Health Insurance and Extras Cover during COVID Lockdowns

irajohn90 on 15/08/2021 - 23:30
Last edited 15/08/2021 - 23:30

NSW has been in lockdown for the past 2 months with no end insight. Since the start of restrictions, accessing extra's services has been very limited due to COVID restrictions, so has anyone considered suspending or cancelling their extra's cover temporary to save money? Not including hospital cover as not everyone would be in the position to suspend or cancel their hospital cover because of MLS, LHC or other reasons.

I can't dispute that we're paying money for no service here as some extra's services are available for urgent needs, but it does appear that most of us are paying our normal premiums for limited services and if this extends out to December, we could be paying 6 months for very little! Obviously the downside for cancelling extra's services is that you would have to serve waiting periods again, but with most health insurers offering waivers for 2-6 month waiting periods you could pretty much sign back on and claim straight away! This would depending on your circumstances and not everyone would be in the same boat.

Something I've noticed is that AIA is providing a program that allows their customers to get up to 100% of the extra's premium back - https://www.aia.com.au/en/individual/health-insurance/member…
There are some conditions around it, but for some this could be beneficial.

Would love to hear other opinions?

Financial Health Insurance Insurance

Comments

  • Jayblesz on 15/08/2021 - 23:34
    +1

    Yep, I'm waiting until after the pandemic to purchase private health insurance again.

  • avoidfullprice on 16/08/2021 - 00:29

    My previous one offered suspension due to COVID last year, but when I enquire further they would consider any suspension as due to hardship and will forfeit any waiting period served.

    So yeah.

  • Unorthodox on 16/08/2021 - 01:17
    +1

    During last year's VIC extended lockdown I wasn't able to get any type of refund or benefit besides them offering to roll over unused limits to this year. Definitely not ideal given I was only about to fit in one dental visit.

    Wouldn't mind the rollovers having no expiry as I can't imagine people would go out of their way to use extras more often (given most have gaps) and most are discretionary uses.

    • GG57 on 16/08/2021 - 09:29
      +1

      It seems that most of the questions raised by people in NSW lockdown, were already discussed last year by Victorians in lockdown.

  • holdenmg on 16/08/2021 - 08:08
    +1

    It sound like a good idea.

    But my Extras includes Ambulance Cover, so I wouldn't want to not have that cover.

    If you still have Ambulance Cover independent of your Extras then sure look at it.

  • netjock on 16/08/2021 - 09:30

    Something I've noticed is that AIA is providing a program that allows their customers to get up to 100% of the extra's premium back

    Depends on what you need. Dental check up, glasses / contacts. Easy to get into the not get much back territory. I'm a customer. They used to be called myOwn which was much better. Now gone to AIA, prices have gone up and they have played around with the rewards program (for the worse obviously).

  • JimmyF on 16/08/2021 - 09:39
    +1

    Would love to hear other opinions?

    NSW can have the same deal VIC was offered last year……

  • selfishnarcissistman on 16/08/2021 - 09:46

    I stopped my average $40 a month top extras cover ,cant use massage,chiro etc in this pandemic and anyway apart from the free2 x teeth cleans a year i still had to pay for fillings etc ,wasnt worth it

    • GG57 on 16/08/2021 - 10:03

      Different states, different lockdown, but in Vic last year I was able to access Chiro twice during lockdown. The Chiro practice determined that it was necessary.

  • vinni9284 on 16/08/2021 - 11:13

    but it does appear that most of us are paying our normal premiums for limited services

    I think this is the new standard practice and is diminishing annually with price increases regardless of pandemic

  • Zippy135 on 16/08/2021 - 17:16

    Last year during lockdown in Vic, I was able to suspend my health insurance. As I have hospital and extra with different providers, 3 months for hospital and 6 months for extra. If I needed to access any benefits within that time, I could but it would cancel out the remainder of the freeze period.

  • plastererJazz on 21/08/2021 - 19:06

    3 factors determine if you should get private insurance

    1. do you actually need it? chronic or some sort of health issue
    2. do you pay a medical levy surcharge?
    3. are you over 30 yrs old and reaching 31 yr?

    We have to get one if yes to any of these because eventually, the fcking politicians and health insurance industry will take the money out of our pocket one way or the another.

    Fortunately, I recently reached out to my insurance provider and they can give a free month without suspension or cancellation because that will take the month out from MLS and LHC. and I could contact them again next month to decide if this free month thing can be extended.

    Regard

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