Are you getting the most from your health cover?
Increasing numbers of people are choosing to invest in private health insurance in order to ensure they have access to the best possible healthcare when they need it.
However, what most people may not realise is that private health insurance can be more than just a safety net or risk protection. There are a number of ways in which members can maximise the value they receive from investing in private health insurance.
Medibank Private has prepared a simple list of things everyone who has health insurance or who is considering taking it up should do in order to get the best value possible:
Ensure your health cover fits your lifestyle - get a FREE health cover check from any Medibank Private outlet:
This health cover check will help you determine if you are paying for the services that you actually need. If you're a 30-something single male who enjoys his regular footy game, you probably don't want to pay for obstetric services but you might want physiotherapy.
Consider health cover that gives you immediate benefits on health related services:
In addition to securing peace-of-mind for unforeseen health situations, private health insurance can also play a part in helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You may want to explore a policy that allows you to claim benefits for health related services such as health screening (e.g. bone density testing), Quit smoking courses, or fitness services or weight loss programs.
As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure.
Minimise medical expenses - choose a Members' Choice hospital:
Health insurance funds negotiate and contract with hospitals in order to get the best value for their members. By choosing a Medibank Private Members' Choice hospital, you may be able to take advantage of capped fees or higher benefits that have been negotiated on your behalf. This means you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Medibank Private has a list of Members' Choice hospitals on their website at www.medibank.com.au.
Get additional savings - choose a Members' Choice provider for ancillary services:
The same principle applies with your optical, dental, physio and other ancillary services. By choosing a Members' Choice provider, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Pay less - ask for a 'GapCover' specialist:
Should you need to see a specialist, ask your GP to recommend one who uses GapCover or Medibank Private members can find a specialist who may participate in GapCover by visiting our website at www.medibank.com.au
You need to do this because some specialists may set their fees above the Federal Government's fee schedule, known as the Commonwealth Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), which can result in out-of pocket expenses. Health insurers such as Medibank Private are helping to close that gap.
They do this by inviting specialists to participate in GapCover arrangements which they may do on a case-by-case basis. So remember, ask for a 'GapCover' specialist.
Get a quote - don't get caught off guard:
Your health fund can also help you manage your health-related expenses so that you are not caught unawares. If you know you need to seek treatment, you can call your health service provider and get a quote. Then check with your health fund to determine up-front if you will have any out-of-pocket expenses.
Ask for on-the-spot claiming with HICAPS�:
Many Members' Choice providers offer you the opportunity to use your Medibank Private membership card to make a claim on the spot using the electronic payment system known as HICAPS�. This means you don't have to pay and wait to be reimbursed; instead your claim is processed immediately, saving you time and money.
These are just some strategies that will help you ensure you are getting the most value from your health cover. The key is taking control and making sure you have the right cover and all the right information about your health cover.
For more tips and information about how you can get the maximum value from your health cover, visit www.medibank.com.au or call 132 331.
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For media enquiries, please call Libby Woolnough, Media Relations Adviser, Medibank Private on 03) 8622 5181 or e-mail libby_woolnough@medibank.com.au