Is Invisalign Covered by Health Insurance?

Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces offering a more discreet and comfortable option for straightening teeth. A common question from people considering Invisalign treatment is whether treatment is covered by health insurance. Find out more about the factors involved in Invisalign treatment cost and what your health insurance could cover.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on a variety of factors including the complexity of the dental problem, the length of treatment and the Invisalign treatment type. The price of Invisalign typically ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, however the cost may be higher depending on your specific needs. We recommend discussing the price with your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist at your consultation appointment.

Does Health Insurance Cover Invisalign in New Zealand?

How Insurance Policies in NZ Handle Orthodontic Treatment?

In New Zealand, health insurance policies differ, and this can impact the coverage for orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign.

Normally, health insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic procedures, and because Invisalign is primarily seen as a cosmetic dental treatment many policies exclude it. However, there are some exceptions to this. If your treatment is considered medically necessary, insurance may cover part or all of the cost of your Invisalign treatment.

The Difference Between Dental Insurance and Health Insurance

Dental insurance is specifically designed to cover dental care which includes treatment such as check-ups, hygiene cleans, and fillings. Health insurance usually covers a broad range of medical services, but dental treatments are often limited to those related to surgery or accidents. For orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, you will normally need dental insurance, though full coverage is not always guaranteed. Some health insurance providers may offer additional orthodontic coverage or allow you to add it to your plan for an extra cost, but this is relatively uncommon.

Factors That Determine Invisalign Insurance Coverage

Age

Most insurance providers cover orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents, as their teeth are still developing. However, coverage for adults is usually limited, especially if the treatment is considered primarily cosmetic. Some policies may only cover Invisalign for younger patients, under the age of 18.

Policy Type

Some insurance policies provide orthodontic coverage as an add-on or extra. If you have upgraded your plan or have a comprehensive health or dental plan, there's a higher chance your Invisalign treatment will be covered. However, basic dental plans may usually don’t include orthodontic treatments at all.

Severity of the Dental Issue

If your orthodontic issue is considered medically necessary, such as a severe bite problem or misalignments that affect function, Invisalign may be partially covered. Insurance providers are more likely to cover treatments for patients with a serious dental problem that could cause long term damage or health issues.

What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Invisalign?

If your health insurance does not cover Invisalign, there are still options available to make treatment more affordable.

Payment Plans

Our Lumino Invisalign providers and orthodontic specialists offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over time. Afterpay and QCard are a couple of the options that most of our Lumino practices offer for patients to get the treatment they need now and pay for it later. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about the payment options they have for your Invisalign treatment.

ACC

If you’ve had a dental injury caused by an accident, a sporting injury or as the result of dental treatment our ACC-registered dentists can help. If orthodontic treatment is required to fix your dental injury, then ACC may be able to help towards your treatment costs. Our Lumino practices and ACC-registered dentists work with ACC to get the best outcome for you.

How to Find Out If Your Insurance Covers Invisalign

Step 1: Review Your Policy

Start by reviewing your health or dental insurance policy to check if orthodontic treatments are covered. Some policies may specifically mention whether Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments are included.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider

If the information on your policy isn’t clear, then we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly. Make sure you ask whether Invisalign is covered under your plan and how the reimbursement process works.

Step 3: Book a Consultation with Your Dentist/Orthodontist

Our orthodontists and dentists have worked with insurance providers and can work with them to determine your coverage. They can help you navigate the insurance process and can often help with the paperwork on your behalf.

Step 4: Get an Estimate

Ask your orthodontist or Invisalign dentist for a treatment estimate, including any upfront costs, to provide to your insurance provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance take care of Invisalign?

Insurance may cover Invisalign if the treatment is deemed medically necessary or if your policy includes orthodontic coverage.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance in NZ?

Most health insurance policies do not cover Invisalign in New Zealand, as it is considered a cosmetic treatment. However, some dental plans may offer add-ons or extras for orthodontic treatment.

How do you get Invisalign when you can’t afford it?

If you need Invisalign treatment but you’re worried about the cost, there are payment options available to help you get the treatment you need without the stress. Check out our payment options here.

Is $8000 too much for Invisalign?

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the difficulty of the treatment. $8000 is at the higher end of Invisalign treatment types but isn’t uncommon for Invisalign cases that require a longer treatment length and more aligners.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

The price of Invisalign treatment depends on the difficulty of your orthodontic problem. For more complex issues Braces may be recommended over Invisalign. Treatment pricing for Invisalign is fairly similar to Braces treatment, the longer the treatment the higher the cost.