Do I need Extras Cover?

Extras cover pays benefits towards everyday healthcare services that aren’t usually covered by Medicare. Dental, optical and physiotherapy are just some of the many services that can be included under an Extras policy.

Whether Extras cover is right for you depends on your lifestyle, healthcare needs and the types of services you use.

This article explores who may benefit from Extras cover, when it might be worth considering and how to choose the right level of cover for your needs.

Key Points

• Not everyone needs Extras cover.
• The right level of cover depends on the healthcare services you use.
• Claiming more doesn’t always mean a policy is better suited to your needs.
• Reviewing your healthcare needs regularly can help you choose the right level of cover.

Who can benefit from Extras cover?

Extras cover can be useful if you regularly use healthcare services that aren’t covered by Medicare.

For example, if you visit the dentist regularly, wear glasses or contact lenses, see a physio for ongoing treatment or use other Extras services throughout the year, having cover can help with some of those costs.

It can also be useful for families, where several people may be using different services throughout the year.

The important thing is to think about the services you actually use, rather than choosing cover simply because it includes a long list of services.

When might you not need Extras cover?

If you rarely visit the dentist, don’t wear glasses or regularly use services like physiotherapy, you may prefer to pay for these services yourself when you need them.

It’s also worth looking at what’s actually included on a policy. If you’re paying for cover that includes services you don’t use, another level of cover may be better suited to your needs.

Unlike Hospital cover, there are no government penalties or Lifetime Health Cover implications for choosing not to have Extras cover.

How can you get more value from Extras cover?

Getting value from Extras cover starts with choosing a policy that includes the services you actually use.

It’s also important to understand how benefits are paid, the annual limits that apply and what you may need to pay out of pocket when you use a service.

A policy with a long list of included services isn’t necessarily better if you don’t use most of them.

Your healthcare needs can change over time, so it’s worth reviewing your Extras cover occasionally to make sure it still suits you.

How do you choose the right Extras cover?

Start with the healthcare services you already use or expect to use. There’s little value in paying for a long list of services if most of them aren’t relevant to you.

Look beyond what’s included and check how much you can actually claim. Extras policies can have different benefit amounts, annual limits and waiting periods, which can make a big difference to how useful the cover is for you.

It’s also worth considering whether limits apply to individual services or are shared across a group of services, as this can affect how much flexibility you have throughout the year.

What Extras cover options does Phoenix Health offer?

Phoenix Health offers four levels of Extras cover, ranging from budget-friendly cover for the basics through to more comprehensive options for people who regularly use a wide range of Extras services.

• KickStart Extras 50

  Budget-friendly cover that includes the basics, ideal for people who don’t regularly use Extras services.

• Healthy Flex Extras 50

  Flexible Extras cover with a combined annual limit across multiple services, ideal for people who want the flexibility to claim where they need it most.

• Value Extras 60

  A high level of Extras cover across a wide range of services, ideal for people who regularly claim on their Extras.

• Active Extras 60

  Our most comprehensive Extras cover, designed for people who want the highest level of benefits across the widest range of services.

Is Extras cover right for you?

If you’re deciding whether Extras cover is worth having, think about:

• What healthcare services do you regularly use?
• How often do you visit the dentist, optometrist, physio or other Extras providers?
• Are the services you actually use included on the policy?
• How much can you claim back and what annual limits apply?
• Are any limits shared across multiple services?
• Do waiting periods apply before you can start claiming?
• Does the health fund use a preferred provider network that could affect how much you get back?
• Would you be comfortable paying for these services yourself without Extras cover?

Answering these questions can help you work out whether Extras cover suits you and, if it does, what level of cover makes sense for your needs.