Which level of extras cover is right for you?
Finding out which level of cover which is right for you will depend on your health care needs and budget. After all, you don’t want to take out comprehensive insurance only to realise paying the premiums is a stretch and you’re not utilising all the benefits.
Typically, basic extras is ideal for young and healthy individuals that don’t have a complicated health history. These people use their cover to pay for dental treatments and the odd physiotherapy session.
Growing families or those singles and couples entering their middle age with average health care needs may benefit more from medium extras cover. It’s more affordable than comprehensive and can help cover the costs of your children’s dental treatments. Or you may use the benefits of optical and physio to combat the effects of ageing.
Comprehensive extras insurance is ideal for those who want to pay for a greater level of security. Families with children who have a family history of poor dental or eye health may benefit from this higher level of coverage. Comprehensive extras will help cover the costs of braces and crowns or prescription glasses and contact lenses.
Comprehensive extras could also be a wise investment to singles or couples who regularly utilise a range of out-of-hospital health care services and therapies. With some policies, you can even benefit from discounted gym memberships which will help you remain fit and healthy. It may be the very thing you need to get you off the couch and into the gym!
Extras cover policy costs versus benefits claimed
Are you weighing up the costs of getting extras insurance versus paying for health services up front? When you’re considering taking out an extras policy, it’s good to compare the costs of the annual premiums with the health care costs you currently incur.
The important thing to remember is that most people are encouraged to utilise health care more frequently when it’s covered by their insurance. That’s because preventive measures like general dental cleaning will help reduce your risk of needing more expensive dental treatments later. Let’s face it, going to the dentist for a clean is a whole lot more pleasant than enduring the discomfort of a filling, or worse still, a root canal!
You’ll also feel more inclined to visit health care services you’ve been putting off due to the cost, like podiatry or physio. You’re more likely to get that back issue treated by a physiotherapist if you know you’re going to be reimbursed for the majority of the bill.
If you’re using more ancillary health services than you were without extras, you’re more likely to be ahead in both costs and health benefits.