Understanding Health Insurance Extras Cover
Maximizing Your Health Benefits
Hello Mums! Health insurance can be confusing, especially when it comes to extras cover. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand and make the most of it.
What is Extras Cover?
Extras cover, also known as ancillary cover, is an optional part of health insurance that covers services not included in hospital cover. These services can include dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more.
Why Extras Cover is Important
Comprehensive Care: Extras cover helps you manage out-of-hospital health costs, providing more comprehensive healthcare.
Cost Savings: It can save you money on regular health services that aren’t covered by Medicare.
Types of Services Covered
Dental: Includes general dental (check-ups, cleanings, fillings) and major dental (crowns, dentures, orthodontics).
Optical: Covers eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
Physiotherapy: Covers treatments to help with injuries, chronic pain, and rehabilitation.
Chiropractic: Covers spinal adjustments and related treatments.
Natural Therapies: Includes services like acupuncture, naturopathy, and remedial massage.
Other Services: Can also cover podiatry, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
Choosing the Right Extras Cover
Assess Your Needs: Consider your family’s health needs. Do you need regular dental check-ups? Does someone in your family wear glasses? Tailor your extras cover to these needs.
Compare Policies: Use comparison websites to compare different extras cover policies. Look at what services are covered, the limits, and the cost.
Check Limits and Waiting Periods: Each service has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount you can claim in a year. Also, be aware of waiting periods, which is the time you need to wait after taking out the policy before you can claim certain services.
Maximizing Your Extras Cover
Use Preventative Services: Take advantage of preventative services like dental check-ups and health screenings. They can prevent more serious issues down the line.
Plan Your Claims: Schedule your appointments and purchases to maximize your annual limits. For example, get a new pair of glasses before the end of the year if you haven’t reached your optical limit.
Track Your Claims: Keep track of your claims and how much of your limits you’ve used. This helps you plan your health expenses better.
Understanding Your Policy
Read the Fine Print: Understand what is and isn’t covered by your extras policy. Be aware of any exclusions or restrictions.
Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about any part of your policy, contact your health insurer for clarification. It’s better to ask than to be surprised by unexpected costs.
Key Points to Remember
Extras Cover: Provides coverage for out-of-hospital services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
Assess and Compare: Choose a policy based on your family’s needs and compare options.
Maximize Benefits: Use preventative services, plan your claims, and track your limits.
Understanding and making the most of your extras cover can save you money and ensure your family gets the healthcare they need. Stay healthy, mums!
