Claim your health insurance perks before this year ends—deadline is approaching!
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As the year draws to a close, it's not just the holiday festivities that should be on your mind, especially if you're among the 13.6 million Australians with private health insurance.
The end of December isn't just a time for celebration; it's also a crucial deadline for making the most of your health insurance benefits. With the 31 December cutoff fast approaching, it's your last chance to claim those valuable extras that come with your policy.
Many of us, particularly those over 60, understand the importance of health maintenance. However, a national survey has highlighted a common struggle among Australians to keep up with health routines throughout the year, often due to work commitments and financial constraints.
Bupa, one of the country's leading health insurance providers, reported a whopping 54 per cent surge in optical sales in December compared to other months.
Dental and optical services claims also spike as people scramble to book eye tests, purchase new glasses or sunglasses, and schedule dental check-ups before their benefits reset.
Dr Tony MacDermott, Bupa Health Services clinical director, noted that while Australians are busy planning summer holidays and end-of-year parties, December is a critical reminder.
It’s the perfect time to book health appointments that might have been missed or delayed throughout the year.
It's a time to catch up on your health needs and review your health insurance policy to ensure it aligns with your current health and well-being requirements.
With over half the population accessing private health insurance in some capacity, it's clear that many Australians value the security and additional options it provides.
However, it's also evident that many of us could better utilise the full range of benefits available.
So, what should you do? First, check your policy details. Each health insurance plan is different, and knowing what you're entitled to is the first step in making the most of it.
Common extras include dental check-ups and treatments, optical services, physiotherapy, chiropractic services, and alternative therapies like acupuncture or remedial massage.
Next, prioritise your health needs. Have you been putting off a dental check-up? Is it time for an eye examination or a new pair of specs?
Perhaps you've been ignoring that niggling back pain that could benefit from a physio session. Now's the time to act.
Remember, if you don't use these benefits before December 31, they typically don't roll over to the next year—they're gone for good.
In other news, many Australians with private health insurance must be aware of their unclaimed benefits, leading to lost consumer money and higher profits for insurers.
The current insurance model includes coverage for extras that many policyholders don't need or use, often resulting in higher costs and a misleading sense of value. You can read more about it here.
Have you had a similar experience with the end-of-year rush for health services? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
The end of December isn't just a time for celebration; it's also a crucial deadline for making the most of your health insurance benefits. With the 31 December cutoff fast approaching, it's your last chance to claim those valuable extras that come with your policy.
Many of us, particularly those over 60, understand the importance of health maintenance. However, a national survey has highlighted a common struggle among Australians to keep up with health routines throughout the year, often due to work commitments and financial constraints.
Bupa, one of the country's leading health insurance providers, reported a whopping 54 per cent surge in optical sales in December compared to other months.
Dental and optical services claims also spike as people scramble to book eye tests, purchase new glasses or sunglasses, and schedule dental check-ups before their benefits reset.
Millions of Australians must claim extra benefits from private health insurance before they expire on 31 December. Credit: designer491 / iStock
Dr Tony MacDermott, Bupa Health Services clinical director, noted that while Australians are busy planning summer holidays and end-of-year parties, December is a critical reminder.
It’s the perfect time to book health appointments that might have been missed or delayed throughout the year.
It's a time to catch up on your health needs and review your health insurance policy to ensure it aligns with your current health and well-being requirements.
With over half the population accessing private health insurance in some capacity, it's clear that many Australians value the security and additional options it provides.
However, it's also evident that many of us could better utilise the full range of benefits available.
So, what should you do? First, check your policy details. Each health insurance plan is different, and knowing what you're entitled to is the first step in making the most of it.
Common extras include dental check-ups and treatments, optical services, physiotherapy, chiropractic services, and alternative therapies like acupuncture or remedial massage.
Next, prioritise your health needs. Have you been putting off a dental check-up? Is it time for an eye examination or a new pair of specs?
Perhaps you've been ignoring that niggling back pain that could benefit from a physio session. Now's the time to act.
Remember, if you don't use these benefits before December 31, they typically don't roll over to the next year—they're gone for good.
In other news, many Australians with private health insurance must be aware of their unclaimed benefits, leading to lost consumer money and higher profits for insurers.
The current insurance model includes coverage for extras that many policyholders don't need or use, often resulting in higher costs and a misleading sense of value. You can read more about it here.
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