Start Taking Care of Your Eye Health Today
Maintaining eye health is crucial for all Australians. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s never too early or too late to start taking your eye health seriously.
Regular eye exams by a certified optometrist not only assess if you need prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, but can also detect early signs of diseases like glaucoma and cataracts.
While Medicare provides some level of cover for these checks, the frequency and level of cover may not always be enough.
That’s where extras cover for comprehensive eye care comes into play.
What Does Optical Health Insurance Cover?
Optical health insurance, a component of extras policy under your health fund, provides coverage for consultations and a range of optical services.
These often include:
- Eye tests
- Prescription glasses
- Prescription sunglasses
- Contact lenses.
Depending on your health insurance policy, you may even receive benefits towards more expensive treatments like laser eye surgery.
The Cost of Eyewear in Australia
If you’ve ever bought a new pair of glasses or contact lenses in Australia without any kind of health insurance rebate, you know how expensive it can be.
From single vision prescription lenses to those with anti-reflective coatings, the costs quickly add up.
Not to mention your out-of-pocket expenses increase if you fancy a pair of prescription sunnies from retailers like Specsavers or OPSM.
However, optical health insurance can help alleviate the financial burden with different rebates on these costs.
How Much Are Prescription Eyeglasses WITHOUT Private Health Insurance?
Average prescription eyewear costs between $200 and $300 if you don’t have optical cover.
How Much Are Prescription Eyeglasses WITH Private Health Insurance?
The cost of glasses with private health insurance can vary depending on your level of coverage and the specific health fund you are with.
In some cases, you may be eligible to claim designer frames and lens options with no gap to pay.
This means that you can select from a range of stylish frames and have them fitted with single-vision lenses, all covered by your insurance plan.
Can You Claim Glasses with Medicare?
While Medicare in Australia bulk bills certain healthcare services, it may not completely cover the costs of optical extras like prescription sunglasses or consultations with an optometrist.
In fact, Medicare rarely covers the cost of prescription eyeglasses or prescription sunnies.
This is where optical cover makes all the difference.
So, Is Optical Health Insurance Worth It?
The value of optical health insurance truly depends on your individual needs.
If you require regular eye exams, wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, or are at risk of conditions such as retinal diseases, the benefits of an extras policy that covers optical health certainly outweigh the premiums.
Not to mention having regular eye check-ups become increasingly important as you age and become more at risk for certain eye conditions – whether you have a known family history or not!
FAQs
Can I claim the cost of prescription glasses under Medicare?
While Medicare covers some eye health services, it typically doesn’t cover the cost of prescription glasses or contact lenses. An extras cover under private health insurance can help manage these out-of-pocket costs.
Are there waiting periods for optical health insurance?
Yes, most health funds have waiting periods for extras services, including optical cover. The length of these waiting periods varies from fund to fund.
What optical services are usually included in extras cover?
Extras cover typically includes optical services such as eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and potentially even laser eye surgery. Check with your health insurance provider to know the exact details.
Does optical health insurance cover non-prescription sunglasses?
Generally, optical health insurance does not cover non-prescription sunglasses. However, it’s always good to check with your insurance provider as policies can vary.
What if I exceed my annual limits under optical health insurance?
If you exceed your annual limits, you’ll typically have to pay the excess costs out-of-pocket. It’s important to be aware of your annual limits and plan your eye care accordingly.
Let CHI Help You Find the Right Optical Cover for Your Needs
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options for optical cover, we’ve got you covered. Our free online tool is here to assist you. In just minutes, you can receive personalised optical cover quotes from the top health fund providers in Australia.
Say goodbye to confusion and let our tool streamline your search for the perfect optical cover. Get started now and discover the comprehensive options available to you from Australia’s leading health fund providers.
