Health Insurance - Split Hospital and Extras cover between 2 providers?

axloz on 03/07/2018 - 13:07

Hi all, I'm still considering which Health Insurer to go with after the BUPA changes have completely neutered my current policy. I'm liking two providers at the moment, similar premium price but different levels of coverage - one has preferable Hospital coverage, the other has preferable extras coverage.
So my question for you guys is - has anyone here taken out separate policies with 2 different providers; 1 for hospital, 1 for extras? If so, were there any complications or issues in doing so?

The two providers I'm looking at don't offer any incentives to take out both Hospital AND extras, and can offer both components separately, so price-wise it stacks up..

Some background info: I'm late 30's, taking out cover just for myself, Tier 1 rebate, and looking at a basic/value level hospital policy, with a 1 above basic/value extras policy. My main concern is dental work that I can forsee being required in the next few years potentially being expensive, and I enjoy maintaining 6 monthly hygienist appointments and cleanings.

Health & Beauty Health Insurance Insurance

Comments

  • shockme79 on 03/07/2018 - 13:42
    +1

    I just did some research prior to switching funds (from BUPA) a few weeks ago, and found AHM & GMHBA had the best value extras.

    GMHBA Silver Extras is great value. From memory they allocate $1,500 towards dental..

    AHM Boost Flexi allocates $800 + $200 optical - what I liked about AHM is that the $800 is flexible so you can use it any way you like, dentist, chiro..etc Also, they provide gap free dental at any Pacific Smiles Dental which is handy for your 6 month appointments.

    I looked at the option of splitting hospital & extras between funds, but ended up going with AHM for both.

    • CheapSticks on 03/07/2018 - 16:17

      What was the issue you had with BUPA that you switched? I am with BUPA Corporate cover that is still cheaper than other options avlble. So trying to understand the shortcomings.

      • axloz on 03/07/2018 - 16:24
        +2

        I can chime in here - they essentially cut a LOT of coverage out of most of their lower and mid tier policies, and upped the premiums. They were also a little sneaky in communicating this to customers. Many of us are leaving them on principle.
        Every year they seem to take something out and make me pay more for the shrunken policy. Enough is enough. Especially when they can afford to spend loads on advertising and promotions - but I'm digressing now..

        • CheapSticks on 03/07/2018 - 19:53

          Thanks. Agree with promotion thing - i was so surprised they are offering up to $1000 for first time joiners. I called them as existing members hv been with them for 5yrs - he offered me 3 weeks free cover.

          Time for me to compare and shop around.

  • FirstWizard on 03/07/2018 - 15:17
    +1

    I'm with AHM at the moment. Have been using Pacific Smiles Dental to get gap-free checkups for the last two years.

    At my recent visit though, the lady at the payment desk told me that they are gap-free for any insurance. not just AHM.

    https://www.pacificsmilesdental.com.au/special-offers/no-gap…

  • onevstheworld on 03/07/2018 - 22:36

    Should be OK to do what you describe. I was in that situation for a few years and used both policies without issue.

    • axloz on 04/07/2018 - 13:10

      Thanks for this. I'm thinking it'll just be a case of carrying 2 cards - only 1 is for hospital (which I hopefully won't need to use!)

  • [Deactivated] on 05/07/2018 - 08:49

    Just drop the extras and self insure. We put that money in a seperate bank account and pay for what we need. Got sick of getting stuff all back on things like physio and screwed for all the extras on glasses that are supposed to be free.

    • axloz on 05/07/2018 - 13:49

      yeah I've been contemplating this, however the extras premium is really not much, its the hospital cover that costs the most..
      I've nearly got my value out of current health cover for this year after some physio and dental work - both of which were unexpected. The way I see it, if I get all of my premium back in value each year then the insurance has paid for itself. I can foresee some more serious dental work being required in the next few years so its time to find an insurer that has better cover. Also (as mentioned above) BUPA's hospital cover has just been castrated so I may as well get better coverage for the same premium here also - just in case.

  • CheapSticks on 05/07/2018 - 09:32

    In relation to Hospital cover, i hv got BUPA Corporate medium level of cover with heart/cancer etc covered. Not covered for knee/hip replacement. Someone suggested to me that you need dont heart cover as if that sort of situation happen you wud anyhow go to public hospital and given it will be emergency you will be seen and no waitlist situation.

    As such he said basically for things where there is waitlist or may be considered not life threatening - need hospital insurance.

    What are the thoughts on above? Is it advisable to drop to a lower level of cover . thanks

    • onevstheworld on 05/07/2018 - 09:50

      True to a certain extent.

      However a good deal of heart surgery is not emergency. So there will be a wishlist but AFAIK the wait would not be too long… matter of days to weeks, compared to the months to years you may wait for less serious issues like joint replacements. And if your condition unexpectedly worsens, you'll be brought forward. Same applies to cancer.

      Also need to consider if choosing your own surgeon and recovering in a single room (instead of sharing with 3+ strangers) is important to you.

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