Have you noticed a year go by and realised your unused dental extras cover didn’t roll over? If you’re paying for dental insurance, it makes sense to get value out of it.

Our Gold Coast dentists often see patients now who never let their private health fund dental cover go to waste. Read on to see how you too can maximise those dental benefits before they expire.

1. Understand Your Annual Limits

Most health funds offer an annual limit for dental services. Once the calendar year ends (often December 31), any unused benefits typically don’t carry over.

If you haven’t used your check-up, clean, or scale and polish for the year — book in to get value from your plan and give your smile the kind of care it deserves.

2. Know What’s Covered

Basic dental is usually included in most extras policies. This includes check-ups, fillings, and x-rays. But some funds also cover:

  • Professional cleaning and fluoride
  • Custom mouthguard
  • Teeth whitening (some policies)
  • Crowns, bridges and major work (on higher plans)

Check with your provider or ask us — we’re happy to help decode the fine print.

3. Use Your Preventative Dental Cover First

Regular preventative care saves you money long term. If your insurance cover is on order, you can get your clean, check-up and x-rays done twice a year, thereby catching issues before they lead to more expensive dental care issues.

And yes, health funds often cover 100% of these visits!

4. Combine Dental Treatments Before Year-End

If you need two fillings or a crown, we can help you plan the timing around your benefit limit. For example, one part this year and the rest next year, so you don’t max out in one hit.

5. Ask About Instant Claims with HICAPS

At Trusted Dental, we process most claims on the spot with HICAPS. You’ll pay only the gap (if any), which makes the process quicker and easier.

6. Check for Preferred Provider Status

We’re a preferred provider for several major health funds — this means your gap payment could be lower with us than at another dental clinic.

7. Take Advantage of Kids’ Dental Benefits

Eligible families may be covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which includes up to $1,095 over 2 years for essential services. If your kids qualify, use it for your children’s dental care before it expires!

Need Help? We’ll Guide You

Our friendly reception team can help you with the fine print in your dental insurance plan. If you’re unsure what’s included, bring your card in or call us. We’ll explain what’s covered and what isn’t, and help you plan dental treatment inline with your benefits.

If you’re in need of dental treatment but you simply don’t have resources at the ready, you might find a financial solution on our page on paying later through a payment plan.

Don’t Let Your Dental Insurance Cover Go to Waste

If you’re paying for dental extras, you should definitely use them before the year ends or the benefits expire.

Book an appointment to see our Ashmore dentist today and make every dollar of your health cover count.