Private Health Insurance For Dentures

Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile. They can make it harder to eat, speak, and feel confident. For many Australians, dentures are a life-changing solution. But they can also come with a big price tag — and understanding what health insurance covers isn't always simple.

So whether you’re comparing public vs private options or wondering how much are dentures in Australia, here’s what you need to know about the cost of false teeth dentures and coverage options.

Key points

• Dentures can improve your confidence, speech, and ability to eat.

• The cost of false teeth can vary depending on the type, materials, and location.

• Private health insurance for dental can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses — but only with the right extras cover.

What are dentures and who needs them? 

Dentures are false teeth designed to replace missing natural teeth. They can be full (replacing all teeth on the top or bottom jaw) or partial (replacing just a few). Some are held in place with clasps around your existing teeth. Others are secured with implants placed in the jawbone.

If you’ve lost teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury, your dentist may recommend dentures. They’re specially made to fit your mouth and restore normal function.

But dentures do more than just restore your smile — they can also improve how you speak and help you feel more like yourself again.

❗ Learn more about health insurance for athletes who may lose teeth due to contact sports.

How much do false teeth cost in Australia?

The cost of false teeth varies depending on the type of denture, materials used, and your location. Customisation, follow-up care, and your dentist’s expertise can also affect the final bill.

But here’s a general breakdown of the ballpark denture prices:

How much are false teeth in Australia? 

Can private health insurance help with false dentures cost? 

Private health insurance can help reduce the cost of false teeth — but only if you have the right level of extras cover.

Dentures typically fall under major dental in many extras policies. These policies may cover a portion of your denture costs, usually up to an annual limit. But not all extras policies include major dental. Some only cover basic care like check-ups and cleans.

Frank’s Story

Frank is 68 and recently retired from his job as a mechanic. After years of putting off dental work, he finally decided to replace several missing teeth with partial dentures. His dentist quoted him $1,400.

At first, Frank panicked — he assumed he’d have to pay the whole amount. But after checking his extras policy, he found out it included major dental. His fund would cover 60% of the cost, up to $800 a year.

That meant Frank only had to pay $600 out of pocket — and he still had $200 left in his dental annual limit if he needed more work later.

❗ Learn more about gap fees and out-of-pocket costs.

Can pensioners get discounted or free dentures?

Potentially, but it depends on where you live and your eligibility. Some state-funded dental programs may offer free or subsidised dentures to Australians with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card. But even if you qualify, wait times can be long — especially in metro areas. If you’re in urgent need, private treatment with insurance might be faster.

❗ Learn more about private health insurance for seniors.

How can I save money on the cost of false teeth?

To reduce the cost of false teeth dentures, you can: 

• Compare dental cover policies to find the highest level of coverage.

• Check if your provider has a no-gap arrangement with your fund.

• Use your denture health care benefits each year before they expire.

• Check your eligibility for denture discounts programs for pensioners.

• Ask you dentist if they offer a payment plan for dentures. 

Want to find private health insurance that covers the cost of false teeth dentures? Compare Club’s experts have saved over 239,000 Australians an average of $295* by helping them compare health cover in the last 10 years.

[Sources]

HealthDirect

Parkmore Family DentalAesthetic Dental ClinicAdvance Oral

*$295 based on 239,107 sold over the past 10 years (From 2015 to 2024).

Disclaimer: 

Compare Club Australia Pty Ltd ABN 29 634 600 007 of 222 Pitt Street Sydney (Ph: 1300 904 624) owns and operates compareclub.com.au and its associated websites. The information contained in this email is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. We compare selected products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market. 

Chris Stanley is the sales & operations manager of health insurance at Compare Club. With extensive experience and expertise, Chris is a trusted leader known for his deep understanding of health insurance markets, policies, and coverage options. As the sales & operations manager of health insurance, Chris leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health insurance needs.

Meet our health insurance expert,  Chris Stanley

Chris's top health insurance tips:

• 1

  Australia’s public health system is world-class, but wait times for public hospitals can be long, inconvenient - and leave you living in constant pain while you wait.

• 2

  An appropriate private health insurance policy can speed up your surgery, relieving your pain sooner.

• 3

  Family health cover means your children are covered under the same policy as you.

• 4

  Many health insurance policies come with a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related cover, so it’s a good idea to get a family policy organized well before starting your family. This means your child will be covered from birth until at least their early twenties (depending on which health fund you select).