No-Gap Dental

Are there waiting periods for no-gap dental?

Your waiting periods can differ between Health Insurance Providers too. One may have no waiting period — after all, there’s no time like the present to look after your oral health — or you may need to wait a couple of months. The latter might not be such a bad option if you’ve got a busy schedule and need to plan ahead. 

Again, this is when sitting down with the policy document can be a good idea. The waiting period should be listed in there. 

How often can I use my no-gap Dental Cover?

Depending on your policy, you might be able to enjoy a no-gap check-up and clean once or twice a year. Given this is how often most people are advised to visit the dentist, that’s not a bad deal! 

However, before you book your appointment in, it may be worth checking your claim limits. Some insurers may count any no-gap claims against your overall annual limit while others may treat them as outside this limit. 

Still got that policy document handy? You’ve now got two more things to check. The last thing you want is to discover that a bill-free visit is less free than you thought.

Is no-gap dental the best value Dental Cover?

Everyone’s dental needs are different, but most of us can keep bigger oral health problems at bay by visiting the dentist every six months. With their trained eye and a thorough examination, a dentist can spot and treat issues before they become serious and need a more advanced intervention.

So, by making the most of your no-gap Dental Cover, you could reduce your need for more expensive Dental Cover, like major dental.

There’s also plenty of value to be had in simply having any form of Dental Cover. For instance, while dental service costs have been rising, benefits have been keeping pace, if not exceeding the hikes. Your benefits now could be as much as 10% more than they were roughly a decade ago.¹Private Health Care Australia – Senate Select Committee into the Provision and Access of Dental Services in Australia – Submission, p3

Benefits aside, being able to access a private dental clinic could mean the difference between looking after your teeth or leaving them to manage on their own. Across Australia, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for public dental services, as well as often sit on a long waiting list. But with Dental Cover you could get in sooner with a private dentist.

Combine this all with the old adage of ‘prevention is better than cure’ and you might really get a lot out of your no-gap Dental Cover (as long as you’re using it, of course).

Helpful Tip:

No-gap dental usually only covers the basics like examination, clean and scale, and fluoride treatment. However, some health funds go the extra mile by including additional services like basic fillings, if you visit one of their preferred providers.  Have a chat to your insurance fund, or one of iSelect’s Comparison Experts to find out how you can make the most of your dental policy.

Dr. Jill Gamberg

GP, Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach

How do I find a no-gap dentist?

Whether you’re looking to make the most of your existing no-gap policy or want to compare your options, you’ll need to know which dentists you can see. Handily, your insurer is likely to have a list available on their website of who you can see. Often, it’s as easy as entering your postcode, and a map of nearby participating dentists is displayed. 

When you’re booking your appointment, you can also confirm with the dental clinic if they offer a no-gap service.

How do I find and compare Private Health Insurance?

If it’s time to go back to the dentist or simply switch up your Private Health Insurance, iSelect is here to help. Using our online comparison tool, you can compare a range of policies from different providers, including options with Dental Cover. Alternatively, you can call one of our Health comparison experts on 1800 784 772. Whichever option you choose, we’re ready to help you save time and effort for other important things (like remembering to floss).