Dad pays $1,200 after health insurance mistake many people make
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Private health insurance: it’s one of those things many of us pay for but rarely think about—until we need it.
With more than 15 million Australians forking out for private health coverage, you’d think we’d all be making the most of our policies.
But, as it turns out, a surprising number of us are letting our hard-earned dollars go to waste.
Take the story of Petrus Buys, a 29-year-old civil engineer and new dad living on the Sunshine Coast.
After the birth of his son Caleb, Petrus realised he wasn’t just responsible for himself and his wife anymore—he had a little one to look after, too.
That was the nudge he needed to finally sign up for private health insurance, paying $100 a month (that’s $1,200 a year) for hospital and extra coverage.
Here’s the kicker: Petrus hasn’t made a single claim since taking out his policy.
And he’s not alone. Recent research from Finder found that two in five Aussies with health insurance haven’t claimed a cent in the past year despite paying hundreds or even thousands in premiums.
Only 17 per cent of people surveyed had used both their hospital and extras cover in the last 12 months.
So, what’s going on? Are we just too busy to book that dental check-up, or are we simply forgetting what we’re entitled to?
According to Finder’s health insurance expert Tim Bennett, it’s a bit of both. 'Health cover is a valuable safety net for unexpected illness or injury, but for many, it feels like dead money,' he said.
'If you’re paying for it, use it. So many people forget they’re entitled to things like dental check-ups, physio visits or optical rebates—claiming just a few of these can make your policy far more worthwhile.'
With the cost of living rising faster than a loaf of bread in a hot oven, it’s no wonder many Aussies are questioning whether private health insurance is still worth it.
Premiums went up by an average of 3.73 per cent in April, and iSelect research shows that a third of us are now delaying routine check-ups—like dental, hearing, and cancer screenings—just to save a few bucks. Even GP visits are being put off by 31 per cent of people.
For families like the Buys, the financial pressure is real. After buying a house and welcoming a new baby, Petrus and his wife are spending about 40 per cent of their income on the mortgage.
Add in rising grocery bills, electricity, and water, and it’s no surprise they’re cutting back on holidays and visits to family overseas.
'You’re getting forced into a corner where you need to start considering doing second jobs and side hustles and ways of generating additional income,' Petrus admits.
But before you rush to cancel your policy, experts urge caution.
'No one wants to be caught out without cover when they really need it,' Bennett warns.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected—especially for things Medicare doesn’t cover, like dental—can be worth its weight in gold.
If you’re paying for private health coverage, make sure you’re getting the most out of it.
Start by reading your policy—many people don’t realise it includes benefits like dental check-ups, physio visits, optical rebates, and even some alternative therapies.
Schedule those appointments before your benefit year ends, as unused extras often don’t roll over.
Don’t just stick with your current policy without checking if there’s a better option; insurers often compete for your business, especially before the financial year resets.
Use your cover for essential health checks to avoid more serious issues later. And if your needs have changed, update your policy—there’s no point paying for extras you don’t use.
Private health insurance can be a lifesaver, but only if you use it.
With premiums on the rise and the cost of living biting hard, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re getting value for your money.
Don’t let your policy gather dust—book those appointments, claim your benefits, and review your cover regularly.
Have you found yourself paying for health insurance but not using it? Or have you scored a great deal by shopping around? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips—share your thoughts in the comments below.
With more than 15 million Australians forking out for private health coverage, you’d think we’d all be making the most of our policies.
But, as it turns out, a surprising number of us are letting our hard-earned dollars go to waste.
Take the story of Petrus Buys, a 29-year-old civil engineer and new dad living on the Sunshine Coast.
After the birth of his son Caleb, Petrus realised he wasn’t just responsible for himself and his wife anymore—he had a little one to look after, too.
Private health insurance has been paid by many Australians without a single claim made in the past year, raising concerns about value for money amid rising premiums and living costs. Credit: Designer491 / iStock
That was the nudge he needed to finally sign up for private health insurance, paying $100 a month (that’s $1,200 a year) for hospital and extra coverage.
Here’s the kicker: Petrus hasn’t made a single claim since taking out his policy.
And he’s not alone. Recent research from Finder found that two in five Aussies with health insurance haven’t claimed a cent in the past year despite paying hundreds or even thousands in premiums.
Only 17 per cent of people surveyed had used both their hospital and extras cover in the last 12 months.
So, what’s going on? Are we just too busy to book that dental check-up, or are we simply forgetting what we’re entitled to?
According to Finder’s health insurance expert Tim Bennett, it’s a bit of both. 'Health cover is a valuable safety net for unexpected illness or injury, but for many, it feels like dead money,' he said.
'If you’re paying for it, use it. So many people forget they’re entitled to things like dental check-ups, physio visits or optical rebates—claiming just a few of these can make your policy far more worthwhile.'
With the cost of living rising faster than a loaf of bread in a hot oven, it’s no wonder many Aussies are questioning whether private health insurance is still worth it.
Premiums went up by an average of 3.73 per cent in April, and iSelect research shows that a third of us are now delaying routine check-ups—like dental, hearing, and cancer screenings—just to save a few bucks. Even GP visits are being put off by 31 per cent of people.
Add in rising grocery bills, electricity, and water, and it’s no surprise they’re cutting back on holidays and visits to family overseas.
'You’re getting forced into a corner where you need to start considering doing second jobs and side hustles and ways of generating additional income,' Petrus admits.
But before you rush to cancel your policy, experts urge caution.
'No one wants to be caught out without cover when they really need it,' Bennett warns.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected—especially for things Medicare doesn’t cover, like dental—can be worth its weight in gold.
Start by reading your policy—many people don’t realise it includes benefits like dental check-ups, physio visits, optical rebates, and even some alternative therapies.
Schedule those appointments before your benefit year ends, as unused extras often don’t roll over.
Don’t just stick with your current policy without checking if there’s a better option; insurers often compete for your business, especially before the financial year resets.
Use your cover for essential health checks to avoid more serious issues later. And if your needs have changed, update your policy—there’s no point paying for extras you don’t use.
Private health insurance can be a lifesaver, but only if you use it.
Don’t let your policy gather dust—book those appointments, claim your benefits, and review your cover regularly.
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