My Local Dentists Northmead Tips: Top 4 Reasons to Use Your Dental Insurance Now
Did you know you can save a fistful when you use your dental benefits before the year ends while improving your smile and health and decreasing dental costs later on?
You can do this by paying attention to your dental insurance plan and when it ends.
While some dental insurance schemes are based on a fiscal year, most plans run on a traditional calendar year.
Achieve important savings by paying attention to when your insurance year ends and ensuring you have taken full advantage of it before the new year begins.
Here are good reasons to use your dental insurance before the year ends:
1. Yearly Maximum
Most dental insurance plans feature the annual benefit limit or the highest amount your insurance will cover for your dental care annually. This limit resets at the end of the insurance year, typically December 31st.
If you don’t use the total amount of your coverage, the unused portion does not roll over to the next year—it’s lost.
By scheduling routine care or completing outstanding treatments before the year ends, you can take full advantage of the coverage available to you. Whether it’s a cleaning, an exam, or more extensive care like fillings or crowns, acting now ensures you get the most out of your insurance plan.
2. Premiums
If you’ve been paying for dental insurance throughout the year, it only makes sense to utilise your benefits. After all, you’ve already invested in your plan.
Most insurance policies cover routine preventive care, such as professional cleanings and dental exams. These visits help you maintain optimal oral health and ensure you make the most of your investment.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires routine dental check-ups.
Early detection of diseases like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer through preventive care enables timely treatment before these conditions progress. By taking advantage of your insurance benefits for preventive care, you’re protecting your health while making clever use of your coverage.
3. Fee Increases
Many dental practices review and adjust their service fees at the beginning of a new year due to rising operational costs and updated industry standards.
Delaying your dental care until after the start of the new year could result in higher out-of-pocket expenses for the same procedures.
By scheduling your appointments now, you maximise your current benefits and lock in the current rates for treatments or services. Acting promptly can save you from potential price increases while ensuring your dental needs are met in a timely manner.
4. Dental Problems Can Worsen
Postponing dental care can turn minor problems into more severe and costly issues. For example, a tiny cavity left untreated can develop into a more severe condition requiring a root canal or tooth extraction.
Similarly, untreated gum disease can lead to significant periodontal complications over time.
Using your dental insurance to address issues promptly helps you avoid needing more extensive treatments later. Routine check-ups and cleanings can catch problems in their early stages, saving you time, money, and unnecessary discomfort.
When it comes to oral health, proactive care is always preferable to reactive care. Call your Northmead dentist and book an appointment to take advantage of those benefits.
How to Maximise Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Taking full advantage of your dental insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps to ensure you’re making the most of your coverage:
Understand Your Plan Details
Review your insurance policy to determine your yearly maximum, what treatments are covered, and when your benefits expire.
Schedule Preventive Care
If you haven’t had a cleaning or check-up this year, book an appointment as soon as possible. These procedures are crucial for preserving dental health and are frequently fully or partially reimbursed by insurance.
Complete Outstanding Treatments
If your dentist has recommended treatments like fillings, crowns, or other procedures, prioritise completing them before the end of the year to use your remaining benefits.
Plan for Future Needs
Discuss your options with your dentist if you anticipate needing additional dental work. They can help you create a treatment plan that maximises your insurance benefits over multiple coverage periods.
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. Your benefits will go to waste if you do not use them before December 31st.
Schedule before December ends to achieve maximum rebates and healthy smiles.
Contact your Northmead dentist at (02) 9630 9996 or book an online appointment.
Visit us at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.