Navigating medical aid when seeking dental care in Harare can be complex. At Ciel Bleu Dental Group, we aim to make this process clear and transparent for our patients. This guide explains how medical aid is handled across our practices and what treatments are typically covered. Please note: this guide reflects the approach of Ciel Bleu Dental Group and may differ from policies at other independent dental providers in Zimbabwe.
Accepted Without Copayments
The following medical aid providers are accepted with no additional charge for standard procedures such as fillings, cleanings, and extractions:
- CIMAS (Commercial and Industrial Medical Aid Society)
- First Mutual Life (FML)
- Alliance (Alliance Health)
- FBC (First Banking Corporation Medical Aid)
- FBC Health (FBC Health Fund)
- MASCA (Medical Aid Society of Central Africa)
- FLIMAS (Fidelity Life Medical Aid Society)
Accepted After Verification
Coverage under these schemes is confirmed on a case-by-case basis:
- Maisha Health Fund
- Cigna Global Health Benefits
- Bonvie Medical Aid Scheme
- Generation Health (GenHealth)
- Cellmed Health Medical Fund
Accepted with Shortfall or Copayment
Some schemes require patients to pay a portion of the cost upfront:
- PSMAS (Public Service Medical Aid Society – Premium / Premier Packages)
- EMF (Engineers Medical Fund)
Under Review
We are actively engaging the following providers for potential partnerships:
- Emerald Health
- Ultramed Health Fund
- HMMAS (Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society)
Treatments Usually Covered
Most medical aid schemes cover:
- Fillings
- Root canal treatments
- Extractions
- Scaling and polishing
- Gingivectomy procedures
Specialised care such as orthodontics (braces), implants, and cosmetic dentistry often requires pre-authorization and may not be fully covered.
Pre-Authorization Process
For treatments requiring prior approval:
- Patient is clinically assessed.
- A treatment plan is submitted to the medical aid provider.
- Approval and cost allocation are awaited.
- Any shortfalls are communicated before treatment begins.
Tooth Replacement & Cosmetic Procedures
Procedures such as bridges, crowns, dentures, and orthodontics generally require pre-authorization and are most likely approved under premium or top-tier medical aid packages. Patients are advised to confirm eligibility with their scheme before committing to treatment.
- Not Covered: Denture repairs must be settled on a cash basis.
- Cosmetic & Lifestyle Treatments: Tooth whitening, veneers, dental aligners (Invisalign), implants, and snap-on teeth are not covered by most medical aids. These remain cash-only treatments, though reimbursement trends may change in the future. Flexible payment plans are available and can be arranged at the clinic.
Additional Policy Notes
As a private group practice, Ciel Bleu Dental Group reserves the right to:
- Accept or decline any medical aid provider.
- Charge shortfalls or copayments based on treatment complexity and reimbursement limitations.
Our approach is supported under:
- Health Professions Act [Chapter 27:19]:
“Subject to this Act, a registered member may practise his or her profession, and demand, sue for and recover in any competent court reasonable charges, fees or remuneration for professional services rendered.”
(Reference: Veritas Zimbabwe) - Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013), Section 66 – Freedom of Profession, Trade or Occupation:
“Every person has the right to freely choose and carry on any profession, trade or occupation, but the practice of a profession, trade or occupation may be regulated by law.”
(Reference: Zimlii) - Zimbabwean Common Law on freedom of contract.
Other practitioners may have different policies, even if working with the same schemes. Each dental provider operates independently and may apply different billing and reimbursement models.
Cash Options & Reimbursement
For patients whose medical aid is not accepted or does not fully cover treatment:
- A cash payment option is available.
- Patients receive completed claim forms and itemised receipts.
- These can be submitted directly to medical aids for possible reimbursement (not guaranteed).
Please note:
- Pre-authorization approvals must be acted upon within 90 days.
- The same treatment on the same tooth cannot be reimbursed by medical aid within a 6-month period, regardless of which clinic performed it.
- Orthodontic treatment approvals (braces) are more commonly granted to patients aged 13–22, though this is not a strict rule.
- If medical aids fail to reimburse within a reasonable timeframe, the clinic reserves the right to recover costs directly from the patient, as per signed treatment agreements.
This guide is intended to help patients understand how Ciel Bleu Dental Group currently works with medical aid. Our policies are reviewed regularly in line with changing trends, regulations, and patient needs.
