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Health Cover for Families
Choosing the right health cover for families can be tricky. You want to protect your loved ones without breaking the bank. That’s where we come in.
GoSwitch helps you compare a wide range of family health cover options to find the one that best suits your family’s needs and budget. We’ll guide you through the different types of cover, explain the costs involved, and help you find the perfect fit for your family.
What is Family Health Cover?
Family health insurance is designed to support your loved ones by covering significant healthcare costs from general dental treatment to physio. This comprehensive cover extends beyond single-person policies by including family extras, which provide additional benefits tailored to the needs of all family members. Not only does this help manage routine healthcare expenses effectively, but it also cushions against major medical bills.
In Australia, family health cover is also financially appealing as it offers tax benefits, making it an advantageous choice for budget-conscious families seeking robust health support. Opting for family health cover means investing in both your family’s health and financial well-being.
Should You Choose Family or Individual Health Cover
Choosing between family and individual health cover depends on your specific needs. A family policy often includes coverage for each child, potentially at no extra cost, and can offer discounts that individual plans don’t provide. This makes it ideal for families with student dependants, including single parents or those with full-time students.
These plans are tailored to support the collective needs of a family, guaranteeing everyone from the youngest to the oldest has adequate healthcare access. For families, the inclusive benefits and financial advantages of a family plan usually outweigh the individual cover options.
Types of Health Cover Options Available for Families
Family health insurance policies typically include coverage for essential medical needs such as GP visits, hospital stays, specialist care, and routine dental and vision services. The extent of these inclusions can vary significantly between different policies.
Here are the main types of health cover options available:
- Hospital Cover: Includes treatments in hospitals for surgeries and procedures like joint replacements, tonsil removal, cataract surgeries, and grommet insertions.
- Extras Cover: Provides benefits for non-hospital services such as dental services, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, podiatry, and orthodontics.
- Combined Cover: Merges both hospital and extras for comprehensive health protection, with options like Silver Plus, Bronze Plus, and Gold Hospital tailored to family needs.
Each plan is designed to cater to the diverse medical requirements of families, making sure of broad coverage from everyday care to specialised treatments
How to Choose the Right Family Health Cover
Finding the right family health cover involves understanding your needs and comparing different policies. Here’s how to get started:
Assess your needs: Consider your family’s medical history and any planned procedures. Do you need hospital cover for things like giving birth in a private hospital? Or are you mainly looking for extras cover to help with everyday health costs?
Compare level of cover: Health funds offer different levels of cover, such as basic, mid-range, and top-tier. A higher level of cover usually means higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Check what’s included: Look carefully at what’s covered and what’s not. Pay attention to waiting periods, annual limits, and any exclusions that might affect your family.
Consider your budget: Compare premiums and out-of-pocket costs to find a policy that fits your family’s finances.
Look at the provider network: Make sure the health fund you choose has agreements with the hospitals and specialists you prefer.
Medicare and Your Family Health Cover
In Australia, we have a dual health system: Medicare and private health insurance. Medicare is a government-funded system that provides access to free or subsidised hospital treatment in public hospitals.
Private hospital cover gives you more choice and flexibility. It allows you to choose your doctor and hospital. Having both Medicare and private health cover can provide peace of mind and access to a wider range of healthcare options.
Saving on Health Cover with Government Help
The Australian Government offers a rebate on private health insurance premiums to help make it more affordable. The Australian Government rebate is income-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your taxable income.
You may also be eligible to avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge. This is an extra tax that applies to higher-income earners who don’t have private hospital cover.
By taking advantage of these government incentives, you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs and make your family health cover more affordable. GoSwitch can help you understand how these incentives work and how much you could save.
Common Exclusions in Family Health Cover Plans
It’s important to understand what your health cover doesn’t include. Here are some common exclusions to watch out for:
Elective Surgeries: Many plans do not cover procedures considered non-essential, such as cosmetic surgery.
Waiting Periods: Coverage for certain treatments may not be immediate; there are often waiting periods that must be served before benefits apply.
Emergency Ambulance: Not all policies cover ambulance services, which can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses in emergencies.
Annual Limits: There may be caps on how much you can claim for certain services each year, affecting longer-term or recurring treatments.
Making a Claim on Your Family Health Cover
Making a claim on your family health cover is usually a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Prepare Documentation: Collect all necessary medical documents and receipts related to your treatment.
- Understand the Timelines: Get to know the expected processing times for claims from your health fund to set appropriate expectations.
- Filing the Claim: Submit your claim through the health fund’s online portal, app, or at a local branch if available.
- Post-Claim Process: Once submitted, you will typically be notified of the claim status and any updates via email or direct call.
For new members or those seeking reassurance, being registered as a private patient can simplify the claims process, improving your family’s healthcare experience.
Switching Your Family Health Insurance Provider
Switching your family health insurance provider can be a strategic move to better meet your healthcare needs. Begin by comparing different plans to find a better fit or more competitive pricing.
Consider the timing of your switch to avoid gaps in coverage, especially if you are upgrading your current health insurance policy. Be mindful of any waiting periods that may reset with a new provider, which could affect when you can start using certain benefits.
Switching providers can also be a simple way to save money or get better coverage. GoSwitch can help you compare policies from different health funds and find one that suits your family and your budget.
Options When Your Health Cover Doesn't Satisfy
If you’re unhappy with your health cover, there are several things you can do. Start by reaching out to your health fund directly to discuss your concerns. They may be able to offer a solution or explain your options in more detail.
You can also file a formal complaint with the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman. They are an independent body that can help resolve disputes between consumers and health funds.
Remember, your health cover should meet your family’s health needs. If your needs change, or if you’re not happy with the range of services offered by your current fund, it might be time to consider switching providers.
Questions to Ask When Choosing Family Health Cover
Before you commit to a family health cover policy, it’s important to ask the right questions. This will help you understand exactly what you’re covered for and avoid any surprises down the track.
Here are some key questions to consider:
- What are the waiting periods for different services, such as pregnancy and childbirth?
- Does the policy cover ambulance transport? Is ambulance cover included, or is it an optional extra?
- What are the out-of-pocket costs, such as excesses, co-payments, and gap fees?
- Does the extras policy cover things like dental check-ups, physiotherapy, and optical?
- Which hospitals are included in the provider network? Can I choose a family hospital that I prefer?
- Will I have to pay a lifetime health cover loading if I join after age 31?
- Is there an option for a private room if I need to stay in hospital?
Find the Best Family Health Cover with GoSwitch
Use our free comparison tool to see what’s available in your area. We’ll show you the benefits and costs of different policies so you can make an informed decision.
At GoSwitch, we’re here to help you find the best deals on a range of essential services. Not only can we help you compare health cover, but we can also help you find competitive deals on your gas, electricity, and internet plans.
Give your family the protection they deserve. Start comparing health cover options with GoSwitch and find affordable, comprehensive plans today!
FAQs
What is the best health cover in Australia?
The best health cover depends on your individual needs and budget. Some policies might be great for families, while others are better suited to singles or couples. GoSwitch can help you compare different policies to find the perfect fit for you.
How much does private health insurance cost?
The cost of private health insurance varies depending on your age, the level of cover you choose, and the health fund you go with. Some funds offer basic cover for a few hundred dollars a year, while others can cost a few thousand. It’s always best to compare different health funds and policies with GoSwitch to find the one that suits your budget and needs.
How do I get two private health insurance policies?
You can split your health cover between two providers if you prefer. This could mean having hospital cover with one insurer and extras cover with another. GoSwitch can help you compare and combine different policies to find the right mix for you.
Does private health insurance cover dental services?
Dental coverage depends on your specific policy and level of extras cover. Many policies cover routine checkups and basic treatments, while some also cover major dental work like orthodontics. Use GoSwitch to compare policies and see what’s included in each.
What is the best health insurance company to go with?
The best health insurance company for you will depend on your individual needs and the specific health services you’re looking for. Some companies excel in hospital cover, while others offer better value for extras. GoSwitch makes it easy to compare different companies and their offerings so you can find the one that’s right for you.