Dental insurance to smile about

HIF is all about making visits to the dentist more affordable for our members and minimising out-of-pocket expenses through flexible dental insurance options.

The good news is that all HIF Extras cover options include benefits for General Dental services and from 1 January 2026, our HIF Choice Network will give our members access to 100% back on up to two dental check-ups and cleans every year, as well as a range of other preventative dental services#.

Members just need to visit a dentist who is part of our network. Find an HIF Choice Network Dentist close to you by searching “Dentist” under ‘specialty’.

Dental cover and overall wellbeing with HIF extras cover

 

What is Dental Cover?

Dental cover is included as part of HIF's Extras Cover and helps eligible members claim benefits towards a range of dental services. Depending on your level of cover, this may include preventative dental care, general dental treatment, major dental services and orthodontic treatment.

Having dental cover can help make routine dental visits more affordable while supporting long term oral health and wellbeing.

 

Compare HIF's annual limits for Dental cover

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 a dental estimate.

General Dental
 Basic ExtrasValue ExtrasSimple ExtrasEssential ExtrasAdvanced ExtrasTop Extras
Annual Limit per person$400$750$600$1,250*$1,000No limit
Annual Limit per policy$800No limit$1,200No limitNo limitNo limit
Major Dental
Annual Limit per personNot includedNot included$600$1,250*$1,000$1,500
Annual Limit per policyNot includedNot included$1,200No limitNo limitNo limit
Orthodontics
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^
 

How much dental cover does HIF provide for popular dental services?

General Dental

Great news! From 1 Jan 2020, we’ll be improving individual rebates for periodontics, dentures, crowns and bridges on Super and Premium Options. Please contact us if you’d like more info or if wish to receive a benefit estimate.
Item Name1Item#Visit/ServiceExtras Benefit Payable
   Basic Extras Value ExtrasSimple ExtrasEssential ExtrasAdvanced ExtrasTop Extras
Oral Examination012First Visit50% of each treatment or service $54.35260% of each treatment or service $54.352$54.352$54.352
Dental x-ray022First Visit50% of each treatment or service $22.7060% of each treatment or service $23.95$25.85$28.65
Scale and clean114First Visit50% of each treatment or service $110.35260% of each treatment or service $110.352$110.352$110.352
Fluoride treatment121First Visit50% of each treatment or service $33.20260% of each treatment or service $33.202$33.202$33.202
Surgical tooth extraction322First Visit50% of each treatment or service $127.0560% of each treatment or service $139.75$152.45$165.15
Filling/tooth restoration531First Visit50% of each treatment or service $78.5560% of each treatment or service $83.90$91.55$97.20
 

Major Dental

Item NameItem#Visit/ServiceExtras Benefit Payable
   Basic Extras Value ExtrasSimple ExtrasEssential ExtrasAdvanced ExtrasTop Extras
Filling of one root canal417First VisitNot included.Not included.60% of each treatment or service $129.15$142.05$155.00
Full crown - non-metallic613First VisitNot included.Not included.60% of each treatment or service $758.85$842.70$927.95
Full crown - veneered615First VisitNot included.Not included.60% of each treatment or service $720.25$799.80$911.85
Dentures - complete3719First VisitNot included.Not included.60% of each treatment or service $984.30$1,000$1,279.40

 

More things to smile about...

HIF's cover for braces and other Orthodontic services

For eligible 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, until your 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 lifetime limit.
  • For each subsequent calendar year that your orthodontic treatment continues, steps 1 and 2 will be repeated.

To learn more about Orthodontic treatment and benefits, please read our Health Cover Guide.

Important: For members on Special, Super or Premium Options cover HIF will pay a set benefit per orthodontic item as an immediate benefit (claimable when your braces are fitted), subject to your annual and lifetime orthodontic limits. Please contact us prior to your dental treatment for more info on how to claim for Orthodontics or if you wish to receive a benefit estimate.

No surprise out-of-pocket costs with HIF's dental cover benefit estimates

We always recommend contacting us for a dental benefit estimate before you receive any dental treatment, so we can let you know exactly what dental insurance includes and the amount we’ll pay.

To get started, simply ask your dentist to provide an itemised dental estimate – this should include a list of the items you’ll be billed for, the fee for each item, and the provider number of the dentist who will be performing the treatment. 

Then, send us the details using our dental estimate online form. You can also obtain an Extras estimate using our Online Member Centre. Alternatively, give us a call on 1300 134 060 and we can provide you with a dental benefit estimate over the phone.

Avoid waiting periods and start claiming straight away when you switch to HIF

You can use your HIF Dental cover to claim straight away for any services that were covered by your previous health fund when you switch to HIF, making the dental health insurance switch seamless. Here's what you need to know:

  • To ensure that all your existing benefits and previously served waiting periods are recognised by HIF, you must switch within two months of leaving your previous health fund and provide a valid Clearance Certificate.

  • If you switch to HIF while waiting periods were still being served with your previous fund, you'll need to complete the remaining periods with HIF before claiming.

  • You can join HIF with a higher level of cover than you held at your previous fund and still claim without having to wait - HIF insurance will simply pay benefits based on our equivalent of the cover you held at your previous fund, until you have served the upgraded waiting periods on the higher level of cover.

Want us to handle the paperwork for you? No worries! Find out more about switching health funds

HIF Choice Network FAQs

When will the HIF Choice Network be live?

The HIF Choice Network for Dental services will launch on 1 January 2026 and will be effective for services provided from this date, nationally. This is to align with the annual Extras benefit limits resetting.

How can I find a HIF Choice Network provider?

Members can use our helpful online tool to find a Choice Network dentist near you. 

Does joining the HIF Choice Network mean members lose freedom to choose their own dentist?

The HIF Choice Network aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs for our members, but our members are free to see any dentist they choose. Whether the dentist is in our network or not, we will continue to pay benefits to eligible members.

Why isn't my dentist in the HIF Choice Network?

When selecting dentists to join our network, we take into account factors such as where our members are located, the level of service offered, and how fees and benefits compare. While not every dentist is part of our network, we review this regularly to ensure it supports both member choice and affordable access to dental care across Australia. 

Is dental insurance worth it in Australia?

Many Australians choose dental insurance to help manage out-of-pocket expenses for both routine and more complex dental services. The best dental insurance option in Australia often depends on how frequently you visit the dentist and the level of dental health insurance that suits your needs.

Compare HIF dental insurance options to see if it fits your dental needs.

What are some of the key dental services available under the HIF Choice Network?

Subject to service, waiting period and annual limits, eligible members can receive 100% back on 2 oral examinations, 2 scale and cleans, 2 fluoride treatments, 2 x-rays and 1 mouthguard each year at HIF Choice Network Dental providers#.

How can I claim a no-gap service?

If your dentist is registered with the HIF Choice Network, claim can be submitted electronically at the dentist practice using an HIF member card or HIF App, or the paid invoice can be submitted via OMC, HIF App, email or post.

Do I have to use a HIF Choice Network dentist?

Members are free to visit and claim for treatment from any registered dentist. Benefits will be paid according to members’ policy, but members may have higher out-of-pocket expenses if they aren’t part of the HIF Choice Network.

What does dental cover include?

Dental cover generally helps contribute towards the cost of common dental services such as check-ups, cleans, fillings and major dental treatments, depending on your level of extras cover. With HIF, dental coverage is designed to support everyday oral health needs as part of your broader health insurance dental benefits.

You can review HIF’s dental cover options to see what’s included.

Is there a waiting period for dental cover?

Waiting periods may apply depending on your level of Extras Cover and the dental service being claimed. If you're switching from another Australian health fund, previously served waiting periods may be recognised by HIF, provided you meet the transfer requirements and supply a valid Clearance Certificate.

Can I receive a dental benefit estimate before treatment?

Yes. HIF recommends requesting a dental benefit estimate before commencing treatment. This can help you understand what benefits may be payable under your dental cover and any potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

You can request an estimate using our dental estimate online form, through the Online Member Centre or by contacting our team directly.

Can I use any dentist with HIF dental cover?

Yes. Members are free to visit any registered dentist and claim benefits according to their level of dental cover. However, visiting a participating HIF Choice Network dentist may help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible preventative dental services.

What is the difference between General Dental and Major Dental?

General Dental typically includes routine dental services such as oral examinations, scale and cleans, x-rays, fillings and preventative treatments.

Major Dental generally includes more complex treatments, which may vary depending on your level of cover. Please refer to your policy details or contact HIF for information about the services included under your cover.

Why is regular dental care important?

Regular dental care can help support healthy teeth and gums and may assist in identifying potential dental issues earlier. Preventative services such as check-ups, cleans and x-rays can play an important role in maintaining good oral health over time.

HIF's dental cover options are designed to help eligible members access routine dental care and support ongoing oral health and wellbeing.


# Eligible HIF members with Extras cover can get 100% back for up to two check-ups and one mouthguard per year at a HIF Choice Network provider from 1 January 2026. Members on Basic Extras, Basic Starter, and Vital Options can get 100% back for one check-up and one mouthguard per year. Waiting periods, annual limits and service limits apply. 

* 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. 

Limits apply to the number of times some items (such as bleaching) attract a benefit. You may also not be able to claim benefits for services performed with another item in the same course of treatment. 

Subsequent visits for these item numbers are paid at a lower benefit.

3 Benefits for replacement dentures and partial dentures are not paid within three years of previous supply.