What Is Private Health Insurance?
In Australia, the health care system consists of both public and private services. The Government funds the public health care system through Medicareand is free and low cost for anyone with a Medicare card. Private health care on the other hand is funded by private health insurance and allows patients to be treated in private hospitals as a private patient. While Medicare covers most medical treatments, private health insurance can help pay for additional health care costs and provide more options for treatment.
Types Of Cover Available
Hospital Cover
Having hospital cover means that you can be treated in a private hospital and avoid public hospital waiting lists. You get more control over where you're treated and who treats you
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Extra's Cover
Geneeral treatment (also known as extra's) cover for treatments that do not take place in hospital, like visits to the dentist, physiotherapy or optical services. This type of cover is to help with out of hospital services and treatments that Medicare doesn't cover.
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Combined Cover
When you take out both hospital and extra's cover, it's known as combined cover. that is why you will hear the term "hospital and extra's" thrown around so much when it comes to health insurance. It is a popular choice.
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Ambulance Cover
This covers the cost of treatment and transportation by emergency services. Check with your state ambulance authority to ensure that you have the right level of cover for non-emergency ambulance transport within Australia.