Getting your wisdom teeth out

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral procedure claims on private health insurance. If you’re with Medibank, the amount you can claim depends on the type of cover you have, and whether you get your wisdom teeth out in the dentist’s chair or in hospital.

MORE: What happens when you get your wisdom teeth out

Getting your wisdom teeth out in the dentists’ chair

When you have your wisdom teeth out in a dental surgery it is considered a general dental (surgical) procedure. If you have Extras cover, have served the 12 month waiting period, and have an available general dental annual limit, Medibank will help pay towards the procedure.

How much Medibank pays towards the procedure depends on your level of Extras cover and whether the dentist is a Member’s Choice provider. Keep in mind that if there is a difference between the amount Medibank pays towards the procedure and how much your dentist charges, you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

MORE: How to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses

Getting your wisdom teeth out in hospital

There are a number of different costs involved in getting your wisdom teeth out in hospital, including hospital accommodation, doctors’ fees and dentists’ fees.

Most of Medibank’s hospital covers help pay towards your hospital accommodation, as well as any medical charges raised by doctors such as an anaesthetist, where a Medicare benefit is payable. It’s important to keep in mind that a 2 month waiting period applies for all hospital services and a 12 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions (issues with your wisdom teeth are usually considered pre-existing).

Hospital cover does not pay towards dentists’ or oral surgeons’ fees for wisdom tooth extractions. Your Extras cover will help pay towards this if you have served your waiting periods for general dental (surgical) procedures and have an available annual limit.

Keep in mind that if there is a difference between what Medibank will pay towards the procedure and what the hospital, dentist or doctors charge, you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

Still confused about what it will cost you? Whether you are getting your wisdom teeth out in the chair or in hospital, it’s a good idea to get a breakdown of costs and get in touch with us to understand what Medibank will pay towards. Call us on 134 190, chat with us live on our website or message us on Facebook.