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What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems in the alignment of teeth and jaws. Treatment involves the design and use of corrective appliances (such as braces, plates, headgears and functional appliances) to bring the teeth and jaws into proper alignment and are completed by a specialist Orthodontist or dentist. HIF Essential, Advanced, Top Extras and Special, Super and Premium Options Extras policies are designed to help cover the higher costs of complex dental treatment.

Please note:  Benefits are paid for the treatment or prevention of facial irregularities, including braces, retainers and headgear for treating jaw misalignments

Benefits for Orthodontic Treatment?

For HIF Essential, Advanced or Top Extras cover, HIF will pay a benefit per orthodontic item. In these instances, HIF will pay 100% of the cost up to your annual limit on your initial claim.

If your orthodontic treatment continues across multiple calendar years and you maintain orthodontic cover under your Extras policy, we may pay benefits up to your annual limits each calendar year, up to your Orthodontic lifetime limit

To be eligible to claim benefits in the next calendar year you must.

  • Ask your dental provider for an updated letter which details your treatment for the current year, along with the expected treatment duration, item codes, fees and outstanding balance.
  • Submit your letter to claims@hif.com.au
  • We will then assess the benefits payable and pay 100% of the eligible cost up to your annual limits and orthodontic lifetime limits.
  • For each subsequent calendar year that your orthodontic treatment continues, steps 1 and 2 will be repeated.

Important, please note: For HIF members on Special, Super or Premium Options Extras cover please contact us if you’d like more info on how to claim for Orthodontic treatment or if you wish to receive a benefit estimate.

HIF Orthodontics Annual Limits

IMPORTANT: Before commencing any dental treatment, please contact us with full details of the necessary dental service (as provided by the dentist) and we'll provide you with an estimate of your benefit. Alternatively, you can complete our online dental benefit estimate form. If you are an existing HIF member you can also log-in to our Online Member Centre to obtain an accurate dental estimate.

Orthodontics
 Basic ExtrasValue ExtrasSingle ExtrasEssential ExtrasAdvanced ExtrasTop Extras
Annual Limit per personNot includedNot includedNot included$1,250*$800 $1,000 
Annual Limit per policyNot includedNot includedNot includedNo limitNo limitNo limit
Lifetime LimitNot includedNot includedNot included$1,250^$2,000$2,500

Please note:

  • *The above annual limit is combined for General Dental, Major Dental and Orthodontics.
  • ^The Orthodontic limit is a lifetime limit and forms part of the overall annual limit.
  • For HIF members on Special, Super or Premium Options Extras cover benefits towards orthodontic treatment (including payment plans) are not payable if treatment has commenced prior to joining HIF. 
  • Please refer to important information about your dental cover in our Health Cover Guide.

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