Taking care of your teeth and gums is a positive way to boost self-esteem and dental longevity while helping you avoid dental issues that cause pain, infections, and multiple trips to the dentist.
Alarmingly, the 2009 NZ Oral Health Survey revealed that one in three adults had untreated tooth decay, and a similar proportion exhibited early signs of gum disease. Furthermore, 15% were found to have moderate to severe gum disease. Even as one of New Zealand’s most preventable and common diseases, it seems tooth decay is on the rise.
When budgeting for oral health care, it helps to know the costs. Below is a table outlining common dental treatments and their estimated costs in New Zealand.
Everyday insurance plans can help cover partial costs of your dental treatments, up to a set annual limit. However, these plans cannot cover major medical costs, such as oral surgeries or other expensive private hospital treatments.
If you require dental treatment due to an accident, sports injury, or complication from a medical or dental procedure, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) may help cover part of the costs.
Basic dental care services are free for children and teenagers up to their 18th birthday.
Kids, teens, and adults who need hospital dental services can choose to go through the public health system when referred by an oral health professional. However, this option may have long waiting times.
If you’re on a low income or receiving government benefits, Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) can help cover emergency dental costs.
Many private dental practices in New Zealand offer flexible ‘pay later’ options and payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost of treatment over time.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
A guide to dental insurance in New Zealand
Long waiting lists in NZ's public health system: Causes and impacts on patients
Policywise is a 100% free service which tells you which health, life, and disability insurance provider best fits your needs. We offer fast, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand comparisons of all leading providers, and a simple summary clearly recommending which insurer is best for your situation.
Not all insurance policies are the same. Policywise can help you sort out the duds, avoid the lemons, understand the fine print and exclusions, and get the right insurance for you and your family.
We make the important decision of where to buy your insurance super easy. We’ll answer your questions, provide experienced advice and quotes, and manage all the back and forth throughout the application process. Taking out your cover through us means you'll have our lifetime support and claims advocacy, and we'll help you negotiate a positive outcome at claim time. We can also take care of lodging any claims on your behalf and back you up if the going gets tough.
Check out the reviews on our homepage for how other New Zealanders have found our service, because now is the time to get your health and dental insurance sorted. Protect your and your loved ones’ pearly whites with the best financial support for dental care. Book a 5-minute callback with Policywise today; our service is fast and free.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Nothing in this blog or on this website is intended as medical, dietary, or financial advice. Although we aim to update our content regularly, you are advised to consult a Policywise adviser, health professional, or an appropriate specialist before acting on any information herein. They can factor in your personal circumstances or preferences and help guide your decision-making process.