Medical Aid Options: Dentistry
There are many different options to consider when you are choosing which medical aid scheme to go with. One of the areas you should keep in mind though is dentistry. There are so many people out there who focus simply on the hospital and doctors’ bills, which they completely forget how important dentistry is. Although the expenses may not be quite the same, the bills can still add up if you don’t have the relevant cover.
DENIS
We are very fortunate to have DENIS (Dental Information Systems (PTY) Ltd) as one of our partner companies. DENIS manages all of the dental benefits owed to our customers, on behalf of our medical aid schemes.
Bridges and Crowns
First of all, what are they? Bridges are made to replace one or more missing teeth. They act as an alternative to a partial denture, and tend to be used where there are only a few teeth to replace, or when they are all on one side of the mouth. A crown, also known as a cap, is a hard cover that is fitted over a badly damaged and decaying tooth. It is an artificial restoration that is made to look natural, rather than having the tooth removed.
Medical aid options for bridge and crown work have to be authorised beforehand, and must fit certain requirements. If DENIS has to approve your application, you will be covered (up to a certain amount) by your medical aid scheme.
Orthodontics
If you are in need of braces because the function of your teeth, jaw or mouth is impaired, then you will be covered by your chosen medical aid option. Like with bridges and crowns though, you must get your claim authorised by DENIS first. There are certain severity measures to be met – for example, you will not be granted benefits if it is being done for purely cosmetic reasons and the benefits are limited to those under 18 years of age.
If your chosen medical aid options cover your family, then it is important to understand that only one family member can start orthodontic treatment during a calendar year. The only exception of this is in the case of identically aged siblings – e.g. twins.
There are also certain aspects of orthodontics that aren’t covered. You are not covered for re-treatment or for jaw correction surgery.
Implants
Cover for implants are only available through our Platinum medical aid options. There are strict restrictions for implant benefits, and unfortunately they don’t cover hospital charges for dental implants, nor do they cover sinus lifts, or bone augmentation procedures.
Periodontics
We have a Perio Programme as part of our medical aid options. Members of the scheme must register by submitting a CPITN score, which will be supplied by the Dental Practitioner, as well as their periodontal treatment plan. Only then will our members gain access to our periodontics benefits.
Our Medical Aid Options
We have many different medical aid options available to you, and we aim to offer treatment for people of all ages and all budgets. Whether you are looking for medical aid options as an individual, family, or for a relative, we have some fantastic schemes for you to choose from.
If you want to find out more about our dentistry medical aid options, then we would love to hear from you. No question is too silly, and we take all of our clients and prospective clients seriously. We know that your health is important; it is to be placed higher than most other aspects of life. Because of this, we aim to provide you with the most comprehensive and professional medical aid options available.
Speak to one of our friendly staff members today, and see for yourself!
