Health Insurance

[exceladdict]

Not exactly sure if this should go in the playground; mods, please move if not. OT when discussing travel - but anyway.

Coming up to tax time so time to consider health insurance for the next FY.

Currently, I'm with HBF for two reasons. Firstly, they have seperate limits for contact lenses and glasses. Secondly, they allow you to pre-pay your excess using your rebate-dollars, and if you're a person who uses extras, this can add up to quite a lot.

I haven't found these features at any other health insurance companies. I'm firstly keen to know if anyone has seen these features at other insurers as I'd like to challenge HBF to price match. Otherwise, perhaps this helps someone!

 

[AnnaB]

I m with HIF for extras (Special options I think it is called, $30 per month) but that decision was mainly made on the fact that I needed major dental cover. They dont fuss over providers and I like that as well, they cover up to a certain amount per year and that works for me, I can put most towards what I want.
They dont have separate glasses and contacts but I can pick and chose where I want to get things and I get most online, saving me quite a bit in the end. Last year they covered two pairs of new glasses plus a pair of RayBan prescription Polaroid sunglasses and I think It was merely $80 out of pocket.
When it comes to dental they cover me quite well, I have already received more back this year then the extras cost me so I am happy. I also like the fact that I can go to who ever I like. If I was with HBF I would not be able to see the dentist I do.

I guess it all depends on your needs, if you need glasses and contacts then I wouldnt say this one would suit you unless the total of the cover is higher then what HBF offers. Or if you can get glasses/contacts from a different provider that is cheaper and hence save in the end.

 

[whatmeworry]

As far as limits, I know only about contacts, as I have a eye condition, which means I can only wear contacts.

As far as I know most funds only have sub limits of $200-250 per year for contacts. Not really much, considering some of the speciality hard contacts cost about $200 and upwards.

 

[AnnaB]

HIF cover depends on your choice of cover (as most), min covers up to about $250 per year, but since I order most of my glasses online now days, those $$ goes quite far. I order a lot through clearly.com.au

Read about their full cover here:
http://www.hif.com.au/sites/hifcomau/assets/public/File/Brochures/2013/HIFDomesticCoverPDS.pdf

 

[VPS]

Something I've also been thinking about - someone suggested different providers for hospital and extras covers but I'm concerned that might get a bit too complicated - does anyone here do that

 

[exceladdict]

Thanks for the comments so far.

I've had a look in to it and the detail of the HBF policy is there is $160 towards contact lenses, plus one set of glasses (value probably around $100-$150) and then the gapsaver benefits on top.

So arguably it would need to be $250-300 in limit at another provider to hit discount.

Thanks also RoseAnna​ for the clearly link.