As the year changes, it’s important to keep in mind that you will lose your dental benefits for the current year if you don’t use them. Your dental insurance provides you with a certain dollar amount of insurance every year. On the other hand, if you don’t utilise your maximum coverage benefit, you will only lose those benefits. Unused benefits don’t roll over into the next year.
The yearly maximum typically renews each year on a calendar year basis, typically on January 1st. The benefits do not carry over to the next year and must be used by December 31st.
Therefore, if you happen to have unused benefits left this year, they will be forfeited at the first month of the next year.
My Local Dentists West Ryde offers a no gap promotion for new patients that includes general check-up, scale and clean, X-rays and fluoride treatment (with any health insurance).
Here are some good reasons to use your dental insurance before the year ends:
1. Yearly Maximum
The yearly maximum is the most money a dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by the insurance company, but the average is $800 per year, per person.
The yearly maximum usually renews every year (every January 1st if your plan is based on a calendar year). If you have unused dental benefits, they do not roll over to the next year.
2. Premiums
If you are paying premium dental insurance every month, you should be using your benefits. Even if you don’t need any treatment, you should always have your regular dental scale and clean to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or other dental issues.
3. Fee Increases
Another reason to use your benefits before the year ends is possible fee increases. Some dentists increase their rates at the start of the year due to the increased cost of living, materials and equipment. Their fee increases will likely become your fee increases.
4. Dental Problems Can Worsen
By delaying dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and expensive treatment in the future. What may be a simple tooth decay right now, can become a root canal problem later. Call your West Ryde dentist and book an appointment to make use of those benefits.
Dental Insurance: Use It or Lose It!
If you are long overdue for a dental clean and check-up, act now if you are a health fund member.
Most dental insurance plans offer no-gap cleans once or twice yearly, but your dental benefits do not roll over into the following year. This means that your benefits will go to waste if you do not make use of them.
Schedule before December ends so that you can achieve maximum rebates and healthy smiles this 2019.
GAP FREE Promotion
General Check-up, Scale and Clean, X-rays and Fluoride treatment (with any health insurance)
*for new patients only
Call us on (02) 9809 7000 or book your appointment online TODAY!
We are located at Shop 20 West Ryde Marketplace, 14 Anthony Road in West Ryde.