Updated in September of 2026
We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile without the stress of wondering how to pay for it. At A Plus Dental, we’re not just about excellent clinical care. We’re here to help you unlock the full value of your health fund and explore every avenue to make dentistry as affordable and accessible as possible. Whether you’re insured, uninsured or unsure where to start, this guide is your key to smarter dental care.
What Does Being a 'Preferred Provider' Mean for You?
If you have heard the term ‘preferred provider’ and wondered what it actually means, you're not alone. Simply put, when you visit a preferred provider like A Plus Dental, you get access to maximum rebates and lower out-of-pocket costs through your private health insurer.
We are proud to be a preferred provider for a range of major health funds, including:
- Medibank Private
- Bupa
- HCF
- NIB
- CBHS
- Westfund
- And more
When you visit a preferred provider like A Plus Dental and are with one of these funds, your health fund will generally cover a larger portion of your treatment costs than it would at a non-preferred practice. This means a smaller gap for you to pay. For some preventive treatments, such as check-ups, cleans, and X-rays, your fund may cover the full cost, depending on your level of cover. For most other treatments, there will still be a gap, but it is typically lower than what you would pay elsewhere.
Does Preferred Provider Mean Gap-Free?
Not always. Preferred provider status means A Plus Dental has agreed to charge set fees with your health fund, which helps keep your out-of-pocket costs lower. However, the actual gap you pay depends on several things:
- Your level of extras cover
- The type of treatment being performed
- Whether you have reached your fund's annual limits
- Any waiting periods that may still apply
For basic preventive care, many patients with a reasonable level of cover pay little to no gap. For more involved treatments like crowns, implants or orthodontics, there will usually be a gap even at a preferred provider. We are always upfront about costs. Our team can provide a quote with item numbers before treatment so you know exactly what your fund will cover and what you will pay.
Maximising Your Health Fund Rebates
Health funds are great, but only if you use them. Most policies have annual limits, so unused benefits don’t roll over to the next year. At A Plus Dental, we encourage all patients with private health insurance to maximise their entitlements before they reset.
Here’s how you can get the most value from your policy:
- Book regular check-ups. — Preventive care is often covered in full or at a higher rebate level.
- Ask us about what’s covered. — We can provide quotes with your item numbers so you’ll know exactly what your fund will cover.
- Use your limits before they expire. — Have a clean, polish or crown you’ve been putting off? Don’t let your benefits go to waste.
Not sure what you’re entitled to? Our friendly front desk team can help check your coverage so you’re never left guessing.
On-the-Spot Convenience with HICAPS
Who wants to deal with paperwork and wait for reimbursements? Not you and not us. That’s why A Plus Dental uses HICAPS, an on-the-spot claiming system that lets us swipe your health fund card and claim your rebate instantly. You pay your gap amount on the day, and your rebate is processed instantly—no receipts to submit and no waiting for reimbursement.
With HICAPS, you’ll:
- Claim your rebate on the day
- Know your exact out-of-pocket cost
- Skip the stress of submitting receipts and waiting for reimbursement
It’s fast, easy, and another way we make your visit more convenient.
What If You Don't Have Private Health Insurance?
No insurance? No worries. We believe financial stress should never get in the way of your oral health, which is why we offer alternative payment pathways, including access to SuperCare.
SuperCare is an Australian program that allows you to access your superannuation early to pay for essential dental procedures. This option is especially helpful for:
- Dental implants
- Orthodontic treatment
- Oral surgery
- Major restorative work
And the best part is that SuperCare handles the entire application process for you. There’s no paperwork, no chasing up documents, and support and guidance from start to finish.
If you or a family member needs significant dental care and you're unsure how to manage the cost, talk to us about SuperCare. It could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Your Oral Health Is Our Priority
At the end of the day, everything we do at A Plus Dental comes back to one thing: your health and comfort. Whether you’re visiting for a routine check-up, a smile makeover, or a dental emergency, we want to ensure that cost never stands in the way of care.
Here’s a quick look at how we help keep dental care affordable:
- Preferred provider status with major health funds for reduced gap payments
- Transparent quotes and itemised treatment plans
- HICAPS on-the-spot claims
- Flexible payment options
- Access to SuperCare for eligible procedures
We’ll always discuss your options, outline what’s urgent versus what can wait, and work with you to create a treatment plan and payment solution that fits your life.
Our Chelsea Heights Dental Clinic Welcomes You
Still have questions about your benefits, rebates or payment options? Give our team a call. We love helping patients understand how to maximise their coverage and explore options they may not have been aware of. When it comes to finding a dental clinic that’s affordable, friendly and focused on quality, you’re in the right place.
Are you ready to book your consultation with us? We invite you to contact A Plus Dental today. We're here to make caring for your smile easy, affordable and stress-free.
We welcome patients of all ages to our dental clinic, and we're happy to serve patients from Chelsea Heights and beyond.