Finance

Dental implant finance Australia 2026: payment plans, monthly costs, and the abroad alternative

How Australian dental implant finance works, typical monthly payments for 1–3 implants, interest rates after the 0% period, and how the total financed cost compares with a trip to Picasso Dental Clinic Vietnam.

Australian private dental implant finance is available from most private practices, typically on 0% terms for 12–24 months through providers like DentiCare or Zip Money Health. A single Straumann implant at AUD 6,000–AUD 7,000 costs approximately AUD 250–292 per month over 24 months. Patients financing two or more implants often find the total trip cost to Vietnam compares favourably with the financed Australian total — without ongoing monthly payments.

Monthly payment comparison — Australian finance vs Vietnam all-in

ScenarioAU private total (AUD)0% finance 24 months (AUD/month)Picasso Vietnam all-in (AUD)
1 Osstem implantAUD 4,500 – AUD 6,000AUD 188 – AUD 250AUD 3,815 – AUD 4,615
1 Nobel/Straumann implantAUD 6,000 – AUD 7,500AUD 250 – AUD 313AUD 4,945 – AUD 5,745
2 Osstem implantsAUD 9,000 – AUD 12,000AUD 375 – AUD 500AUD 5,230 – AUD 6,030
3 Osstem implantsAUD 13,500 – AUD 18,000AUD 563 – AUD 750AUD 6,645 – AUD 7,845
3 Nobel/Straumann implantsAUD 18,000 – AUD 22,500AUD 750 – AUD 938AUD 10,035 – AUD 11,235

Vietnam all-in estimate: Picasso implant price + Zoom whitening (if included) + return economy SYD–HCMC AUD 900 + 10 nights accommodation AUD 1,400–2,000.

The break-even point

For implants, the break-even point — where Vietnam total equals Australian total — is typically at two to three Osstem implants, or one Nobel Biocare implant. Beyond two implants, Vietnam consistently produces lower total costs even with flights and accommodation.

How to compare fairly

When comparing Australian finance to Vietnam, include in the Australian total:

  • Implant fixture + abutment + crown (often separately quoted)
  • Any CBCT scan fee (typically AUD 250–500 at specialist practices)
  • Any bone graft fee if required (AUD 1,000–3,000)
  • The interest cost if you cannot clear the balance in the 0% period

When calculating Vietnam total:

  • Picasso implant combo price (fixture + abutment + crown)
  • CBCT at Picasso (AUD 33 — included in most planning appointments)
  • Bone graft at Picasso if required (AUD 441–1,655)
  • Return flights from your Australian city
  • Accommodation for 10–14 days

Private health fund note

Submit your Picasso written quote to your health fund before travelling. Some funds reimburse the crown component even for overseas treatment — check item codes 628, 643 with your fund claims team. Keep the Picasso itemised invoice for any claim.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get finance for dental implants in Australia?

Yes. Most private implant practices offer payment plans through providers such as DentiCare, TLC, Zip Money Health, or Afterpay Health. 0% interest periods of 12–24 months are common. After the interest-free period, rates of 19–29% APR apply.

Does private health insurance cover implants?

Rarely in full. Some Australian private health extras funds cover the crown component (item code 628 or 643) — typically AUD 200–600 rebate. The implant fixture itself (item code 684) is excluded from most extras policies. Check your fund before assuming coverage.

Is it cheaper to finance in Australia or pay cash in Vietnam?

For most patients needing two or more implants, paying cash at Picasso Vietnam is cheaper than the financed Australian total including flights and accommodation. Three Osstem implants at Picasso: AUD 4,245. Three Nobel Biocare implants at Picasso: AUD 7,635. Both totals compare favourably with Australian finance for the same number of implants.

What is the interest rate on dental implant finance in Australia?

The 0% rate applies only during the interest-free promotional period. After that: Zip Money typically 19.9% APR; medical credit cards 19–29% APR; in-house plans vary. Patients who do not clear the balance during the 0% period pay significantly more than the original quote.