MBF Health Insurance Hate

I've been a member of MBF health insurance for over 15 years (since the government made it pseudo compulsory for earners).  Today I saw my dental specialist again to pick up a plate similar to braces that I need to wear (when noone's watching).  It's not a cosmetic nice to have, it's something I need and I've been acting as advised by my doctor and 2 dental specialists.  It cost $1900 and they assured me it's covered on health insurance.  So in the Specialists surgery when the receptionist put it into Hicaps (online claim system) to see what amount my health insurer, MBF, will reimburse me I felt that moment of anticipation at a lottery, because one never knows how much MBF will cover.  Last time it was 20% of a $500 bill, which isn't much seeing I pay them over $100 per month and very rarely make claims.  This time she put in the amount of $1900, and it returned .....  $0.  Yep.  We were stunned.   There goes my Christmas.....

So I rang MBF and they told me that what I've had fitted by a dental specialist, made by acrylic molded for my teeth is not a dental item at all, it's a 'health management machinery' item.  I explained the inappropriateness of this and then cancelled my account.

I've since spoken with my medical sister-in-law about it and she's advised NIB are much better, so at lunchtime today I'm registering with them.  Just spoke with mum who said i've been rash as I now won't be able to have the surgery until a 'wait period' is over (usually twelve months).  But I'm so disgusted at the fine print machiavellations of MBF that I'll risk twelve months before I have it.  Meanwhile my health will suffer.

According to MBF this acrylic plate to be worn over my teeth is 'health management machinery' not a dental item.  Merry Christmas ho ho ho:

UPDATE: I am now with NIB, who cover orthodontics.....