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“Extras” is used to describe a range of health services and items that are generally provided outside the hospital system – things like physiotherapy, dental and optical items. With benefits towards many of these things, extras cover can help you take better care of your everyday wellbeing.
The best thing about extras cover is you can get value from these services even if you’re already pretty healthy. That means you can take a proactive approach to your health and wellbeing with regular check-ups and treatments, so you can try to prevent problems before they happen, and feel even better every day.
For most extras services, there is generally no contribution from Medicare – so having private health insurance is a really helpful way to cover some of the costs. (Note that if Medicare does pay a rebate, we can’t pay an additional benefit towards the claim.)
Here are just a handful of the ways that Medibank’s extras covers could benefit you, depending on what’s included in your cover.
Do you wear glasses?
Medibank members with eligible extras get 100% back on optical items (up to your annual limit) at any recognised provider. Some services like lens coating are excluded and waiting periods apply.~
Do you lead an active lifestyle?
Get help with the cost of preventing and treating any injuries, aches and pains and keep your body in top condition with an extras cover that includes benefits towards physio or chiro and osteo.
Feeling stiff and sore?
Medibank Extras cover can also take the edge off the cost of remedial massage when delivered by a recognised provider.
What is extras cover?
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Want a sparkling smile?
Members with eligible extras cover can get 100% back on up to two dental check-ups at a Members’ Choice Advantage dentist every calendar year, including x-rays (if clinically required).^
What should I consider when choosing extras cover?
The first step to choosing the right extras cover is understanding what you need and what’s important to you. Do you wear glasses? Like keeping active? Have kids? Or plan on having a family?
Think about which services you’ll require flexibility on. If you’re likely to need major dental work such as getting braces or a root canal you may want a more comprehensive level of cover.
Consider how much you want to claim back on the services you’ll use most. Take your time to read over your options to find the cover that suits your needs or your family’s needs.
Using your extras: A few things you need to know
Taking out extras cover can be a great way to help manage some of your health bills.
It's important to know that you need to serve waiting periods before you can claim on extras services under your cover. Also, the amount you can claim is capped by annual limits (or in the case of orthodontics, over a lifetime limit). See your Cover Summary for more information.
Depending on what is included in your cover, it can be worth visiting providers that are in our large Members’ Choice network. At these health providers, we’ve negotiated great deals for Medibank members, including capped pricing and set percentage return for certain services, so you’ll generally have lower out-of-pocket costs than you would if you used a provider outside our network.
Do you have the extras cover you need? Or do you need help understanding anything about your cover? Give us a call on 132 331 to find out more.
Things you should know
~ Excludes Healthy Living Extras and select products that are no longer available for sale (for more information check your cover summary or check this page). Applies to prescription glasses and select contact lenses. Some glasses lens coatings and contact lenses are excluded. To find which specific items are included or excluded, call us on 132 331. 6 month waiting period applies.
^ Eligible members on Medibank extras (excluding Healthy Living Extras and Gold Ultra Health) can claim a maximum of two 100% back dental check-ups per member, per year at a Members’ Choice Advantage provider (including bitewing x-rays where clinically required). For members on eligible extras, the first two check-ups do not count towards your annual limit. Members with Healthy Living Extras can get 100% back on one dental check-up each year at a Members’ Choice Advantage provider (including up to two bitewing x-rays, where clinically required) or at a Members’ Choice provider (excluding x-rays). Members with Gold Ultra Health can get 100% back on up to three dental check-ups at a Members’ Choice or Members’ Choice Advantage provider. Members’ Choice and Members’ Choice Advantage providers are not available in all areas. Two month waiting period applies. Some products may have other dental benefits, check your cover summary for details.