Bupa Preferred Provider Dentist in Ashburton — Members First Platinum

What this means for you

Making the most of your Bupa cover

Bupa extras policies reset their annual limits on a fixed date, so a check-up and clean in the second half of the year uses benefits you’d otherwise lose. Members with dependants can often bring the whole family through on one visit, with each person’s benefits applied separately. If you’re partway through a waiting period, we’ll tell you what’s claimable now and what to schedule for later rather than leave you with an unexpected gap.

The claim happens at reception: swipe your card, the benefit is applied, and you pay only what’s left. If Bupa’s system is down or a claim needs manual processing, we give you an itemised receipt to claim yourself.

Bupa Members First Platinum — common questions

Using your Bupa cover with us, step by step

Aesthetic Mee Dental is a Bupa Members First Platinum provider, the top Bupa tier for independent dentists. This is how to use that cover, from booking to paying.

• Check with Bupa that your extras include general dental.
• Ask about waiting periods if you joined Bupa recently or changed your cover.
• Ask Bupa how much of your yearly dental limit is left.
• Book. Use online booking or call (03) 9885 7588, and say you’re with Bupa.
• Bring your Bupa card. We claim at the end of the visit with HICAPS, and you pay any gap then.

What “eligible members may pay no gap on check-ups” means

Eligible members may pay no gap on check-ups. “No gap” means Bupa’s benefit covers our fee for that item, so there is nothing left for you to pay for it.

“Eligible” is the key word. It depends on your Bupa policy, whether your waiting periods are over, and whether you have benefits left for the year. Bupa sets these rules, not us, so check with Bupa if you’re unsure.

If a visit isn’t no-gap for you, you can still claim. Bupa pays its benefit and you pay the difference.

Treatment that usually still has a gap

For other treatment, Bupa usually pays part of the fee and you pay the rest. This often includes fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, wisdom teeth removal, implants and Invisalign. Larger treatment and orthodontics may have separate waiting periods and limits. Check with Bupa before you start.

Getting a quote with item numbers

Every dental treatment has an item number. Bupa uses these numbers to work out your benefit.

• Ask us for a written quote that lists each item number and its fee.
• Give those item numbers to Bupa, by phone or online. Ask what they’ll pay for each one.
• Ask Bupa how it affects your yearly limit, and whether a waiting period applies.

Not with Bupa? Our health funds page explains how claiming works with other funds.

More questions about Bupa Members First Platinum

What happens if I’ve used up my yearly limit?

You can still have treatment. Bupa won’t pay a benefit for items once your limit is reached, so you pay our fee. If you’re close to your limit, ask Bupa what’s left before you book, and ask us for a written quote first.

I’ve just joined Bupa. Can I claim straight away?

It depends on your waiting periods. Many extras policies have a wait before dental benefits start. Bupa can tell you the date each item becomes claimable. You can still book before then, but you’d pay the fee without a Bupa benefit.

Can I use my Bupa extras for an emergency visit?

Yes. We claim emergency treatment through HICAPS like any other visit, and Bupa pays according to your cover. There is usually a gap. If you’re in pain, call (03) 9885 7588. Same-day appointments are often available.

Book with confidence

Bring your fund card to your visit and we’ll process your claim on the spot with HICAPS. Same-day and Saturday appointments available, with free on-site parking.