Extras cover
What is extras cover?
Extras cover is a type of private health insurance that helps with the cost of everyday health services that aren’t usually covered by Medicare. These can include things like dental check-ups, new glasses, physio appointments, and even remedial massage or chiropractic care. It’s designed to support your overall wellbeing by making routine and preventative care more affordable.
Depending on your policy, you can claim back a portion of the cost for these services, helping you stay on top of your health without added financial stress. Whether you’re looking for a basic level of cover or something more comprehensive, you have the ability to choose a level of Extras cover to suit your needs and budget.
What are the benefits of extras cover?
Extras cover is all about helping you stay on top of your everyday health needs. From dental check-ups to new glasses, physio appointments to remedial massage, these services aren’t usually covered by Medicare, but they’re a big part of staying well. With Extras cover, you can claim back a portion of these costs, depending on your level of cover.
Key features and benefits of extras cover:
- Claim back on everyday health services: Includes dental, optical, physio, chiro, and more.
- Support for preventative care: Helps cover regular check-ups and early treatment.
- A wide range of cover options: Choose a level of cover that suits your needs, lifestyle and budget.
- Mental health and wellness support: Some policies include psychology, dietetics, and wellness programs.
- Optical benefits: Claim on glasses, contact lenses, and eye tests.
- Dental benefits: Cover for check-ups, fillings, crowns, and more.
- Rehab and recovery support: Includes physio, remedial massage, and other therapies.
- No Medicare coverage? No worries: Extras cover help with costs that Medicare doesn’t cover
As the cost of living continues to rise, so do the costs of everyday health services, including dental check-ups, new glasses, or physio appointments. Extras cover can help with the cost of non-medical health services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy. Even a simple dental visit or a new pair of glasses can set you back more than expected. That’s where Extras cover comes in – it lets you claim back a portion of these costs, depending on your policy. Choosing the right level of Extras cover can help you stay on top of your health and your budget.
Compare Extras cover features and benefits
Extras cover in Australia is generally grouped up into 3 standard tiers of cover. The table below outlines common health services typically included in each tier of Extras cover. Always be sure to check fund documents for specific details.
Basic Extras | Mid Extras | Top Extras |
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Thinking of switching?
Switching health insurance is simple, and can potentially save you money while giving you better cover. Whether your health needs – and goals – have changed or you’re just looking for more value, Choosi is here to help you compare available options, so you can make the move with confidence.
Emergency ambulance cover
Emergency ambulance cover helps with the unexpected costs of urgent medical transport – something Medicare doesn’t cover. Whether it’s a sudden accident, a serious health episode, or a call-out that doesn’t result in hospital transport, ambulance services can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on where you live and the type of care provided. Emergency ambulance cover aims to cover unexpected costs when time is critical, and help is on the way.
Depending on your policy and location, cover may include emergency callouts, treatment at the scene, and transport to hospital. Some states offer partial or full cover through government schemes, but if you’re not eligible, having private ambulance cover can give you peace of mind when you need it most.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQsFrequently Asked Questions)
Extras cover can be worth it if you regularly use services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, or chiropractic care, to name a few. It can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for these treatments and can offer reassurance that you're covered for routine health needs. However, its value depends on your lifestyle, health priorities, and how often you claim. If you rarely use these services, you might find the premiums outweigh the benefits. Comparing policies and estimating your annual usage can help you decide which level of extras cover suits you.
You generally can't claim Extras cover itself as a tax deduction, but if you hold an eligible private health insurance policy, including Extras only, you may still be entitled to the private health insurance rebate. This rebate is a government offset that helps reduce the cost of your premiums and is applied either through your insurer or when you lodge your tax return. Even if you only have Extras cover, you should still complete the private health insurance section in your tax return. If you have questions about claiming a tax deduction, please speak to a professional.
You can get extras cover without hospital cover. Extras cover can help with the cost of out-of-hospital services like dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more. Many insurers offer it as a standalone policy, so you can choose extras cover on its own or combine it with hospital cover depending on your needs and budget. It’s a flexible way to manage everyday health costs without committing to a full hospital and extras insurance package.
Laser eye surgery isn’t covered by Medicare as it's considered elective and not medically necessary. However, some private health insurance policies may offer partial reimbursement for laser eye surgery costs. Cover and benefit limits vary significantly between insurers, so it's important to compare policies and check with your provider to see if laser eye surgery is included.
Invisalign® or braces may be covered by private health insurance in Australia, but only under certain extras policies that include orthodontic treatment. Cover depends on your insurer, the level of dental cover, and whether it’s considered part of your orthodontic benefits. Many policies have a 12-month waiting period before you can claim for orthodontics. It's important to check your policy details or speak with your insurer to confirm what's included and any limits or conditions that apply.