Do you want dental with that? A closer look at health insurance Extras
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We are all a little different. And health insurance policies are different too, from the level of Hospital cover you can choose to all the Extras you can add on. Speaking of those Extras, they’re those treatments that are generally not covered by Medicare, like dental, optical and physio. So whether you live a sporty lifestyle and are taking charge of your preventative health, want to keep your smile bright and popping for Insta, or just want to sit back with your peace of mind – whatever the reason – Extras could be a great way to get on top of your health. Here, we take a closer look at health insurance Extras.
Types of Extras
Just like you choose your level of Hospital cover, you can choose your Extras, too. But, heads up: extras come in packages. You can choose between packages that bundle together the most common basics, a handy mix in the middle, and a more comprehensive suite – or what your burger shop might call “the lot”.
Matching an extras package to your lifestyle and future
One of the handy things about Extras is in how they differ to Hospital cover. While Hospital cover can help you when you need it, you can think about Extras more as a part of your everyday life (and you can plan out your Extras to suit your lifestyle).
Firstly, think about the type of Extras you might need to use…
Are you a sporty type? You might want to think about physiotherapy.
A big reader or simply in need of ongoing eye care? Optical is probably a must-have.
Do you spend a lot of time on your feet at work? You might consider podiatry.
Is your work particularly physical? Massage and chiro could be a good call for you.
Care about your smile? Well, make sure you check out your options for dental.
Or do you just want to have peace of mind that you are covered for these common services should the unexpected happen?
Secondly, consider what kind of package works for you…
Typically, the essentials cover the most common things: optical, dental and physio. Great for basic, general health. Everyday cover usually includes the basics but adds preventative treatments (like bowel screening or bone density testing, for example), and some might include orthodontics and podiatry. Then there are the premium extras packages, which typically get you more money back on your upfront costs on a bunch of the above treatments plus add specialist things like orthotics and pre- and post-natal care.
What it boils down to is first deciding if Extras can add value to your lifestyle, then choosing the right Extras to suit, so you can keep living it to the fullest.
How do Extras work?
Extras sound pretty good, right? If you’re looking to access additional health services on top of Hospital cover, it could be a no-brainer to check them out. But, you might be wondering how it all works?
Basically, your Extras cover will pay back to you a percentage of the cost of the service. Have a think about how many visits per year you make to the dentist, optometrist, physiotherapist and chiropractor (among others). Add them all up and work out what you could save if you received a portion of money back each visit. Keep in mind that all Extras have a limit on how much you can claim per year, and there are waiting periods, so factor these things in to your budget and your needs.
The information is current as at publication.
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