedures. Since teeth whitening is a dental cosmetic procedure and does not require hospital admission, it is generally not covered under hospital cover.
• Extras Cover: Also known as ancillary cover, extras cover intends to help people afford services not typically covered by Medicare, such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy treatments. 

The Fine Print: Does Extras Cover Include Teeth Whitening?

So, what insurance covers teeth whitening? The inclusion of teeth whitening under extras cover varies greatly between health funds and specific policies. Typically, basic extras cover may not include any cosmetic dental treatment, focusing instead on general dental care like cleanings, fillings & check-ups. 

However, more comprehensive extras policies might offer some level of coverage for cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening. It’s important to carefully review your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to determine if teeth whitening is covered and what conditions apply.

Some policies might provide a fixed benefit amount for cosmetic dental treatments, but these are often capped annually and may cover only a fraction of the total cost. So, can you claim teeth whitening on private health insurance? Know that the treatment must be performed by a registered dental professional for the claim to be valid.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Extras Cover

Here are some key factors to keep in mind if you’re considering upgrading your extras cover to include teeth whitening: 

1. Policy Inclusions and Exclusions: Ensure you understand exactly what is covered under the dental component of your extras policy.
2. Annual Limits: Extras policies usually have annual benefit limits for dental services, including cosmetic treatments. These limits can vary widely, so check how much coverage is specifically provided for teeth whitening.
3. Waiting Periods: Most extras policies come with a waiting period before you can claim certain benefits. For cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, this period can range from two to twelve months, depending on the insurer and the policy.
4. Preferred Providers: Some health funds have agreements with specific dental clinics, offering higher benefits if you choose to have your treatment done at one of these preferred providers. 
5. Cost vs. Benefit: Consider whether the potential savings on teeth whitening justify the cost of upgrading your extras cover. In some cases, the out-of-pocket cost of the treatment might be more economical than paying for higher-tier insurance coverage.

Alternatives for Health Insurance Teeth Whitening

Can teeth whitening be covered by your private health insurance? If you discover that your current policy doesn’t include teeth whitening, or if the coverage is minimal, don’t worry—there are alternative ways to manage the cost of the treatment:

• Payment Plans: Many dental clinics, including PureSmile, offer payment plans that enable you to spread the cost of teeth whitening over a few months. This can make the treatment more accessible without needing to rely on insurance.
• Special Deals and Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions or discounts offered by dental clinics. These deals can significantly lower the cost of teeth whitening treatments, making them more affordable.
• At-Home Whitening Kits: If professional in-chair whitening isn’t within your budget, consider PureSmile’s professional-grade at-home whitening kits. These kits are often easier on the pocket and can still provide excellent results with proper use.

Get Your Perfect Smile at PureSmile

At PureSmile, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural beauty with our in-chair whitening treatments or prefer a convenient at-home solution, we’re here to help you find the best option to suit your needs and budget. For those without adequate coverage, alternative payment options and discounts can help make achieving a brighter smile more affordable.

Contact us today for more information about our teeth whitening services and to schedule a consultation with our professional dentist.