Is your health insurance good value?

Sharon Labi

Article excerpt:

Finding the right health insurance can be as painful as having a tooth pulled, with a hefty bill of more than $3600 a year for a family, even after the government's 30 per cent rebate. But there are ways to avoid traps and get better value for money. Just be sure to always read the fine print. Here are the main areas to check.

HOSPITAL COVER

This will cover some or all of your accommodation costs in a private hospital or as a private patient in a public hospital where you get to choose your own doctor... The main advantage of hospital cover is you get to jump the ever-increasing waiting lists at public hospitals.

EXTRAS COVER

Acupuncture, massage, reflexology, quit-smoking programs, gym memberships, yoga, Pilates, physiotherapy, even Alexander technique and Bowen therapy are among the extras covered by some health funds.

But before you rush out to sign up for any of them, be aware that many policies limit the number of sessions or total amount you can claim, to sometimes as little as $100 in a year.

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