[BkyMonster]

What are average costs for eye exams and dental exams? I've seen a fair amount on dental work in NZ, but not routine exams...

I found a deal for a local optometrist to do exam + selected frames and stock single vision lenses for $295. Is this pretty standard or a good deal? (I tend to need a new prescription every year or so, though OH is on the same prescription from 4-5 years ago. He could probably go for a new set of frames and lenses though, which means an exam probably) I was maybe planning on getting lenses/frames online as they can be expensive (200-600USD+) in the US, and I'd assumed that they were similarly costly in NZ.


Also is there a medical insurance you can get that covers optical and dental without a bunch of other stuff?
I had a look at Southern Cross and they have a module for it, but only if you sign up for diagnostic and surgery cover...and really going to the doctor at the MA's request these past 6 months is a lot more than I normally do. I just can't see that we'd need that level of cover (140/month or so for 2 people) just for dental/optical cover.:uhoh

[beanbeanz]

Recently visited the dentist in Chch.

Routine cleaning and exam was $130 (included two bitewing x-rays)
A cleaning without x-rays would've been $90

One thing that struck me by surprise was that the cleaning was done by the dentist, not the hygienist.

[God-Man]

Hmm, this is a surprise. I was under the impression that most medical costs were paid for by the government. Maybe that includes only General Practitioners, and very "standard" medical stuff? (like sore throat checkups, x-rays, blood-work, etc?)

[BkyMonster]

Medical yes, optical and dental are not medical ;)
Still the costs are about what I used to pay in the US with insurance so not much complaining here.

[James 1077]

Hmm, this is a surprise. I was under the impression that most medical costs were paid for by the government. Maybe that includes only General Practitioners, and very "standard" medical stuff? (like sore throat checkups, x-rays, blood-work, etc?)

GPs are subsidised but not free.

What is free is pretty much anything that needs non-elective hospital treatment or if a GP refers you to a specialist.

Normal optical (ie eye test / glasses) aren't subsidised but if, for example, you needed cataracts removed then this would be classed as surgery and so will be free.

Dental treatment, similarly, is not free (as it is elective - you make the choice to go and see a dentist (I haven't been for 4 years; and didn't go before then for 6 years - both times just for check-ups as I didn't need a clean)).

If you have some sort of an accident in New Zealand then some of these costs will be covered by ACC - my son, for example, had an accident where one of his milk teeth got pushed back into his mouth a little. If it affects his adult teeth then he'll be able to get orthodontic work done to straighten them out on ACC.

[Wooly_Cow]

I posted previously but Marram do very reasonable Health cover which cover optical (to a limit) and orthodontics, and Oral surgery costs.

Here's the link. http://www.marram.co.nz/health/benefits.aspx

[God-Man]

GPs are subsidised but not free.

What is free is pretty much anything that needs non-elective hospital treatment or if a GP refers you to a specialist.
Ah, ok, I got it. :) Thanks for the clarification. And now back to the thread. :)

[RJLink]

I may have to change dentists. I paid NZD$165 for just a cleaning (in Wellington). I felt I got top-of-the-line service, but that price seems way out of whack. Am I wrong?

[God-Man]

Heh, here in America I see a "rich dentist" (right in the middle of the local huge mansion district) and the prices are equally insane, but they just do such a better/less-painful job than the more run-down dental sweatshops, that it's almost worth the extra dough.