Dental Insurance in New Zealand: What do I Need to Know?

Do I need dental insurance in New Zealand 

While New Zealand’s health system offers a mix of public and private care, our dental system is a bit different.  

If you grew up here, you might remember going to your school's dental nurse for treatment as a child. That’s because in New Zealand, the dentist is free for children up until you turn 18.  

While there is some government funding for adults, like ACC or work and income subsidies, most adults pay for the dentist themselves. That’s where dental insurance can help.  

The choice to get dental insurance is a personal one. While it largely depends on your circumstances and priorities, there are some definite advantages to having dental insurance in New Zealand. 

How does dental insurance work in New Zealand? 

Dental insurance is usually included as part of a wider health insurance plan. So, while you might not be able to take out dental insurance on its own, you can get coverage for dental care bundled with coverage for a range of other healthcare services like GP visits, physio appointments, new glasses and contacts or major surgery. 

Before you select your plan, make sure you read the fine print. Dental insurance isn’t included in every type of plan. You may have to add dental coverage for a small monthly fee. 

Some providers require you to pay for the treatment upfront and then reimburse you when you make a claim. Others reimburse your dentist directly, so you’ll only pay for out-of-pocket care. 

What's the benefit of dental insurance in New Zealand? 

Most of us don’t struggle to pay for an annual trip to the dentist. It’s extensive or unexpected dental work that you might not have immediate funds for. Dental insurance can help: 

Pay for major treatments 

Many dental plans cover major treatments such as wisdom teeth removal, crowns, root canals, and even orthodontic work. Make sure you read the fine print first. Some plans have a minimum stand down period of 12 months. 

Spread the cost over time 

The major benefit of dental insurance is that you pay a small amount regularly. This means you don’t have to save for upcoming dental work or put it on your credit card. It can even reduce out-of-pocket expenses over time.   

Give you peace of mind 

Emergency dental surgery isn’t just annoying; it can be expensive. Knowing that you have insurance to cover the cost of your care can reduce financial stress and give you peace of mind.  

Regular dental checkups 

If you’re prone to skipping your annual checkup, dental insurance is a great motivator. Many plans offer coverage for examinations, cleaning and scaling as part of a basic plan. 

Improve dental health 

Many plans cover preventative care that can help with the early detection of dental cavities.  

How else can I pay for dental care in New Zealand? 

Out of pocket 

Most people pay for dental care out of their own pockets with around a third of kiwis holding private health insurance.  An alternative to health insurance is to put a little money aside each week to pay for things like fillings. 

Community Services Card 

If you’re low income or on a benefit, a Community Services Card can help cover essential dental treatment of up to $1,000 a year. This covers things like fillings and extractions but not preventative care like check-ups. 

Afterpay 

Apps like Afterpay help spread the cost of your dental bill into smaller, more manageable payments. It's also interest free and accepted at many clinics, including Gentle Dental.   

ACC 

If your dental issue is the result of a fall, sports injury or accident ACC may be able to cover your treatment. 

Interest free payments 

Interest free credit cards make it easy to pay larger dental bills. At Gentle Dental we accept Q Card and Q Mastercard which offer a 3-month zero-interest period on every purchase.  

Where should I go for dental insurance? 

There are two main providers to choose from for health insurance in New Zealand – Southern Cross and nib. Here’s how they compare. 

Southern Cross 

• Southern Cross’ Health Essentials plan covers 75% of all dental costs up to $500/year. 
• Their Wellbeing One plan offers Vision and Dental coverage as an add on, covering 75% of expenses up to $750/year.  
• Their Ultra Care plan offers Vision and Dental coverage as an add on, covering 75% of expenses up to $750/year. 
• You can claim insurance with an Easy Claim card. This pays your dentist directly, meaning you don’t have to lodge a claim or wait to be reimbursed.  

Nib Health Insurance 

• Nib’s Everyday plan allows you to claim back 60% of the cost of dental treatments up to $750/year 
• Their Everday Premium plan allows you to claim back 80% of the cost of dental treatments up to $1000/year 
• Their Hospital plan covers up to $300,000 of surgery costs a year, including oral surgery. This includes the extraction of wisdom teeth or impacted teeth after you’ve had your policy at least 12 months. 
• You can claim insurance by paying your dentist directly then sending the receipt to nib through their app or online portal. 

Need a dentist that accepts insurance?  

At Gentle Dental, we’re a registered Southern Cross insurance dental practitioner. Depending on your plan, you may be covered for a range of dental treatments including tooth extractions, root canals, fillings, dentures, denture repair, x-rays, dental crowns, braces, plates and more. Talk to our receptionists about your coverage.