Private Health Insurance Top Tips & Buying Guides

By Relationship Status

Health Insurance for Families

Guide to Family Health Insurance & Private Health Cover

Raising children is expensive enough without adding high medical costs on top, which is why most Australian families hav......

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Single Parent Health Insurance

Private Health Insurance for Single Parents

Being a single parent is no walk in the park. You’re busy caring for your children and making sure food.........

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Best Private Health Insurance for Singles

Medicare provides health care for single individuals and for families throughout Australia. However, Medicare is limited......

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Private Health Insurance Tips: Young Singles Cover

Choosing a health insurance plan is really simple for those who are young and single because their main health concern........

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By Life Stage

Youth health insurance discount

What is the Youth Discount for Private Health Insurance?

Australians aged from 18 to 29 can now be eligible to receive a discount of up to 10% off of.........

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Switching health insurance in Australia while pregnant

Can You Switch Health Insurance Cover When Pregnant?

Pregnancy comes with a number of first-time decisions. Your head is probably swimming with car seats, cots, prams, and n......

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Pregnancy, Birth & Obstetrics Health Cover Explained

Starting a family is an exciting, but nerve-wracking time for many people. You can’t plan for everything the future mi......

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Private Health vs Public: Pregnancy & Birth Costs Australia

Starting a family in Australia raises one very important question: will you go through the public healthcare system or o......

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Health Insurance for Families

Guide to Family Health Insurance & Private Health Cover

Raising children is expensive enough without adding high medical costs on top, which is why most Australian families hav......

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Can My Child be Covered by My Private Health Insurance?

The time when your kids leave home can often bring about feelings of both excitement and anxiety. You may be.........

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Do Pensioners or Seniors Need Private Health Insurance?

For seniors who regularly require healthcare treatment, private health insurance may be the only practical option. Medic......

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Over 50s guide to health cover

Best Private Health Insurance For Over 50 Year Olds

Taking care of our bodies through proper nutrition and exercise is the best strategy to ward off health issues, and.........

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Private Health Cover for Men in Australia Explained

Finding the cheapest healthcare plan might seem like a good way to save some money, but it can end up.........

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Compare Medicare vs. Private Health Insurance for IVF

For couples trying to conceive, working through issues of infertility can be frustrating, stressful, and heartbreaking. ......

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Guide to Couples Health Insurance & Private Health Cover

Purchasing private health insurance limits out-of-pocket costs and gives you broader choices than Medicare cover. If you......

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Why should you get private health insurance before 31?

Before you turn 30, private health insurance is more of a benefit than a necessity. For 30 year olds, however,.........

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Best Private Health Insurance for Newly Married Couples

Getting married is a huge milestone in any couple’s life. It’s a time to talk about joint finances and future.........

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Child Moving Out of Home

Kids left home? Empty Nester Health Insurance Cover

Choosing the right type health cover is an important decision for anyone. When obtaining insurance, it is key to conside......

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Turning 31? How to Save on Your Private Health Cover

Entering your thirtieth year can mark a major milestone in the progress of a lifetime. In Australia, reaching that mark.......

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Heart Disease & Cardiac Specialist Health Insurance

The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is responsible for so many functions.........

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By Cover Type

Health insurance for gym membership

Does My Health Insurance Cover Gym Membership?

Getting to the gym and working up a sweat is something most of us aspire to. But not all of.........

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Health insurance for laser eye surgery

Is Laser Eye Surgery covered by Private Health Insurance?

Laser eye surgery can drastically improve vision and relieve the day-to-day hassle of wearing glasses or contact lenses.......

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Does Private Health Cover Reconstructive Surgery?

Key Points Plastic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures – many of which are cosmetic. Health funds usual......

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2019 Health Reforms

What are the changes to private health insurance in 2020?

2019 and 2020 are big years for private health insurance, because the long-discussed reforms will come into effect. But ......

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Gold product tier health insurance

Gold Tier – Health Insurance Cover & Reforms Guide

Australian health insurance becomes more expensive every year, but that doesn’t mean the benefits are going up. There ......

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Silver health insurance tier

Silver Tier – Health Insurance Cover & Reforms Guide

If you’re tired of comparing apples with oranges when it comes to your health insurance, the government is looking to.......

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Bronze Health Insurance Tier

Bronze Tier – Health Insurance Cover & Reforms Guide

On 1 April 2019 a new product tier system will be introduced for hospital cover. This will make policies easier.........

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2019 Health Insurance Reforms Basic Tier

Basic Tier – Health Insurance Cover & Reforms Guide

Under the current health cover system, insurers are able to determine which benefits to include and exclude across all o......

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Your Guide to Hospital Cover in Australia

Medicare is fantastic for those who can’t afford or do not choose to purchase private health cover. In saying this,.........

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Optical Cover

Does Optical Private Health Insurance Cover Eye Exams?

If you need glasses, you’ll know how expensive a new set of frames can be! Especially if you have a.........

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Health Insurance for Families

Guide to Family Health Insurance & Private Health Cover

Raising children is expensive enough without adding high medical costs on top, which is why most Australian families hav......

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Does Private Health Insurance cover Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?

Thinking of undergoing cosmetic surgery? You may be wondering whether you’ll receive financial assistance from your he......

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Best Private Health Cover for Athletes & Sports Players

Are you an avid sports player?  Do you consider yourself an athlete? If so, odds are you have at least.........

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Public vs Private Healthcare: Advantages & Disadvantages

Thinking about private health insurance but not sure where to start? Can you get by with Medicare or do you.........

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Happy Family With Health Cover

4 Treatments Your Family Needs on Their Health Cover

Deciding what to include in your health insurance cover can be very confusing and many families simply don’t know how.......

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Compare Medicare vs. Private Health Insurance for IVF

For couples trying to conceive, working through issues of infertility can be frustrating, stressful, and heartbreaking. ......

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Health Insurance Extras Cover

How Does Health Insurance Extras Cover Work?

Extras cover, which is also known as general or ancillary cover, provides cover for the routine treatments that Aussies ......

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Overseas Visitor Health Cover: Students, 457 & 458 Visas

Although Australia has a Medicare system to provide universal healthcare for residents, visitors are not always eligible......

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Orthodontist explains braces treatment to a child

A guide to private health insurance and orthodontics

If you’ve ever looked into the cost of getting braces or teeth straightened, the shock of the cost can be.........

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Ambulance at an Australian beach: ambulance cover in Australia

Ambulance Cover Australia: NSW | SA | VIC | WA | ACT

Imagine the terror that comes with an emergency, from calling 000 to seeing your loved one packed away in an.........

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Young girl in hospital : health insurance comparison

Your complete guide to private hospital cover

By its name alone, you probably have a good idea about what hospital cover is all about. But to get.........

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Dental cover for adults

Guide to Dental Health Cover & Insurance in Australia

Medicare covers a wide range of medical procedures for Australians, but the biggest blind spot comes in the area of.........

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Hospital Cover, Extras Cover, Or Combined Cover? Know Your Needs!

In Australia, we are fortunate enough to have an extremely efficient public health care system in the form of Medicare........

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Health insurance for cancer

Medicare vs Private Health Cover for Cancer Treatment

Cancer affects people all over the world, and Australia is no different. Cancer has likely touched your life in one.........

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Natural and Alternative Therapy; Woman Having Acupuncture Treatment

Does Health Insurance Cover Natural and Alternative Therapies?

While medical science is advancing rapidly, many people still seek the same treatments as our ancestors. We call these p......

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By State

Health cover in Tasmania

Guide to Private Health Insurance in Tasmania

Buying private health insurance is an important decision for many Tasmanians. With private hospital cover, you are able ......

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Health Insurance in Darwin & the Northern Territory

If you live in Australia’s Northern Territory, much of your home state is considered remote or very remote. While publ......

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Private Health Insurance Cover for South Australia

Are you a South Australian resident looking for private health insurance? Health insurance is not a one-size-fits-all so......

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Guide to Private Health Insurance in Western Australia

Throughout Australia, over 30 health funds offered cover to approximately over 12 million Australians in 2015, which ref......

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Health Insurance: Victoria

When you shop for health insurance, it is helpful to understand how the market works.  Throughout Australia, there are ......

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Health Insurance: QLD

Although Medicare pays for some health services for Australians, more than half of the population opts to purchase some ......

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Guide to Private Health Insurance in New South Wales

Throughout Australia, nearly half  of the population, have private health insurance to provide coverage for hospital se......

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For Children

Child and Doctor; Child with Grommets

How Much Does Ear Grommet Surgery Cost in Australia?

In this guide we’ll answer the questions you might have about kids’ grommets and private health cover, like how much......

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Health Insurance for Families

Guide to Family Health Insurance & Private Health Cover

Raising children is expensive enough without adding high medical costs on top, which is why most Australian families hav......

Read More

Can My Child be Covered by My Private Health Insurance?

The time when your kids leave home can often bring about feelings of both excitement and anxiety. You may be.........

Read More

After-Hours GP Care: How Health Insurance Can Help

Getting sick can happen at any time, not just during business hours. So what should you do when you or.........

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Compare Medicare vs. Private Health Insurance for IVF

For couples trying to conceive, working through issues of infertility can be frustrating, stressful, and heartbreaking. ......

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Health Insurance for Children

Health insurance offers valuable peace of mind, especially for young families with changing medical needs. Here is our g......

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Orthodontist explains braces treatment to a child

A guide to private health insurance and orthodontics

If you’ve ever looked into the cost of getting braces or teeth straightened, the shock of the cost can be.........

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Child and Dental Health

Is Private Health Insurance for Kids’ Dental Worth It?

Say Cheese! A healthy smile is an important part of your overall health, and good dental hygiene starts when you’re.........

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How can I help my child prepare for a hospital stay?

Whether you have private hospital cover or not, there may be a time when you need to prepare your child.........

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General Guides

Can your health insurer drop you

Can your health insurer drop you without notice?

We’ve all heard the horror stories. You go about your business, confident in the knowledge that your health insurance ......

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Giving from the heart this Valentine’s Day? Here’s how to give a little back…

It’s getting to that time of the year again. That time when the L-word is on everyone’s lips… You guessed.........

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THINK PINK! Together, we can beat breast cancer. Here’s how

We’re all affected by breast cancer, whether it’s us, a friend or a loved one that receives a diagnosis. And.........

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Can your health insurer drop you

Can your health insurer drop you without notice?

We’ve all heard the horror stories. You go about your business, confident in the knowledge that your health insurance ......

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Health cover buying guide

Do I need health insurance? Australian health cover buying guide

Do I need health insurance? It’s a fair question. Medicare covers a range of healthcare services for Australian citize......

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Health insurance benefits for rural and remote Australians

According to the National Rural Health Alliance Inc., the health status of Australians living in remote areas is worse t......

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How does private health insurance affect my tax return?

When it comes to various forms of personal insurance, many Australians can claim a portion of premiums paid back in.........

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Best Not for Profit Health Providers & Funds in Australia

A not-for-profit health insurance provider is one that invests its profits back into its members rather than shareholder......

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How Do I Find The Best Health Insurance Plan For Me?

So you’re ready to shop for a private health fund! You’ve probably got an idea of what you’re looking for..........

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What is Healthcare Fraud (Health Insurance Fraud)?

Healthcare fraud is a widespread problem in the Australian insurance industry, and it can have a negative effect on both......

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Personal Accident Cover

What is covered by Personal Accident Insurance?

Key Points Personal accident cover (also called accidental injury or accident-only cover) is insurance against accidents......

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Restricted vs open funds

What is a Restricted Health Insurance Fund?

Health funds in Australia must be registered under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 as either an ‘Open’ or ‘R......

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2019 Health Reforms

What are the changes to private health insurance in 2020?

2019 and 2020 are big years for private health insurance, because the long-discussed reforms will come into effect. But ......

Read More
Gold product tier health insurance

Gold Tier – Health Insurance Cover & Reforms Guide

Australian health insurance becomes more expensive every year, but that doesn’t mean the benefits are going up. There ......

Read More
Silver health insurance tier

Silver Tier – Health Insurance Cover & Reforms Guide

If you’re tired of comparing apples with oranges when it comes to your health insurance, the government is looking to.......

Read More
Bronze Health Insurance Tier

Bronze Tier – Health Insurance Cover & Reforms Guide

On 1 April 2019 a new product tier system will be introduced for hospital cover. This will make policies easier.........

Read More
2019 Health Insurance Reforms Basic Tier

Basic Tier – Health Insurance Cover & Reforms Guide

Under the current health cover system, insurers are able to determine which benefits to include and exclude across all o......

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Valentine's day health gift guide

12 healthy gift ideas for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, so if you haven’t thought about gifts yet, don’t settle for a last-minute bu......

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Health insurance member networks in Australia

Health Insurance Member Networks: Are They Good or Bad?

Extras policies cover Australians for the medical services they use everyday. If you visit the dentist, optometrist, mas......

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How to Appeal when Your Health Insurance Claim is Denied

You’ve submitted what you believe to be a legitimate health insurance claim only to have it denied. There are probably......

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What Happens to Private Health Cover After Losing My Job?

The professional landscape is always changing, and nobody’s job is truly safe. Companies crash out of nowhere which fo......

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Why Should You Visit an Audiologist for Hearing Aids?

If you’ve started to notice that your hearing ability has decreased over recent years, you may want to visit an.........

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Can I Suspend My Health Cover if Travelling Overseas?

Australian private health insurance won’t cover you while you’re overseas—that’s what travel insurance is for. W......

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Optical Cover

Does Optical Private Health Insurance Cover Eye Exams?

If you need glasses, you’ll know how expensive a new set of frames can be! Especially if you have a.........

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Health insurance rate rise 2019

What is the annual private health insurance rate rise?

Every year the government approves a rate rise for health insurance premiums. This increase always goes into effect on 1......

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Healthy Christmas Gift Guide

Guilt-Free Christmas Gift Guide: 2018

Christmas rolls around at the same time every year. Somehow, knowing that it’s coming doesn’t make buying gifts any ......

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Will Health Insurance Help with Alcohol Addiction Rehab?

Many people like to drink alcohol but for some, it can lead to addiction. Over time, a tolerance for alcohol.........

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After-Hours GP Care: How Health Insurance Can Help

Getting sick can happen at any time, not just during business hours. So what should you do when you or.........

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Health Insurance & Flu Season: Do I need a Flu Shot?

It is estimated that 1 in 5 of us will suffer some symptoms this flu season. Although not serious for.........

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Does Private Health Insurance cover Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?

Thinking of undergoing cosmetic surgery? You may be wondering whether you’ll receive financial assistance from your he......

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Best Private Health Cover for Athletes & Sports Players

Are you an avid sports player?  Do you consider yourself an athlete? If so, odds are you have at least.........

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Low Income Health Care Card

Low Income Health Care Card Threshold: How do I qualify?

As the benefits of private health insurance become more abundant and awareness of those benefits increases, more and mor......

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Private Health Cover for Men in Australia Explained

Finding the cheapest healthcare plan might seem like a good way to save some money, but it can end up.........

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Does Private Health Insurance cover Drug Addiction Rehab?

Drug addiction can occur in any family, from any background. As awareness about the nature of drug addiction and its.........

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Public vs Private Healthcare: Advantages & Disadvantages

Thinking about private health insurance but not sure where to start? Can you get by with Medicare or do you.........

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Confused Couple Looking Over Health Cover

5 Private Health Insurance Myths Blowing your Budget

Health insurance can seem like a confusing, messy and scary business – especially when you could quite literally p......

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The Dos and Don’ts of Private Health Insurance

Let’s face it: health insurance can be hard to get your head around. It’s this confusion that leaves many Australian......

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How to Avoid the “Gap” When You Go to Hospital

Many people assume that Hospital cover will automatically pay for everything if you need to go into hospital but unless.......

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Taxes and Your Health Insurance

With a new tax year just around the corner, it’s worth thinking about how your health insurance can be affected.........

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Happy Family With Health Cover

4 Treatments Your Family Needs on Their Health Cover

Deciding what to include in your health insurance cover can be very confusing and many families simply don’t know how.......

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Health Insurance for Smokers

Private Health Insurance for Smokers: Do They Pay More?

Smokers pay high prices for their cigarettes, but many Australians believe that they should pay high prices for health i......

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Top 5 Ways to Save Big Money on Your Health Insurance

The rising costs of health insurance premiums mean that many Australians are concerned about whether they can continue t......

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Woman Switching Health Cover

How Do You Switch Private Health Insurance Providers?

Over half of Australians have some degree of health insurance. Consumers have the option to shop around among multiple h......

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Medicare Levy vs Medicare Levy Surcharge

Who Pays the Medicare Levy & Medicare Levy Surcharge?

While the names of these terms would indicate that they’re the same, they’re actually quite different. So, what’s ......

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Lifetime Health Cover Loading

What is the Lifetime Health Cover Loading in Australia?

Key Points What is Lifetime Health Cover Loading? The Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading is an initiative launched on 1......

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Guide to Couples Health Insurance & Private Health Cover

Purchasing private health insurance limits out-of-pocket costs and gives you broader choices than Medicare cover. If you......

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What are the benefits of having private health insurance?

Australian residents and some visitors on student or work visas have Medicare coverage to provide payment for their hosp......

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Why is there a Waiting Period for Health Insurance?

Most funds have waiting periods to start off with, and some may be longer than others. However, the government has.........

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Medicare and Dental Cover

Medicare does not cover most out-of-hospital services and if you need any type of dental treatment, you will need Extras......

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Medicare Levy Surcharge

What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge?

Purchasing health insurance is a smart financial decision for many different reasons, but one of the many financial bene......

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How do I write a letter to the Private Health Ombudsman?

Many customers who invest in private health insurance are very happy and satisfied with the coverage and customer servic......

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How to make a Hospital or Extras Health Insurance Claim?

Private hospital insurance should provide cover for treatments received when you need hospital care, while Extras cover ......

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Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO) Explained

When purchasing private health insurance, you have certain consumer rights. If your insurance company fails to follow th......

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Why should you get private health insurance before 31?

Before you turn 30, private health insurance is more of a benefit than a necessity. For 30 year olds, however,.........

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How Does the Health Insurance Rebate Work in Australia?

The private health insurance rebate is offered by the government for eligible Australians who hold a hospital or extras ......

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Guest Post: I Was Once a Health Insurance Sceptic

This is a guest post from Kirsty at My Home Truths.  —– I  was once healthy. Apart from being prescribed........

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What is the Difference between Hospital vs Extras Cover?

Medicare in Australia covers treatment at public hospitals, x-rays, pathology tests, and immunisations. It does not prov......

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Health Insurance for 485 Temporary Graduate Visas

If you are an international student who has recently graduated from an educational institution in Australia, you may wis......

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Health Insurance Waiting Periods

Private Health Insurance: Waiting Periods Explained

When you buy private health insurance to cover hospital care or extras, you may be subject to waiting periods. Waiting........

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Private Health Insurance Covering Pre-Existing Conditions

Millions of Australians are covered by private health insurance. According to recent APRA figures, over 11 million Austr......

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Explaining health cover ‘The Gap’ (Out of pocket costs)

Medicare covers for a portion of medical treatments, but it’s not designed to pay for everything. This is one reason........

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Work Abroad with a 457 Visa

457 Visa Health Insurance

A 457 visa is the visa most commonly used when a foreign worker comes to Australia to temporarily join the.........

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Orthodontist explains braces treatment to a child

A guide to private health insurance and orthodontics

If you’ve ever looked into the cost of getting braces or teeth straightened, the shock of the cost can be.........

Read More

Medicare vs Private Health Insurance Explained

Medicare serves a valuable purpose in our healthcare landscape. It provides basic coverage for people who can’t afford......

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Tax Treatment of Australian Private Health Coverage

Private health Insurance (PHI) has received generous tax treatment in Australia for the past 15 years. But belt-tighteni......

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Health Funds & Chronic Disease Management Programs

People who live with chronic diseases may be faced with multiple doctor and hospital visits and treatments throughout th......

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What’s In It For Me? The Benefits of Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance has become increasingly popular in recent years. It gives an individual or his or her family ac......

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