How to make the most of your health insurance extras

Health is wealth, as the saying goes. And we all know that this is a fairly accurate statement because when we feel good, we feel on top of the world! Australians like you believe this too, which is why you value health insurance as a product worth considering. Your health insurance may prove very helpful when it comes managing your health and accessing healthcare services.

But did you know that health insurance offers more than hospital cover for when serious sickness or injuries strike? As important as health insurance is for the major obstacles life can throw your way, it can also be beneficial for those extras that can really make a difference to your overall health. Health cover extras can include dental work to keep your pearly whites at their best, eyeglasses upgrades for better vision, and remedial  massage and other physio remedies to keep your body feeling and moving at its best.

Health insurance extras explained

Extras are services usually provided outside of a hospital, for example acupuncture, remedial massage, optical, osteopathy, and physiotherapy, and can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses to keep you feeling your best. Since everyone has different needs when it comes to their health, different levels of extras are available to cater your specific needs. For example, Real Health Insurance offers four extras cover options, so you can choose a level of cover that suits your lifestyle. 

What’s included in extras cover?

This depends on the level of extras cover you have chosen as part of your health insurance. Extras can include:

• Preventative dental such as a scale and clean
• General dental such as a filling
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
• Remedial massage
• Osteopathy

Plus, so much more! It’s important to read the product information of the level of cover you have chosen to ensure you understand the amount you will receive when you claim and what your annual limits are.

How much is covered with extras cover?

The amount you can claim will vary depending on who you are insured with, the level of cover you have and what your annual limits are. 

Usually, with extras cover, you will most likely get a benefit per visit or service until you have used your capped yearly maximum.

With some services, you may only be able to claim every few years, for example, hearing aids may only allow you to claim every three years. A few services may only allow one claim, for example there may be a lifetime limit on orthodontics (e.g. braces). Then other services like eyeglasses upgrades can be claimed every year.

When do your extras benefits reset?

Most health insurance providers reset extras benefits every year, whether that’s at the start of the financial year (1 July) or the start of a calendar year (1 January). It’s always important to make a note of when your extras will reset, so that you can take full advantage of the benefits available for you before they expire.

Don’t skip your regular health check-ups

Regular health check-ups are a must for every Australian because they can help with early detection and prevention of serious illnesses and chronic conditions. It’s a good way to ensure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels are stable, you aren’t deficient in any vitamins or minerals, and your heart, kidney, liver and other organs are functioning as they should for your age. 

Your extras cover can come in handy when getting routine check-ups for your vision, hearing, and bone health, to name a few. Depending on the cover you have, you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs with your health cover.

Taking advantage of preventive services

There may also be preventative health services that you can take advantage of with your extras cover. These can include vaccinations and health screening for breast cancer, skin cancer, bowel cancer, bone density, and diabetes. 

Each insurer is slightly different, so be sure to do your research and read through your policy documents to understand what is or isn’t covered by your health insurance.

Utilising allied health services

Allied health services encompass a wide range of health care services provided by professionals who are not doctors, nurses, or dentists. These services include diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive care, and they play a significant role in supporting Australia’s overall health care system.

Allied health professionals include:

• Physiotherapists: Help patients recover from injuries and improve physical movement.
• Occupational therapists: Assist individuals in performing daily activities and improving their quality of life.
• Registered dietitians and registered nutritionists: Provide dietary advice and manage nutrition-related health issues.
• Speech pathologists: Work with patients to improve communication and swallowing disorders.
• Radiographers: Perform imaging procedures like X-rays and MRIs to help diagnose conditions.
• Psychologists: Offer mental health support and therapy.

Claiming for natural therapies  

Natural therapies include a variety of treatments that fall outside conventional medical practices. 

Some common types of natural therapies include:

• Acupuncture: Involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and treat various conditions.
• Chiropractic care: Focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.
• Massage therapy: Uses manual techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain and stress.

To claim natural therapies on extras cover, follow these steps:

• Check your policy: Review your health insurance policy to see if it includes cover for natural therapies. Look for specific details about what is covered and any limits or conditions.
• Provider qualifications: Ensure that the practitioner you choose is qualified and recognised by your health insurer. Many insurers require that the provider be registered with a professional association.
• Get a referral if needed: Some insurance plans may require a referral from a general practitioner or a specialist before you can claim for natural therapies.
• Submit a claim: After receiving the treatment, you can submit a claim to your health insurer. This can often be done online or through a mobile app. You'll need to provide details of the treatment and the provider, along with any receipts or invoices.
• Use HICAPS: In Australia, many allied health providers use the HICAPS system, which allows you to claim your health fund benefits on the spot, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Understanding health cover waiting periods

Waiting periods for extras cover in health insurance is the amount of time you must wait after finalising your policy before you are entitled to receive benefits, and the waiting period can differ for different benefits.    

 General waiting periods: These are common for most extras services. For example, you might have to wait:

• 2 months for general dental, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services.
• 6 months for optical services (like glasses and contact lenses).
• 12 months for major dental work and orthodontics.

Switching providers: If you switch from one health insurer to another, you generally don’t need to re-serve waiting periods for services that were covered under your previous policy, as long as there’s no gap in cover.

Upgrading cover: If you upgrade your extras cover to include more services or higher benefits, you’ll need to serve waiting periods for the new or upgraded benefits.

Promotional waivers: Sometimes, insurers offer promotions where they waive waiting periods for new members or specific services.

Pre-existing conditions: For extras cover, waiting periods for pre-existing conditions are less common compared to hospital cover, but it’s always good to check your policy details.

Understanding these waiting periods can help you plan your health care needs and make the most of your extras cover. 

Real extras make a real difference

Wondering whether extras cover may be something worth looking into? Learn more about Real Health Insurance  and Real Starter Extras Cover as well as Real Top Extras and see how you can start feeling on top of the world.