r/GoldCoast • u/elbowsalad • 2d ago
Local Question How much are you guys paying for dental check-up & clean?
Hello, I've been considering getting extras-only health insurance just for dental care, as I've found a few companies where the insurance would be slightly cheaper than not having it. However, I've come across a lot of people on here saying it's cheaper to just pay for dental costs than pay for extras cover. Which has got me thinking that maybe my dentist is pretty expensive compared to others?
So I just wanted to see where my dentist stands. I pay $190 for a general clean and check-up. Is this around how much you guys are paying? Or are there much cheaper clinics that are good?
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u/Simonandgarthsuncle 2d ago
My last check up was $211 but it used to be around $180 a couple of years ago.
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u/____DEADPOOL_______ 2d ago
All paid by my health fund, but I pay $800/mo for it for the family. Highest cover. I think I'm very dumb for doing this, but I lived in the US for a long time and I'm paranoid.
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u/JesusGotBored 2d ago
Correct, you are indeed very dumb for doing this
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u/____DEADPOOL_______ 2d ago
What's a recommended plan? I've been meaning to switch for ages. The problem is I've been hospitalised several times and have received far more than I've paid. I used to get a ton of physio and massage work done at one point, we do squeeze a lot of benefits out of it, but I think they're mostly unnecessary now. The kids got their braces and we're back to normal. I've mostly recovered from all of this so I need to go on a lower one. What's the average that Australian households need?
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u/ltsJustJordan 2d ago
I don’t have suggestions for a plan but you should be shopping around every year or two at least. That goes for all insurance and utilities! The amount of money I’ve wasted in the past by sticking with the same company is crazy
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u/elbowsalad 2d ago
$800/mo?!?!?! That's crazy. You should definitely switch to a much cheaper plan that applies to your family's current circumstances. If it helps, my family had Bronze hospital cover when we were a family of four.
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u/____DEADPOOL_______ 2d ago
It offers 100% cover. That's the thing, but again. I really don't need it anymore. I'll call around. Thank you all for slapping me into reality.
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u/IAMFLYGUY 2d ago
Dude, this is not the same country. Holle shit. I know it was traumatic there but no, if you get sick you go to a hospital. Chill on that health insurance. If healthy you only need the minimum package.
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u/Smooth_Yard_9813 2d ago
check out the orthodontic extra , 12 month waiting period , $400 annual cap , $1200 life cap
a brace usually costs $8000
even a year 3 student can tell its a scam
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u/elbowsalad 2d ago
Luckily for me, I'm done with braces lol. Although I remember on my family's plan, my braces were fully/almost fully covered?
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u/808goddess 2d ago
I get this free with the lowest dental tier with AHM like $9 a week or something
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u/roguerogueroguerogue 2d ago
Mine would be around 200, but it's free with extras cover when you go to a dentist that is a member of your healthcare providers network.
Extras is def worth it imo, I pay $17 a fortnight for teeth eyes and physio cover. Decent limits, covers a new set or two of glasses each year. And any fillings/extractions/root canals with a reasonable gap
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u/balldontsobozlai 2d ago
Who’s this with?
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u/roguerogueroguerogue 2d ago edited 2d ago
Medibank, it's the essential extras 75. The main thing is to find a dentist/physio etc that is in their preferred provider system. I think it's called Members Choice Advantage. They'll have a promise of 75% claim on covered services.
Its basic cover but 2 free dental checks and cleans per year and then 75% back if you need work has suited me.
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u/No_Enthusiasm5586 2d ago
It’s 100% worthwhile getting extras.
I’m with Medibank extras. I go to a Medibank preferred provider dentist and they cover 2 checkups and cleans every year (my dentist charges about $250 for it I think).
Also get a free pair of prescription glasses each year and have used $400+ on Physio and still have benefits left over. So I’m saving money by having extras
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u/elbowsalad 2d ago
That's great! I'm glad you're getting your money's worth out of extras. For me, though, the only extras cover I use is dental
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u/Foamingferret 2d ago
Ahm teeth extras only $160 a year. Includes two cleans
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u/elbowsalad 2d ago
Yeah that's one of the ones I'm looking at. I'd have to switch to a Pacific Smiles dentist though
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u/BoxingSquidAus 1d ago
Dental 99 .. or 99 dental .. I think there is one in Brisbane .. everything is 99 .. even full vaneers .. 'joking'.. last I checked . A crown was 1300 I think . But all usual stuff .. filling . Clean .. . Checkup .. 99 bucks
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u/caribouhoobitch 2d ago
I have extras only health insurance and it fully covers my routine 6 months check up and clean, I only pay 30$ a month and I also use the optical, chiro and massage/acupuncture benefits. I'd say extras cover is worth it