Why that is unusual
Many of the large for-profit funds operate preferred provider networks. Go to a dentist on the list and you get a higher benefit; go to one you chose yourself and you get less back for the same treatment. The effect is that your fund, not you, decides who treats you.
Police Health and Emergency Services Health do not work that way. Both recognise providers rather than preferring them, and you receive your benefit at any recognised dentist. The distinction is one Police Health makes plainly itself — the rest, as they put it, is down to your preference.
So what should you look for?
If the fund is not choosing for you, the useful questions are the ones you would ask of any practice:
​
-
Will you get a written, itemised quote with item numbers before treatment, so you can check it against your own limits?
-
Will the same dentist see the case through, or will you be passed between clinicians?
-
Is the practice honest when a cheaper or less invasive option would serve you better?
-
Can they claim on the spot, so you are not out of pocket while you wait for a refund?
​
We answer yes to all four, and you are entitled to ask any practice the same questions.
Who these funds cover
Police Health is open to serving and former police officers, employees and volunteers of Australian police organisations — and its family provisions are broader than most people realise, extending to partners, children, siblings, parents and grandchildren of eligible members. A great many people are eligible through a relative and have never checked.
Emergency Services Health covers emergency services workers and volunteers. In South Australia that reaches SA Ambulance, MFS, CFS and SES personnel, volunteers included.
Both are member-owned and not-for-profit.
What you will get back
That depends on your level of cover, your waiting periods and your remaining annual limit, so we will not quote you a figure we cannot stand behind. What we will do is give you an itemised written quote before treatment, with the item numbers your fund needs, so you know your actual out-of-pocket before you decide.
Call 08 8102 0951. Bring your fund card.
FAQ
Can I use any dentist with Police Health? Yes. Police Health recognises providers rather than preferring them, so you receive your benefit at any recognised dentist. Your choice of practice does not reduce what you get back.
Does Police Health have preferred providers? No. Police Health draws a distinction between recognised providers, who hold the proper qualifications and registration, and preferred providers. It recognises rather than prefers, which means the choice of dentist is yours.
Who is eligible for Emergency Services Health? Emergency Services Health covers emergency services workers and volunteers. In South Australia that reaches SA Ambulance, MFS, CFS and SES personnel, volunteers included. Police Health covers serving and former police officers, employees and volunteers, plus partners, children, siblings, parents and grandchildren of eligible members.
Will I get less back if my dentist is not on a preferred list? Not with Police Health or Emergency Services Health, because neither operates a preferred provider list. That differs from many of the large for-profit funds, where attending a dentist outside the network can mean a lower benefit for the same treatment.