Private health insurance gives you peace of mind and more flexibility with your healthcare. The right health insurance coverage can safeguard you and your loved ones against some of the costs of unplanned or unexpected medical treatments in the private hospital system (Private Hospital cover) and for services not covered by Medicare in the public system (Extras).
Private health insurance also helps by covering the full MBS schedule fee for hospital and medical fees while in hospital. Medicare covers 75% of the MBS fee, and health insurance can cover the extra 25% that’s not covered by Medicare in the private hospital system. Without it, you run the risk of having to pay added costs in the event of emergency situations, specialist medical treatments, or rehabilitation in the private hospital system.
When choosing health insurance it’s important that your choices reflect your budget, needs, and your general lifestyle.
Considering your individual needs
Everyone is different, which can make choosing the right insurance coverage overwhelming for you. If you’re wondering how to pick the most suitable health insurance plan, it all starts by looking closely at your unique needs.
Whether you’re a couple planning a pregnancy, a student who’s active and healthy, or you’re getting older and in need of regular medical attention, you need to consider that budget, age, lifestyle, and relationship status all play a part in the decision-making process.
They’re all important factors when it comes to thinking about ambulance cover, extras cover and hospital cover, and purchasing personal health insurance.
Understanding your life stage
For Australians keen to take a proactive approach to their health care, private health insurance offers more flexibility and security, which in turn can allow you to live a fuller life.
Let’s say you’re a keen runner and you’ve just signed up to your first fun run marathon. While a well-considered training plan is key, pounding the pavement week after week can take a toll on your body. It’s no surprise then that the option of hospital insurance coverage and extras cover, which includes physiotherapy, can help you cross the finish line without injuries.
Follow These Steps:
Step 1: Select your current life stage below.
Step 2: Once you select your preferred cover options, you will have the opportunity to compare quotes from our range of health providers.*
Let’s consider the main life stages in private health insurance
Please note that the names and people mentioned below are fictional characters.
I’m young and single
Sarah (24) is an advertising creative. She purchased her own cover when she turned 24 as she was no longer covered by her parent’s health insurance. She spends her spare time trail walking and trekking with her friends. She’s always been physically active but knows she needs to be careful during some of the more dangerous trips. After reviewing medical insurance plans for individuals, Sarah has taken out basic level health coverage to help her afford some of the potential out of pocket costs if an unfortunate accident occurs and she wishes to be treated privately.
We’re a couple
Ready to take the next step in their relationship, Lisa (29) and Pete (31) recently purchased an inner-city two-bedroom apartment. They both work full-time, and enjoy evenings at home or dining with friends. While they share similar interests and needs, Lisa and Pete are also keen to grow their family. They’ve agreed to take out cover as part of a couples health insurance policy which covers them for obstetrics so they can chose their doctor and get a private room if available, and extras to help with things like physio throughout the pregnancy.
I have a family
Looking after three kids under 15 can be a handful at the best of times. If Paul (49) and Jackie (46) aren’t driving their youngest daughter to her weekly gymnastics classes, they’re accompanying their son to the optometrist, or paying for braces for their eldest. Thankfully, their family cover offers free preventative dental for kids and helps with some of the cost for the orthodontics. Things sure are busy in the Jackson household, but with comprehensive cover Paul and Jackie ensure their family have access to the best practitioners and treatments.
I’m getting older
After their kids moved out, Liz (74) and Trevor (77) relocated to a small terrace house where they didn’t have to worry about stairs. These days, Trevor’s arthritis is causing him a bit of pain, and since Liz had her hip replacement they’ve found it more and more difficult to manage their own medical care. Thanks to their couples comprehensive cover with ambulance cover included, the pair have access to medical services whenever they need it rather than waiting in the public system.
