How to choose and compare health insurance in Australia
October 31, 2024
We’ve put this guide together to help you better understand exactly what to know before buying health insurance, so you can make an informed decision.
As we age, our health needs may become more complex and require additional medical attention. Personalised policies ensure that your specific health needs are covered and addressed at the right time, which is why we recommend private health insurance as the most suitable solution for seniors over 60 and 70. One of the biggest benefits of private senior health insurance is the ability to choose a policy that fits your specific health needs. This means your policy can cover you in a private hospital to avoid public waiting lists for your procedure. Although the public health system in Australia provides exceptional care for unexpected emergencies, there may be longer waiting times that can cause inconvenience.
From routine check-ups to access to specialised care or unexpected emergencies, private senior health insurance can have you covered. Invest in a private health insurance policy and enjoy your golden years with peace of mind!
Private senior health insurance policies in Australia typically cater for individuals over the age of 60 or 65. Depending on the insurance company and specific policy, the eligibility and coverage options may vary. Private health insurance policies for seniors generally cover a range of health services, including hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
We need to acknowledge that as we grow older, we may require certain types of medical procedures and treatments. Whether it’s routine dental and vision care or more serious procedures like hip and knee replacements, we must have adequate coverage. In Australia, statistics show that individuals over the age of 65 account for 65% of hip and knee replacements. In addition, research also shows that older individuals are more likely to require hospitalisation – Australians over the age of 65 make up more than 40% of day and overnight hospital admissions.
Our health needs always change, and it’s comforting to know that we can rely on a health insurance plan that caters to that and provides the adequate support we need when we need it most.
However, navigating a lot of options can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to senior health needs – you want to make sure that your loved ones are receiving the best possible care. The good news is our advisors are equipped with adequate expertise and experience in the Australian healthcare system to inform your decision-making process. We will help you review all the options available to ensure that you have access to tailored health services and support when you need it most.
Private health insurance for seniors in Australia covers a range of medical services, including hospital treatment, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and some outpatient treatments. Extra benefits may include reduced waiting times for treatment, home care services, preventive health screenings, and wellness programs. Depending on your needs, you may want to add extras to cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services.
Are pre-existing conditions included in the policy?
In some cases, policies that do provide coverage for pre-existing conditions may still have waiting periods before you can make a claim for those conditions.
When transferring across from another health insurance policy, you don’t have to re-serve waiting periods for anything you are already covered for – even if it’s a pre-existing condition. Otherwise, waiting periods are generally 2 months for new conditions and 12 months for pre-existing conditions.
At times, pre-existing conditions may require more frequent or specialised care, so making sure you’re covered with the right level of cover is crucial. This is why a consultation with our advisors is helpful – we can help you choose a policy that helps you avoid any unexpected surprises or hidden costs!
One of the benefits of having private health insurance is the ability to have more control over your health choices. Most policies in Australia allow you to choose your preferred doctors and hospitals, giving you greater flexibility in personalising services and support that you can access. However, it’s important to check if your preferred healthcare providers are covered under your chosen policy.
There are different factors to consider when comparing health insurance options in Australia. For instance, you want to check the waiting periods for specific services, the flexibility of the policy, and the level of customer support you can expect. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind the cost of the policy – including premiums, gap cover, excess and co-payments – as you want to find an insurance policy that not only caters to your health needs but also fits your budget. Ultimately, the goal is to find an insurance policy that gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered when you need it most.
Private health insurance for seniors in Australia covers a range of medical services, including hospital treatment, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and some outpatient treatments. Extra benefits may include reduced waiting times for treatment, home care services, preventive health screenings, and wellness programs. Depending on your needs, you may want to add extras to cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services.
Are pre-existing conditions included in the policy?
In some cases, policies that do provide coverage for pre-existing conditions may still have waiting periods before you can make a claim for those conditions.
When transferring across from another health insurance policy, you don’t have to re-serve waiting periods for anything you are already covered for – even if it’s a pre-existing condition. Otherwise, waiting periods are generally 2 months for new conditions and 12 months for pre-existing conditions.
At times, pre-existing conditions may require more frequent or specialised care, so making sure you’re covered with the right level of cover is crucial. This is why a consultation with our advisors is helpful – we can help you choose a policy that helps you avoid any unexpected surprises or hidden costs!
One of the benefits of having private health insurance is the ability to have more control over your health choices. Most policies in Australia allow you to choose your preferred doctors and hospitals, giving you greater flexibility in personalising services and support that you can access. However, it’s important to check if your preferred healthcare providers are covered under your chosen policy.
There are different factors to consider when comparing health insurance options in Australia. For instance, you want to check the waiting periods for specific services, the flexibility of the policy, and the level of customer support you can expect. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind the cost of the policy – including premiums, gap cover, excess and co-payments – as you want to find an insurance policy that not only caters to your health needs but also fits your budget. Ultimately, the goal is to find an insurance policy that gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered when you need it most.
We’ve put this guide together to help you better understand exactly what to know before buying health insurance, so you can make an informed decision.
Let’s learn more about the differences between ambulance cover and private health insurance to determine which coverage is right for you.
While Basic health insurance might seem like an attractive way to avoid the surcharge, it may not be the best decision for you in the long run.
Monday-Thursday: 9am – 6pm
Friday: 9am – 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Fair Health Care Pty Ltd (ABN 86 622 966 303) is a subsdiary company of The ItsMy Group Pty Ltd (ABN 85 167 289 965), who are signatories to the Private Health Insurance Intermediaries Code of Conduct. All advice is provided within strict adherence to this code.
© 2024 Fair Health Care Pty Ltd – ABN 86 622 966 303