Your complete Private Health Insurance Comparison Checklist

When it comes to choosing a private health fund that suits your needs and stage of life we are here to help you out with the best possible outcome to assist you to compare private health insurance options.

What to ask when you’re choosing health insurance

  • Do you already have a private health insurance policy?
  • What level or type of cover is needed?
  • Who do you need to cover on the private health policy and are they eligible for Medicare?
  • Do you have a budget that you need to work to?

What type of cover do you need?

  • Hospital 
  • General extras cover
  • Or both?

What’s your family or personal status?

  • Single
  • Couple
  • Family 
  • Single parent

What’s your preferred payment method?

  • Weekly
  • Fortnightly
  • Monthly
  • Yearly

Are you eligible for the Medicare levy and surcharge?

In Australia, most of us contribute about 2% of what we earn for the Medicare levy when we file our tax returns. If you’re not covered by private health insurance and you make above a certain amount, you might get hit with an additional fee. This extra charge could be as much as 1.5% of what you earned that year. Sometimes, though, if you’re bringing in a good salary, it might actually save you money to get private health insurance instead of shelling out for the surcharge. If you need more details on how the Medicare levy works, you can check out the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.

Does the Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading apply to you?

The LHC loading is basically a push from the government to remind you to consider buying health insurance before turning 30. If you miss the boat and don’t have private health insurance by then, you’ll face a 2% extra charge on your premium for each year you wait past 30.

The good news? You don’t need to buy top private health insurance cover – just having basic hospital cover is enough to avoid the LHC loading. Make sure you compare private health insurers for the best deal and for the finer details on how LHC works, you can check out PrivateHealth.gov.au

What Private Health won’t Cover

  • General practitioner visits
  • Some specialist visits
  • Visits to a public or private hospital emergency department.

Unless you’re a patient in hospital, it also doesn’t cover:

  • X-rays or other scans
  • Blood tests or other pathology tests.

What to ask your Doctor when being treated:

  • What is the fee for my Procedure/treatment?
  • Will your fee be covered by Medicare and my private health insurer, or is there a gap fee?
  • If there is a gap fee, how much will that be?
  • What are my options if I cannot afford the gap fee?
  • Are there any other costs associated with my procedure/ treatment?
  • What are the Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers for my procedure/ treatment?

What to ask the hospital:

  • Do you have an agreement with my private health insurer?
  • Will I have a gap to pay at admission time?
  • What will be my other out of pocket expenses while I’m in hospital?

When navigating private health insurance options, our comprehensive Private Health Insurance Comparison Checklist is your go-to guide. We’ll walk you through key considerations, from determining your coverage needs based on life stage to budget constraints and payment preferences. Covering insights into potential Medicare levies and Lifetime Health Cover loading, this blog will assist you to make informed decisions. Plus, we outline what’s typically excluded from coverage and provide essential questions to ask both your doctor and the hospital. Don’t navigate the complexities alone – compare private health insurers today and connect with our team to find the best fit for you.

Speak to one of our friendly team members about your options Call 1300 861 413 or email hello@health.compare

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The Essential Guide to Private Health Cover for Singles

As a single person, your private health coverage requirements may differ from those of a couple, single parent, or family. That’s why it might be beneficial for you to consider a singles policy that is specifically tailored to your current stage of life, overall health, income, and personal preferences. When it comes to safeguarding your health and well-being, having private health cover as a single is a wise choice.

For singles navigating the world of private health insurance, understanding the ins and outs of various plans can be overwhelming. In this post, we’ll explore the key aspects of private health coverage for singles, explain its importance, and provide useful insights to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a young professional, a self-employed individual, or simply someone looking for comprehensive private healthcare options, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to find the perfect policy.

What exactly is singles private health cover?
It’s a policy designed to cover the private healthcare needs of a single individual. Unlike couples or family policies that provide coverage for multiple individuals, a singles policy focuses solely on one person.

The key advantage of a singles private health insurance policy is the ability to customise it according to your specific needs. Unlike couples or family private health plans, where everyone is covered for the same set of benefits, a singles policy can be personalised based on your unique requirements. If you are part of a couple, you also have the option to consider obtaining two separate singles policies. This allows each of you to tailor the policy to your individual needs and desired level of coverage.

By opting for a singles private health policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that your healthcare needs are adequately covered. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage or have specific medical concerns, a singles policy can be tailored to suit your preferences and provide the necessary protection for your well-being.

Understanding Private Health Coverage for Singles:
Private health coverage for singles offers additional benefits and services beyond what is provided by our public health system. For singles, it provides tailored coverage, flexibility, and a higher level of control over your healthcare choices. Here are some essential aspects to consider:

⦁ Comprehensive Coverage: Private health cover offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond what is typically provided by our current public health system. These policies often include coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and preventive care.
⦁ Faster Access to Healthcare: With private health cover, you can typically avoid long wait times for medical treatments and consultations. This means you’ll receive prompt attention and care when you need it the most.
⦁ Choice of Healthcare Providers: Private health insurance cover grants you the freedom to choose your preferred healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, and hospitals. This flexibility ensures you receive care from professionals you trust.
⦁ Additional Services: Many private health plans offer additional extras services such as dental care, eye care, mental health support, and alternative therapies. These extras will enhance your overall well-being and provide a comprehensive healthcare solution tailored to your needs.
What are the different types of singles private health insurance policies?
There are three different types of private health insurance:
⦁ hospital cover,
extras cover and
⦁ combined hospital and extras cover.

What do the different types of private health cover mean?
Hospital cover provides you with the opportunity to receive medical treatment as a private patient in either a private or public hospital. With hospital cover, you typically have the freedom to choose your own doctor. It also helps in managing some of the medical expenses incurred during your hospital stay.

Hospital policies are categorised into four main tiers: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Basic.

Each tier ensures a minimum standard of treatments. Additionally, Silver, Bronze, and Basic tier policies may offer a “Plus” option that provides extra coverage beyond the minimum standard.

On the other hand, extras cover assists in covering you for the costs of various health services that fall outside of hospital treatment. These services can include dental care, chiropractic treatments, physiotherapy sessions, and optical needs like glasses and contact lenses. Unlike hospital cover, extras policies are not bound by the tier requirements. Instead, the coverage provided by extras policies depends on the specific policy and provider you choose.

Why is private health cover so important?
Private health cover is incredibly important for several reasons. Firstly, it offers individuals greater control and choice over their healthcare. With private health cover, people have access to a wide network of healthcare providers, allowing them to select the doctors, specialists, and hospitals that best meet their needs.

Additionally, it provides financial security when it comes to your health and wellbeing by covering the cost of expensive medical procedures, medications and treatments that may not be covered by the public healthcare system.

Explore your options
Ultimately, private health cover offers peace of mind, knowing healthcare is readily available. Talk to our friendly staff today to discuss your singles private health cover options. They will assist you in comparing private health insurance policies that best suit your situation and stage of life.

Call us on 1300 861 413 or email hello@health.compare

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