What the nib First Choice network is and how it can save you money

nib First Choice can help you find local health providers

06 August 2023 2 minute read

A dentist performs a check up on a patient

If you’ve decided it’s time to visit a local dentist, opens in a new tab for a check-up, you’re thinking you may need glasses, opens in a new tab, or a trip to the physio, opens in a new tab is on the cards, it can be tricky to work out which provider is going to be the best option for you or your family.

Because it’s often not just about where they’re located, but also about their reputation and track record, opening hours and available appointments and whether they’ll charge you extra fees.

That’s why we created the nib First Choice network, opens in a new tab.

What is the nib First Choice network?

The First Choice network is our community of dental practitioners, physiotherapists and optical stores, who have promised they will deliver quality care at agreed rates.²

A woman pouring over documents and laptop on her living room floor

How does it work?

As an nib member you can choose to see the physio, dentist or optical provider of your choice, but by choosing an nib First Choice provider it simply means you could pay less.

Dentists and physiotherapists who are part of our network have agreed to charge fees which are generally below what may be charged to private health insurance patients, with the same great level of care. We have also partnered with well-known optical stores to provide exclusive no gap and discounted optical packages for our members. Plus, you can enjoy other exciting sales available to nib members throughout the year.

It’s as simple as that.

nib First Choice dental, physiotherapy and optical

Don’t forget, as an nib member you can receive:

No Gap check-ups at any nib Dental Care Centre, opens in a new tab^. If you can’t find an nib Dental Care Centre near you, visit a dentist from our First Choice network to access our agreed rates. Visit Find a Provider, opens in a new tab to find a participating local dentist near you.
No Gap initial consultations and access to our agreed rates when you visit a First Choice network physiotherapist, opens in a new tab⁺. Visit Find a Provider, opens in a new tab to find a physiotherapy partner near you.
Simply show your nib card at any of our First Choice Optical provider stores, opens in a new tab to access discounts, or if you have an nib Extras cover with remaining limits, you can also benefit from our No Gap offers* Visit the nib First Choice Optical, opens in a new tab network for local optometrists across the country who have promised to deliver quality care at agreed rates.

Waiting periods, annual limits and other conditions may apply - so it’s a good idea to check your level of cover and remaining limits before you go. Call us on 13 14 63 or head to your Member Account, opens in a new tab.

²nib First Choice providers offer competitive fees for many commonly claimed treatments and consultations. These fees are reviewed at least annually and are subject to change. Always check nib.com.au/find-a-provider, opens in a new tab or the nib App before booking to see if your provider participates or simply ask your provider if they are part of nib’s network at the time of booking. Providers occasionally leave the nib First Choice network so it’s important to check before booking to avoid disappointment. Annual limits, waiting periods & T&Cs apply. 

^Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. The dental check-up covers an examination (011, 012, 013), scale and clean (114) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride treatment (121) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. The No Gap offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash and is only available with dentists who have a preferred provider agreement with nib.

+100% refers to 100% of the First Choice agreed rate. This No Gap offer is only available for an in-person initial consultation (item 500) which refers to the first session provided by the practitioner in respect of an injury, or the first session in a new episode of care for the same injury. This excludes follow-up consultations, long consultations, telehealth consultations and group classes. Payment by nib of physio benefits is subject to waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. nib Fund Rules and Policy booklet terms apply. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. It cannot be substituted or redeemed for cash.

*Claiming optical benefits from nib is subject to your chosen level of Extras cover, relevant waiting periods being served, and sufficient annual limits remaining. Benefits only payable on prescription Optical Appliances. nib Fund Rules and Policy booklet terms apply. Check your cover in your Member Account, opens in a new tab, by calling 13 16 42, opens in a new tab or +61 2 9692 4300 (outside Australia), opens in a new tab, or in store with your nib membership card.