One of the best things about going on a holiday is flashing those pearly whites on camera! Whether it’s a food selfie or a face selfie there are so many great things about your teeth that is easily taken for granted when travelling. There are all kinds of things that can occur when you travel but there are few pain points that surpass the feeling of a broken tooth, filling loss or needing emergency root canal treatment. This pain is not only unbearable but can grind your travel plans to a halt.

Does travel insurance cover emergency dental?

When it comes to emergency dental in travel insurance, each insurer may have different policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions so it is important to review the insurers Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to determine if the policy is right for you.

What does overseas emergency dental travel insurance cover?

At Fast Cover, the Overseas Emergency Dental benefit is available to provide cover for unexpected dental expenses while you are overseas. This benefit provides cover for the cost of overseas emergency dental treatment for dental costs incurred during your trip, in which the treating dentist certifies in writing is for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms, conditions and exclusions and the Certificate of Insurance.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.

How much am I covered for under the overseas emergency dental benefit?

Our Overseas Emergency Dental benefit has set limits to which we can cover you up to the limits in the table below: 

There is a no excess for claims made under this benefit, regardless of the excess amount shown on your certificate of insurance. 

Please note that the Overseas Emergency Dental benefit is not available on Domestic Plus policies.

What is not covered under the overseas emergency dental benefit?

 Our Overseas Emergency Dental benefit does not cover you for all dental procedures that you may need during your trip overseas. We are not able to provide cover in the following circumstances: 

• For planned medical procedures, cosmetic treatments, or other non-emergency medical treatments or for any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatments. 

• For damage to dental prostheses, bridges or crowns. 

• For dental treatment involving the use of precious metals. 

• For any costs after 2 weeks of treatment by a dentist unless approved by us. 

• For any costs incurred in Australia. 

• For routine dental check-ups. 

• For more than the applicable limits set out in the benefit summary above. 

Please also read General Exclusions that apply to all benefits in our PDS.

What does sound and natural teeth mean?

At Fast Cover, we define “Sound and natural teeth” as “whole or properly restored teeth with fillings only, where there is no other impairment to the teeth or periodontal disease” in our PDS.

What can go wrong with your natural teeth?

Dental emergencies can pop up at any time during your trip. Some examples of dental emergencies that may require emergency dental treatment to sound and natural teeth include fillings becoming loose because you’ve bitten into something hard or having a tooth infection. You can submit a claim, and cover under the policy will be assessed depending on the circumstances.

Am I covered for cosmetic or routine dental procedures?

Though many customers choose to travel overseas to Europe or Asia for elective cosmetic and routine dental procedures; should anything go wrong with the procedure the Overseas Emergency Dental benefit of the Fast Cover policy does not provide cover for planned medical procedures, cosmetic treatments, or other non-emergency medical treatments or for any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatments.

What should I do if I need to submit a claim under overseas emergency dental?

If you have a dental emergency overseas, you can submit a claim and cover under the Overseas Emergency Dental benefit will be assessed depending on the circumstances on a case by case basis. Make sure that you get the documentation from the dentist confirming the work that has been done and also the receipt for payment of their services. 

If you are unsure, call Fast Cover directly, or if you are overseas, you can call our Emergency Assistance Team for assistance relating to your dental condition or if you need directions to the nearest or most suitable dentist.

Do you have a dental checklist ready for your trip?

There are a few preventative measures you can take to elevate some of your dental worries while you are travelling overseas. Please note any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs.

Visit your dentist before your trip

Make sure you visit your dentist well BEFORE you leave for your trip. This is to give yourself plenty of time if there are any concerns that need addressing. This will also help if you need any prescriptions for your dental condition. If you have dentures, implants, crowns, bridges or any other orthodontic devices, it would be a good idea to get them structurally checked to make sure they are not deteriorating! This can save you thousands of dollars if you are caught up with a dental emergency while you are travelling.

Consider the activities you will be doing

Be mindful of what you will be doing when you travel. If you know you will be doing extreme sports or any other risky activities, make sure you are also taking into account any dental injuries that might occur due to these activities. Being mindful of the possible impacts your activities may have on your teeth is research worth looking into. You should also check whether the activities you are participating in are covered by your policy. If the activity is not covered and you experience a dental emergency as a result of the activity, your claim may be denied.

Research your destination

Be country-specific when you research your travel insurance options. Water is scarce in some areas of the world and not worth digesting due to pollution. Always buy bottled water if possible or if not, make sure you boil (at least 1 - 3 minutes) with water. To clean your toothbrush, we suggest soaking it in a cup of boiling water with some added salt to it. This can help with avoiding any nasty infections and costly dental bills that can occur from polluted water.