Looking for Advice. Private Health Insurance Extras

Lverona on 08/03/2023 - 18:29
Last edited 08/03/2023 - 19:09 by 1 other user

Hey all!

First time poster, long time lurker. Apologies in advanced if these are silly questions too.

I've never had private health insurance before and I don't have anyone to ask besides the ol' Google (and looking through forums), which I find a bit confusing myself when researching as I don't quite understand if I need ALL those other things listed when I've compared them on sites like (iSelect and etc).

I'm currently 27, earning $60k yearly on my own and haven't really had the need for it previously (usually they're out of pocket or on a payment plan), however due to medications/non-PBS meds getting pricier + Medicare not covering as much in my appointments, and the general gettin a bit older it seems like I may have to. I also have never owned/had a credit card before so I'm not sure if those give any benefits to things like this.

I'm mostly just after extras at this moment in time; things like Clinical Psychology, Pharma + non-pbs medication, General dental, Physio and Optical. The first two mentioned are the ones I definitely would like cover on and possibly the rest if it doesn't end up being pricier(?)

I do also pay for a yearly ambo membership in VIC. (no idea if that crosses over or if they process a refund or anything? I wasn't able to find anything on this)

Any advice or recommendations on plans/anything similar rather would be greatly appreciated!

Again, apologies if these are silly/obvious questions to ask. I just have no experience with this type of thing myself. Thank you :)

• 

  AustriaBargain on 08/03/2023 - 18:45

  +1

  For optical a lot of people find it easier to just get their prescription and order from Chinese websites for glasses.

  I pay BUPA like $55 a year for ambulance only cover, which excludes hospital to hospital transfers but that should be covered under medicare anyway afaik.

  • 

    verona on 08/03/2023 - 19:46

    Thank you!

    I hope this isn't a silly question too; Would I be able to do the free eye tests that are usually advertised and grab that information from them, then input into those websites?
    I'm well overdue for an appointment so I don't completely remember.

    • 

      AustriaBargain on 08/03/2023 - 19:51

      You sure can. You'll need the PD, the distance between pupils, for the full prescription. And when you ask for it the sales person will know you are going to buy from somewhere else, but don't let that stop you from getting it. Otherwise just hold a ruler up to your face and measure it yourself.

• 

  Benoffie on 08/03/2023 - 18:51

  +2

  Personally, I think extras are a waste, coerce you into making unnecessary purchases and don't give you enough back to compensate for the cost + gap (which you'd have to pay anyway in most instances).

  For your scenario, you are not compelled by either income or age to get PH. Looking at spend:

  • Psychology - can this be covered under the 10+ medicare scheme? or are we talking Psychiatry?
  • Meds are only covered by PH if non-PBS. You'll need to do the sums here - monthly non PBS med cost vs extras cost (and caps). Some have yearly caps of $3-500.
  • Are you claiming your medication safety net?
  • Dental - almost always as cheap or cheaper to either shop around or pay cash
  • Physio - same as dental. Ask for cash rates. Avoid chains/franchises
  • Optical - buy when needed, medicare funded check every 2 years, buy online (or use Automobile Association 25% discounts at Specsavers etc)

  Ambo cover is a no brainer imho. If you travel, ensure it's nation wide. No crossing over. Ambo cover > ambo service. Cover in PH > pays the bills when it comes (post ambo)

  I'm sure others can give more specific advice re hospital etc.

  • 

    AustriaBargain on 08/03/2023 - 19:17

    Shouldn't psychiatry be covered under medicare, as psychiatrists are medical doctors? Of course this isn't the case, but shouldn't it be under our health system?

    • 

      Benoffie on 08/03/2023 - 19:28

      Completely agree. But my recollection is, as a specialist, there are two pathways:

      • private (pay unless they agree to accept concessions)
      • public (and have to wait forever)

      Most GPs tend to refer private as seeing through the public system can take years.

      • 

        AustriaBargain on 08/03/2023 - 19:39

        -2

        Not only take years, but your public psychiatrist might be as incompetent as their health system they work for.

        Best case scenario for health is to be rich enough to pay for private healthcare imo.

  • 

    verona on 08/03/2023 - 19:42

    Thank you for all of that, its greatly appreciated!

    With the Psychology part I was mainly talking about Psychiatry as its $$$ monthly and the rebate seems to be less and less now unfortunately. Same goes with counselling services because of my ADHD/mental, so it's hard to find one that specialises in something that benefits me. I'm aware of the 10+ medicare scheme and have tried myself to really get that going but it's seemingly difficult I've found (even with the help of a few GP's, although I don't really think the ones I've been using have been any good to me).

    I also haven't heard of the medication safety net so I will need to do my research on that too!

    Appreciate the detailed reply for this :)

    • 

      Benoffie on 08/03/2023 - 21:38

      Ive found GPs can be a bit dopey when it comes to neurodiverse patients.

      Try seeking recommendations from others in similar situations (FB groups are very good for this). That way, when you go in for the MHCP appointment, you can ask for a specific referral.

      Good luck! 👍

• 

  Ocker on 08/03/2023 - 19:08

  To assess the value of extras insurance just do a calculation of your likely annual claims. After all, most, if not all extras items are predictable or voluntary. Add up the costs, then look at the annual premium for extras cover and the refunds you will receive.

• 

  lostgoat on 08/03/2023 - 19:48

  -3

  f you're considering purchasing private health insurance extras, here are a few tips that might be helpful:

  Evaluate your needs: Before purchasing private health insurance extras, it's important to assess your health and lifestyle needs. For example, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, you may want to consider a policy that covers optical services. If you're an active person, you may want to consider coverage for physiotherapy or chiropractic services.

  Compare policies: Once you have a good understanding of your needs, compare policies from different insurers to find the best match for you. Look at the benefits offered, the cost of the policy, and any exclusions or limitations.

  Check for waiting periods: Many private health insurance extras policies have waiting periods before you can make a claim. Make sure you're aware of the waiting periods for each benefit you're interested in and factor this into your decision-making process.

  Consider your budget: Private health insurance extras can be expensive, so it's important to consider your budget when choosing a policy. Look for policies that provide value for money and don't include benefits that you don't need.

  Understand the terms and conditions: It's important to read and understand the terms and conditions of any policy you're considering. Make sure you're aware of any exclusions or limitations and understand what is and isn't covered.

  Seek professional advice: If you're still unsure about which policy to choose, consider seeking professional advice from a financial advisor or insurance broker. They can provide expert advice on the best policies to suit your needs and budget.

  AI Answer I thought it was good :)

• 

  Sweet3st on 08/03/2023 - 21:56

  https://www.finder.com.au/health-insurance-for-psychology
  I'd do your sums though, you're young and probably won't need to claim much. That all changes when you get past middle age, I get good value from my Extras insurance now but had none for most of my life.
  And yes all Extras insurance should include ambulance cover.