Health insurance help?

Apothecary on 20/03/2015 - 22:32

Hello I'm getting to that point in my life where I'm thinking about health insurance an d realise I don't know much about the whole shenanigan and I'm hoping some insurance wizard is bored enough to walk this through with me.

I'm 24 in a de facto relationship with a 29 year old partner. I would like to use dental once a year sort of thing for a clean and check up and I would like laser correction surgery for my eyes in the next 24 months. We earn just under the threshold for the whole hospital cover (and I don't mind the whole public system thinf)

Question is, is it worthwhile to get insurance for just these or should I go private? Also would like to know if anyone knows which sort of insurance policies I should start my research. Every time I tried any research I feel overwhelmed. Thanks in advance.

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • bulletproof on 20/03/2015 - 23:08

    look at ahm.

    very good value!

  • itchyscratchy on 20/03/2015 - 23:15

    Well, with bupa's very top cover, you'd have to be in it for a year before they'd cover laser eye surgery. But before you spend all that money, make sure you're suitable for the procedure first. Anyway, it works out about the same - 1 yr of top cover is similar to paying for the procedure out of pocket by yourself. But saying that, you'd have a very generous dental, optical & other allied health covers - eg physio etc at the same time.

  • Baysew on 21/03/2015 - 07:23

    Question is, is it worthwhile to get insurance for just these or should I go private?

    Good advice from CHOICE

    • Don't expect much, if any, in the way of rebates from your private health insurer.

    • Medicare pays no benefit for most laser eye surgery either

    So you are below the income threshold of paying a surcharge, you are happy enough being covered under the Medicare system, and the only other benefit would be a regular scale and clean.

    Bottom line, stay as you are.

  • vikvance on 21/03/2015 - 08:00
    +1

    Also would like to know if anyone knows which sort of insurance policies I should start my research.

    You'll need to look at the Extras Cover section on the insurer's website & check if Laser Eye Surgery is included in the list of covers.

    For example, with AHM, Laser Eye Surgery is only included in the "Super Extras" cover.

    You'll also need to check any conditions on the cover. So, with AHM, Laser Eye Surgery has a $900 per eye maximum and a 2 year waiting period before you can claim.

  • RockyRaccoon on 21/03/2015 - 09:48
    +1

    Consider two singles policies unless you have children, as this way you can tailor your needs to your own needs. So one can have higher extras if they need them, while the other can have lower extras.

    A Family of two pays the same as two singles for the same cover. Its only advantageous if you have more than 2 on the family cover.

    • what on 21/03/2015 - 15:27

      RockyRaccoon - this is a good. OP could even consider taking out hospital with one insurer and extras cover with another depending on what is provided in each policy.

  • OldBugger on 21/03/2015 - 15:34

    Consider my responses here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/185911#comment-2616790

  • Chik5555 on 22/03/2015 - 13:46

    I had a look at the laser eye surgery thing and found that you pay that much in extra premiums over the 2 year waiting period so for me wasn't worth it.

    I like and have AHM lite cover plus. It's about to go up from $19 to $21. Basic hospital cover and $1000 extras to use on anything that's covered. I mostly use it for contact lenses, dental and remedial massage:

  • Paul871 on 02/08/2015 - 13:42

    I would need private insurance for the dentist and possibly for my anxiety disorder (dental and mental so to speak). Hospital cover would also be great, but I am not sure if it is worth the additional cost, so I could renounce to it for the time being.
    What would you recommend? Thanks!

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