Start with your table of benefits
Your insurer gives you a document called a table of benefits. Look for the lines on dental and orthodontics.
Basic plans tend to focus on medical care. Dental cover, where it exists, may be an add-on or a higher plan level.
Dental and orthodontic are different lines
A plan can cover fillings and extractions and still exclude braces. Insurers often treat braces as cosmetic unless a medical need exists.
Look for wording on orthodontics and age limits. Some plans only cover children.
Terms to look for
- Annual dental limit The most your insurer pays in a policy year
- Co-payment The share you pay yourself
- Waiting period How long you must hold the policy first
- Pre-approval Whether your insurer must agree before treatment starts
What your insurer may ask for
Insurers that cover braces may want a treatment plan from your dentist. They may also ask for X-rays or photos.
Ask for pre-approval before treatment starts if your plan needs it.
Questions to ask your insurer
- Does my plan include orthodontic treatment?
- Is there an age limit?
- Does the limit reset each policy year?
- Is Arabian Medical Centre in my network?
Making a claim
Some plans pay the clinic directly. With others you pay first and claim the money back.
Ask at reception which applies to your card. Keep every invoice and any report your insurer asks for.
If a claim is refused
Ask your insurer for the reason in writing. Sometimes a form is missing or a code needs correcting.
We can prepare a fresh report if the insurer wants more detail. Send it back with a short note asking for a review.
Children on a family plan
Family plans sometimes cover orthodontics for children but not adults. Some set an age limit for that cover.
Check the limit before you book, since a short delay could take your child past it. Ask the insurer to confirm in writing.
Changing jobs or plans
Braces run for months, sometimes across a job change or a policy renewal. A new policy may not pick up treatment that has already started.
Ask your new insurer how it treats ongoing orthodontic care. Keep your approvals, invoices and reports together in one folder.
Bring this to reception
- Your insurance card and Emirates ID
- Your table of benefits, if you have it
- Any pre-approval letter from your insurer
Our staff can then check your cover before treatment starts.
If your plan does not cover it
Ask your dentist about the options at your consultation. You can also pay in instalments with tabby.