Extras Cover

Extras cover is a type of health insurance that pays benefits towards health services such as dental, optical and physio. You’ll pay less out-of-pocket costs when you use these services at a registered provider.

There are a range of extras covers you can compare and choose from depending on your budget and health needs. Like basic extras cover, with a small number of services such as dental and optical, to top extras with increased benefits on a larger number of services.

There are different levels of extras cover so it’s important to know your budget and what services you are looking to claim on. The level of the cover you choose will determine how many different types of general treatments are covered and usually the benefit amount you have available to claim each year.

The benefit amount paid towards a treatment will often depend on your level of cover. The benefit amount available will determine your out-of-pocket expenses, this can vary between insurers. It’s a requirement that the health provider you choose to see is registered in their field in order for the benefits to be paid.

With most providers you will be able to claim at the time of the appointment and the benefit will be paid straight back onto your account. In some cases you may need to claim through your health insurance provider.

There are varying annual limits and waiting periods applied to each service so always read the product disclosure statement to understand what you’re entitled to claim and when.

Whether you’re single, a family or recently retired, extras cover is a great way to reduce the costs of maintaining your health and help reduce your out of pocket costs on routine treatments like getting a dental check-up or seeing a physio.

You can choose to be covered for general services such as dental and optical or opt for more comprehensive cover. The flexibility within extras allows you to stay on top of your everyday health and still seek specific care should you need it.

Yes, you can just hold extras cover and GMHBA has a range of extras to choose from to suit your needs and budget.

Extras cover is completely optional so there’s no obligation to sign up for a policy if you don’t need it. However, extras cover is a great way to reduce some out of pocket expenses.

If you have extras cover you are able to claim the private health insurance rebate from the government. Your eligibility to claim the rebate is determined by your age and income and can affect the amount you are entitled to, in some cases making you ineligible should your income be considered too high.

It’s important to know that extras only cover is different to hospital cover and will not make you exempt from the Medicare Levy Surcharge if it applies. If you are considered over the income threshold and wish to avoid the surcharge you are required to hold an eligible private hospital cover.