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What are the changes to dental benefits from 1 October 2026?

From 1 October 2026, our partner, nib, is changing how some dental benefits are paid. You can still visit any recognised dental provider in Australia. The difference is what happens when you visit a…

Who do these changes apply to?

These changes apply to all Qantas Health Insurance members that have percentage back dental benefits included in their policy.

When does these changes start?

From 1 October 2026. Any eligible dental services you receive before 1 October 2026 will continue to be paid the way they are today.

What is a set benefit?

A set benefit is a fixed dollar amount you receive towards an eligible dental service, regardless of what the provider charges. If the provider charges more than the set benefit amount, you'll have a…

What is a First Choice network dental provider and how do I find one?

The First Choice dental network is nib's network of over 2,500 participating dental clinics that charge an agreed rate to nib members for common dental treatments. Not sure whether your dentist is pa…

Do I have to switch dentists?

No, you can still visit any recognised dental provider. However, if you receive dental treatment from a provider outside the First Choice network from 1 October 2026, the amount you get back may chan…

Could I pay more out-of-pocket costs?

It depends on the provider, the treatment and your level of cover. If you choose a non-First Choice network dental provider, you may pay more out-of-pocket costs depending on what the provider charge…

What should I do before treatment?

We recommend you check your cover and provider before each treatment so you understand what you can expect and whether you may have an out-of-pocket cost. You can use nib's Find a Provider tool to ch…

How can I find the set benefit before I book with a non-First Choice network dental provider?

The easiest way is to ask your dentist for a health benefit quote with the item numbers and fees for your planned treatment. That way you'll know roughly what to expect out of pocket before you book.

How will my claim be processed at a non-First Choice network provider?

If you tap your card at a HICAPS terminal with a non-First Choice network dental provider after 1 October 2026, your claim will be processed under your new product benefits. If you're on an existing…

I'm already undergoing dental treatment. What does this change mean for me?

If you're partway through a dental treatment plan with a dentist who isn't part of nib's First Choice network, you may be eligible for transitional support until 31 December 2026. For transitional su…

Does this change apply to all dental services?

Most dental services move to the new benefit model from 1 October 2026, including general services from dentists, oral health therapists and dental hygienists, and most specialist services. As specia…

Will this affect my dental Extras limit?

No, your overall dental limit will stay the same and you'll still be able to view how much of your Extras limits you have remaining in your online member account. However, the amount you can claim ba…

Will this change affect my premium?

No, this change doesn't affect your premium. Health insurance premiums are reviewed separately each year and any changes must be approved by the Australian Government as part of the industry's annual…

Do I need to do anything?

There's nothing you need to do right now. Before any dental treatment you receive on or after 1 October 2026, it's worth checking whether your dentist is part of the First Choice network so you know…

Why we're making this change to how some dental benefits are paid

This change is designed to make dental benefits easier to understand before treatment and help you better predict out-of-pocket costs. It also helps manage rising healthcare costs so we can continue…

Have further questions on the changes to dental benefits from 1 October 2026?

If you have any questions or would like to understand more about your options, we're here to help. You can contact us on 13 49 60 (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm AET) or check what you're covered for in y…

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