DownUnderPaddy

Definately worth looking into that. Although $5,000 for braces for a kid here is about the norm (some would say that's a bargain !), most places will offer a payment plan. Quite unusual to be asked to pay fully up front I would think.

Siren & Brian

I was surprised they wanted all up front. One that I have been to and talking to friends have all said pay as you go. We had to pay $800 upfront which I am gathering is the cost of the braces or such so the dentist isnt out of pocket and the rest is follow up treatments which we paid equally shared over 18 months, which doesnt hurt...................much.

quoll

There are tax advantages to paying up front - it will take you over the limit for medical expenses and you can claim not only that amount but any other medical expenses you have incurred over the years as a medical rebate when you do your tax return. They usually give you a discount for an up front payment as well if you can afford it.

ABCDiamond

With the Net medical expenses tax offset, you only get 20% back, of what you spend in each year, that exceeds the threshold (currently $1,500).


From some posts on here, it sounds like things have changed in the UK, with only a few people lucky enough to get braces on the NHS, and the private costs being not much different to Australian costs for them.

Everyone does know that the highest paying jobs in Australia are Dentists don't they ?