Common dental procedures

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common claims on private health insurance, and it may surprise you to know that the extraction itself is usually included under general dental.

What you can claim for, and how you 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.

It’s a good idea to contact us before your wisdom teeth removal to understand what you can claim, what your options are, and how to claim.

Wisdom teeth removal in hospital

If you’re being admitted to hospital as an inpatient to have your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s important that you check your level of hospital cover to make sure it includes dental surgery, and whether an excess will apply. There are other fees apart from the extraction itself (which is already included in your extras), like hospital theatre fees, anaesthetist charges, and accommodation if necessary, and you’ll want to make sure you can claim for these.

Many dentists who operate in hospitals aren’t Members’ Choice providers so it is imperative that you get a quote as soon as you know you’re going to hospital and understand your out-of-pocket costs. You can contact us to discuss your options, and also check our procedure cost estimator for an approximate total cost.

Hospitals will usually claim through Medibank on your behalf for accommodation and theatre fees. (Keep in mind that even if you’re having day surgery there will still be accommodation fees.)

Also, remember that Medibank has arrangements with most private hospitals and day surgeries in Australia – we refer to them as Members’ Choice hospitals. You can generally get better value for covered treatments at a Members’ Choice hospital than if you were to go to a non-Members’ Choice hospital.

Wisdom teeth removal in the chair

Having your wisdom teeth removed in the chair may lower the overall cost of the procedure since there is no excess, anaesthetist, or hospital charges. However, it’s still important that you get a quote, since what your dentist is charging overall will generally have the greatest impact on your out of pockets. Our out of pocket estimator in the My Medibank app can give you a good idea of how much your procedure will cost so that you can make an informed choice. You can also contact us to discuss your options.

Keep in mind that even if you’d prefer to the procedure the chair, it may not always be appropriate. Your dentist may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed in hospital if it’s indicated clinically. 

The 100% back check-up and clean includes up to five preventive dental services to help you maintain good mental health. It’s available on most extras’ products.

We will pay 100% at Members' Choice providers for the following services:

• D011 - Comprehensive oral examination
• D012 - Periodic oral examination
• D111 - Removal of plaque and / or stain
• D114 - Removal of calculus / tartar - first visit
• D121 - Topical application of fluoride, one treatment (where clinically necessary).

Members' Choice Advantage

Medibank members with extras cover who visit a Members' Choice Advantage dentist will get the following dental benefits each calendar year:

• 100% back on two check-up and cleans, including up to four bitewing X-rays. (Limited to two dental check-ups on all extras annually.)
• 100% back on a mouthguard each year, up to annual limits.
• Reduced Maximum Agreed Prices on the check-up and clean item numbers and x-rays.

You can find Members’ Choice and Members’ Choice Advantage providers in our Find a provider tool or in the My Medibank app. To find Members’ Choice providers on the app, simply tap on “Find” in the bottom menu.