A Guide to Claiming Money Back on Eligible Dental and Optical Treatments

If your private health insurance includes a dental and optical cashback module, you may be able to claim money back on routine treatments like eye tests, prescription glasses, dental check-ups, and more—up to the limits set in your policy.

This guide explains what the dental and optical cashback module is, what it typically covers, how the process works, and how to submit a claim with your insurer—helping you better understand and make the most of your private medical insurance.

What Is the Dental and Optical Cashback Module?

Some private health insurance policies offer a dental and optical cashback option that you can add to your cover. It’s an optional extra that helps you claim money back on everyday treatments, up to the limits in your policy. These might include things like:

• Eye tests

• Changes to prescription glasses or contact lenses

• Dental check-ups and hygienist visits

• Fillings, crowns, and other routine dental work

  
  

If you’ve added this module to your policy, what’s covered—and how much you can claim—depends on the specific terms of your insurer. If you’re unsure whether this benefit is included, or want to understand the limits with a particular provider, it’s best to check directly with your insurer or speak to a regulated insurance broker.

How to Check If a Treatment Is Covered

You can usually find details about what’s covered in your policy documents, which are often included in your welcome pack or available through your member portal (where applicable). If you’d prefer to speak to someone, you can contact your insurer’s claims team, who can help confirm whether a specific treatment is eligible.

If you’re not sure whether a specific treatment is covered by your policy, it’s always a good idea to check before going ahead—just to avoid any surprises when you come to make a claim. You can also reach out to your broker or adviser if you need extra help.

How the Claim Process Works

If your treatment is covered, here’s how the claims process usually works:

1. Pay upfront for the treatment at a registered dentist or optician based in the UK.

   
   

2. Request an itemised receipt that clearly lists the treatments received along with their associated costs.

3. Submit your claim using your insurer's preferred method (see the next section for details).

How to Submit Your Claim

There are typically two ways to submit your claim, depending on your insurer’s process:

1. Online Member Portal: Many insurers allow you to upload your itemised receipt directly through their member portal. After logging in, navigate to the “claims” section and follow the instructions provided to submit your claim.

   
   

2. Email: Alternatively, you can email your itemised receipt to the insurer's claims team. Be sure to include your member number and policy number in the subject line to help with quicker processing.

   
   

It’s important to always check your insurer’s specific process, as the requirements may vary between providers.

What Happens Next?

After submitting your claim, your insurer will assess it based on your policy’s terms. If your claim is accepted, reimbursement is typically paid into your nominated bank account. While processing times can vary, it often takes up to 10 working days.

It’s important to note that some policies may include an excess (a fixed amount you must pay yourself) or may reimburse only a percentage of the total cost rather than the full amount. For specific details about your insurer’s coverage, refer to your policy documents or contact a regulated broker.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about the claims process or need help accessing your insurer’s portal, it’s best to contact the insurer directly. Their customer service or claims team can walk you through the steps and answer any relevant questions. If you’re not sure who to contact, a broker should be able to point you in the right direction.

In Summary

The dental and optical cashback module can be a helpful way to manage everyday health costs. Most insurers that offer this benefit have a straightforward claims process, and eligible treatments are usually reimbursed in a timely manner, up to the agreed limits. If this module is included in your policy and you visit the dentist or optician regularly, it’s worth reviewing your cover to understand how you can make the most of the benefit.

Disclaimers:

Disclaimer 1: The information provided in this article is accurate as of April 13, 2025. However, all details are subject to change in the future based on updates to insurer terms, market conditions, or regulatory changes. For the most up-to-date information, please contact a broker or your insurer directly.

Disclaimer 2: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as specific advice for any individual insurer or policy. For details regarding your specific policy, always refer to your insurer’s policy documents or contact a broker or your insurer directly for personalised assistance.