Dental Care

[OJT 0]

We are moving to Melbourne on a 457 visa in July. 

I have done extensive research on every aspect, however the one thing I cannot understand is how Dental Care is paid for? I have been looking at the various insurance providers and the extras they offer, however no one seems to offer anything like enough cover to actually pay for things like braces? (I read braces are about $6K, the most cover I can find is $1.2K Per Annum)?

How is this handled?

Also how does the LHC work? I was hoping to make do with Medicare but it seems we may have to get hospital cover anyway?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Skani 2,910]

 

2 hours ago, OJT said:

however no one seems to offer anything like enough cover to actually pay for things like braces? (I read braces are about $6K, the most cover I can find is $1.2K Per Annum)?

How is this handled?

 

You have to pay the balance not paid by the fund.

This is a useful tool covering all private health insurers (unlike some other comparison sites which are selective.: It's  worth checking to ensure that you have found the best one for dental cover.

https://www.canstar.com.au/health-insurance/

Information on LHC is here:

http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/incentivessurcharges/lifetimehealthcover.htm

 

[rosiew 10]

Most people consider that it is not worth having insurance for braces.   The cover is minimal (as you have seen) abd the waiting period to claim is at least a year.  Given you are coming on a temp visa you may not have 12 months to waste!

If you are going to rely on Medicare just be very clear about any limitations on that because of your visa status.

Your orthodontist will offer a payment plan for the cost of braces - you are likely to pay monthly.   Also factor in the almost inevitable removal of wisdom teeth when the braces come off - it is not covered by Medicare unless it is medically required.  usually it is cosmetic as the aim is to avoid the growing wisdom teeth making the teeth crooked again