Family Private Health Insurance in Australia
If you're looking for comprehensive coverage for your loved ones' health needs, you've come to the right place.
Health cover is an essential aspect of protecting your family's well-being. With private health insurance, you gain access to a wide range of benefits and services that can provide peace of mind in times of medical need.
Whether it's hospital cover,
Hospital, Extras or Combined?
When it comes to family private health insurance, there are three options:
- Hospital insurance
- Extras insurance
- Combined insurance
Hospital cover ensures that you and your family receive prompt and high-quality medical treatment in private hospitals. From surgical procedures to specialist consultations, private hospital cover gives you greater control over your healthcare choices.
Extras cover, on the other hand, focuses on providing additional services beyond what is covered by Medicare. These services may include physiotherapy, chiropractic care, general dental, and more. By opting for extras cover, you can address your family's therapies and other specific healthcare needs.
Combined cover gives you the best of both worlds with hospital and extra insurance.
Popular Family Health Cover Options
1. FAMILY HEALTH INSURANCE
Every family is unique, and there are a range of cover options to suit different situations. Whether you're a full-time working parent, a single parent, or have a student dependent, there’s the right health fund for you with tailored plans to accommodate your circumstances.
Ensuring that every member of your family has proper medical coverage
Medical expenses can quickly add up and place a significant strain on your budget if you're not adequately covered. That's why having comprehensive family health insurance is crucial. It provides financial protection, helping to alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket costs
It's worth noting that the Australian Government also imposes the
Keep in mind that health insurance policies often have
2. Life Insurance
A recent 2023 life insurance survey found 44% of Australians have no Life Insurance Policy. Life insurance comes in different forms, like death cover, income protection, or total and permanent disability cover.
It's not just about protecting yourself—it's about looking out for your family and community during tough times. It provides a safety net when things go wrong and ensures that you and your loved ones are financially supported when you need it most.
Life cover is a type of insurance that provides a lump sum payment to your loved ones if you pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness. It's possible that you already have some life insurance coverage through your superannuation fund, but if you want more personalised and tailored policies, you can consider obtaining additional coverage from insurance providers. This allows you to customise your coverage to better meet your specific needs and provide greater financial security for your family.
3. Income Protection Insurance
Income protection insurance provides incremental, scheduled payouts when you are unable to work due to injuries or illnesses. It’ll cover up to 75% of your income for a certain period of time, which will vary based on the insurance provider. This gives you and your family some buffer during difficult times and allows you to search for suitable alternatives with less pressure.
General life insurance (life cover) only covers the event of death or terminal illness whereas income protection insurance covers a wider range of scenarios where you would no longer have access to income streams.
4. Family Travel Insurance
Australian families spend over $65 billion on vacations a year. Exploring new cities and cultures is an experience you want to share with your children but it also comes with some risks. Moving with a bigger group, especially with children, increases the possibility of missing your flights or having to reschedule. This can be costly if you have to do so for 4-5 people and having a family travel insurance policy could easily solve the problem.
Travel insurance also includes medical emergencies in case you have to urgently access hospital treatments abroad. Some even cover pregnancy and birth services in case you have a premature birth while travelling. The whole family can get a single plan and kids are often added for free. You can get travel insurance directly from an insurance provider or through other service providers in a bundle offer such as through a credit card company (e.g., American Express).
5. Family Funeral Insurance
Funerals can cost anywhere between $4000 to $15,000 in Australia. This could be a stressful financial burden in addition to the grief your family is experiencing. Hence, more Australian families are considering family funeral insurance to remove any financial strain on your remaining loved ones in the event they need to arrange your funeral.
Most policies will offer immediate cover, meaning no waiting periods to access the benefits. However, there could be some restrictions in the first few years of coverage. Since premiums can increase over time, you may want to purchase funeral insurance a little later in life.
FAQs
1. What are annual limits in family health insurance, and how do they affect my coverage?
Annual limits refer to the maximum amount your insurance policy will pay for specific services within a year. These limits may vary depending on the type of coverage you have. It's important to understand these limits to ensure you are aware of any potential out-of-pocket expenses beyond the annual limit.
2. What is lifetime health cover, and why is it important for my family's insurance?
Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) is a government initiative that encourages Australians to take out private health insurance earlier in life and maintain continuous coverage. LHC loading is applied to the premium if you don't have hospital cover by the age of 31. Taking out family health insurance early can help you avoid LHC loading and save on premiums.
3. Does family health insurance cover physiotherapy services?
Yes, many family health insurance plans include coverage for physio services. This can be particularly beneficial for families with active children or individuals with specific health needs that require physiotherapy treatment. Be sure to review the details of your policy to understand the extent of physiotherapy coverage.
4. Are public hospitals covered by family health insurance?
Family health insurance generally covers treatment in private hospitals. However, it's important to note that public hospitals are usually covered by Medicare, the government-funded healthcare system in Australia. Private health insurance can provide additional benefits and options, such as shorter wait times for elective surgeries or access to private hospital rooms.
5. What is the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance?
he Australian Government Health Insurance Rebate is a financial incentive provided by the government to make private health insurance more affordable. The rebate amount you receive depends on factors such as your age, taxable income, and family size. It can help reduce the cost of your family health insurance premiums, making it more accessible and affordable.
6. What is hospital excess in family health insurance?
Hospital excess is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket for hospital treatment before your family health insurance coverage starts. It's a fixed amount that you choose when selecting your policy. For example, if your excess is $500 and you undergo a covered hospital procedure, you pay the first $500, and the insurance provider covers the rest.
Find the Right Private Health Insurance Policy For Your Family
Family private health insurance in Australia is a must-have for protecting your loved ones' health and well-being. Whether it's hospital cover, extras cover, or a combination of both, there are comprehensive options available to suit your family's unique needs.
If you need help finding the right level of cover for your family, or are looking at upgrading your current policy, check out our comparison tool to find your ideal health fund policy.
