Many South African medical aid plans contribute towards wisdom teeth removal, especially when impacted teeth are removed surgically under general anaesthetic. How much your plan pays depends on your option, the type of procedure and whether you get pre-authorisation first. At Melrose Advanced Dentistry in Melrose, Johannesburg, we accept medical aid for all surgical procedures done under general anaesthetic and claim directly from your medical aid for you.
What does medical aid usually cover?
Cover varies between schemes and plan options, but in general:
| Procedure | How it’s often covered |
|---|---|
| Simple extraction in the chair | Day-to-day benefits or savings, if your plan includes dental cover |
| Surgical removal under general anaesthetic | Often from hospital or major medical benefits, with pre-authorisation |
| Anaesthetist’s fees | Usually claimed separately, sometimes at the scheme’s rate |
| X-rays and consultation | Day-to-day benefits or savings |
Some plans add a co-payment for dental procedures done in hospital or a day clinic, and some only cover impacted teeth or patients under a certain age. Always check your own plan.
Melrose Advanced Dentistry in partnership with the Centre of Advanced Medicine aim to reduce the copayment and often completely waive the hospital copayment fee for general anaesthetic procedures.
How to get your wisdom teeth removal covered: step by step
- Book an assessment. We examine your teeth and take an X-ray to confirm whether removal is needed and how complex it is.
- Get your quote. We give you a quote with the procedure and diagnosis codes your medical aid needs.
- Apply for pre-authorisation. Most schemes require this before surgery under general anaesthetic. Without it, your claim may be reduced or declined.
- Ask about co-payments. Check whether your plan charges a co-payment for in-hospital dental work, and whether any fees exceed the scheme rate.
- Have your procedure. We claim directly from your medical aid, so you don’t have to submit the claim yourself.
Questions to ask your medical aid
- Is surgical removal of wisdom teeth covered on my plan, and from which benefit?
- Do I need pre-authorisation, and how long does it take?
- Is there a co-payment for dental procedures under general anaesthetic?
- Will the anaesthetist’s fees be paid in full?
- Does my gap cover pay any shortfall?
Why patients choose Melrose Advanced Dentistry
- Medical aid accepted for all surgical procedures done under general anaesthetic
- Direct claims to your medical aid for all surgical and implant procedures
- In-house sedation, so you can stay relaxed if you’d rather not be fully asleep
- Help with paperwork, including the codes needed for pre-authorisation
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to pay anything myself? Possibly. Depending on your plan, there may be a co-payment or a shortfall if fees exceed the scheme rate. We’ll explain the expected costs before treatment.
Does medical aid cover wisdom teeth removal without general anaesthetic? Often yes, from day-to-day or savings benefits, if your plan includes dental cover.
What if I don’t have medical aid? We’ll give you a clear quote upfront. In-house sedation is available whether or not you have medical aid. cost range from R2000 to R3000 per tooth.
How long does pre-authorisation take? It varies by scheme, from the same day to several days, so apply as soon as you have your quote.
Want help with your medical aid claim? Book a wisdom teeth assessment at Melrose Advanced Dentistry in Melrose, Johannesburg: call 072 200 1774 or visit advanced-dentistry.co.za.