Ensuring you are on the right level of cover for your circumstance is the best way to save. Medibank has a range of cover options tailor made for made for life’s little journeys and detours. Whether you’re a young adult, growing family, single parent, mature couple or anything in between, there’s a level of cover that has been designed with you in mind.

It’s also worthwhile remembering,  your health cover isn’t just for those times when you’re sick, there are also a number of ways you can use it to stay healthy and happy.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Medibank membership.

TIP #1 – Hospital cover, Extras or both?

You can choose to be covered for hospital cover, extras cover or both.

Hospital cover will support you for in-hospital treatments and expenses. This includes things like hospital bed rates, theatre fees, intensive care, surgery and parts of your doctors’ bills while you’re in hospital.

Extras cover suits those who make use of health services and practitioners outside of the hospital system. This can include a whole range of services from physio, chiro, optical, dental treatments and much more.

Combined Hospital and Extras cover is the most comprehensive level of cover and will support you for hospital visits and ongoing health services, treatments and check-ups.

Remember – the cheapest option isn’t always going to save you money in the long run. Knowing what cover will support you the best on your journey to better health is key.

To see what level of cover you currently receive, log in to My Medibank.

TIP #2 – Using Extras to your advantage

Extras services can be a great thing to have when things go wrong, but some services can actually be used to help prevent injury and illness in the first place. Here are some ways to get the most value from your Extras.

Know when your annual limits reset

Most annual limits for claiming back on extras services reset annually on 1 January. Unused limits don’t carry over so you should try to use up as much as you can before the end of the year.

Visit one of our Members’ Choice providers for the biggest rebates

We have more than 8,000 providers in our Members’ Choice network who can provide the physio, optical, dental service you need (and more), all while getting back a greater percentage from us. Members’ Choice providers also have fixed pricing for some treatments, so you’ll always know the costs up front. Find your nearest provider here.

Get a free annual dental check-up

All Medibank members with extras cover for two months or more can now get 100% back on an annual dental check-up (excluding x-rays) at a Members’ Choice dentist.

Get a free pair of glasses

If you are a Medibank member with extras cover and have served your waiting periods, you can get 100% back for frames, prescription glasses, contacts and more, up to your annual limit, at any Members’ Choice provider.*

Know what waiting periods apply for services

In some cases, before you can claim back on some extras services you must first wait for a period of time after you become a Medibank member. Different services have different waiting period lengths, so it’s important to know if you are still within a waiting period window before seeking a specific service.

TIP #3 – Ways to save $$$

Avoid paying for Lifetime Health Cover loading

Lifetime Health Cover loading is an initiative of the Federal Government designed to encourage Australians to take out their own hospital cover. For those without cover beyond 1 July following their 31st birthday, they stand to pay an additional 2% loading on premiums each year once they decide to take out private health cover. So it works in your favour to get covered and stay covered early in life.

Read more about Lifetime Health Cover here.

Avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge

If you don’t have an appropriate level of private hospital cover and earn above $90,000 for singles and $180,000 for families, you must pay a Medicare Levy Surcharge at tax time. This can be up to 1.5% of your income – that’s a lot of dollars! So having private health cover is more than just a wise choice for your health… it’s a wise choice for your pocket.

Here’s some more info about Medicare Levy Surcharge.

Reduce your premium by nominating your Australian Government Rebate (AGR) tier

Depending on your age and income, the government may contribute a percentage of your health insurance premium each year. If you nominate your AGR tier ahead of tax time, you may reduce your premium and avoid having to repay any amounts you’ve received above your entitlement.

See what the income tiers are and see what rebate you’re entitled to.

Check on your excess

Your excess is the amount you initially pay for treatment before your health cover starts contributing to the cost. Policies with an excess component often have lower premiums. You could think about how much you are willing to pay up front if you were to need treatment in order to save on your premium.

TIP #4 – Enjoy the perks of your membership

With Medibank, you have access to a wide range of members’ only offers and discounts that support your better health and wellbeing.

GymBetter® – enjoy pay-as-you-go access to gyms across Australia from as little as $8.50 a visit.

Collect extra flybuys points – get even better rewards when you link your Medibank health cover membership to your flybuys account.

Special offers and discounts – we have a range of special offers from some of your favourite brands including Fitbit®, Palace Cinemas, and Sunglass Hut.

Discounts on other types of covers – when you have Medibank health insurance, you can enjoy 10% off pet, travel and life cover too.

Your invitation to Live Better – each month we’ll send you a collection of health, lifestyle and fitness articles that have been hand-picked to help you on your wellness journey. Make sure you’ve updated your preferences here.

If you’d like more information, one of our experts would be happy to explain how you can get more from your Medibank membership. Visit us in store or call us on 132 331.

* This benefit applies to policies that started from November 2011 and is not available on Everyday Starter.