Exclusive to Smart Starter Bronze Plus, Starter Extras cover is perfect for singles and couples. Offering 100% cover for one general dental checkup per year¹ and cover for other general dental, optical, physio.
Why private health insurance?
Learn more about what hospital and extras cover could mean for you.
In Australia, we’re lucky enough to have a public health system that looks after you in the case of most accidents and emergencies. This means a lot of the out-of-pocket expenses for emergency care that can occur in other countries typically aren’t a factor for those with full Medicare eligibility.
We do, however, have two pathways to access non-urgent healthcare services, public and private.
What's the difference between public and private?
A public hospital is owned and operated by state or local government with funding support from the Federal Government. Anyone with Medicare can receive medical attention at a public hospital. However, because urgent cases take priority, it can mean that things like scheduled surgeries or appointments might have long wait times and may even be pushed back. Often, in public hospitals, you’ll see the doctor that’s available, rather than your preferred doctor or specialist.
A private hospital is privately owned and operated and is open to all. At a private hospital, all services not covered by Medicare are paid for out of pocket or are covered fully or in part by private health insurance (hospital cover). Depending on the hospital, the type of treatment and how urgently you need it, taking out hospital cover and being treated at a private hospital can help to reduce your wait times, allow you to see your preferred clinician and can help to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
What is hospital cover?
Hospital cover is used for in-patient services. When you’re comparing health insurance, you’re often looking at the cost or premium of hospital cover for each calendar month.
In Australia, we classify hospital cover according to tiers, these are: Basic, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
These tiers are designed to make it easier to understand what’s included in your policy cover. Many things can be a factor in determining the type of cover you’ll take out; it’s best to consider your health status and your family make up as well as things like the affordability of the cover. For example, if you’re young and lead an active lifestyle you’re unlikely to need access to everything that’s covered in a Gold tier hospital cover product, but if you’re a little older or have a growing family you might enjoy the peace of mind Gold offers.
What's included in your hospital cover?
A list of inclusions shows you what’s covered under your policy and what is necessary to be included in an insurance tier. For example, at Doctors’ Health Fund, we don’t offer a Basic policy. Instead, we offer Smart Starter Bronze Plus, which covers all the services listed on a Basic Tier, a Bronze Tier and some elements that are typically only available under Silver Tier products.
We designed Smart Starter Bronze Plus for singles and couples who are looking for comprehensive entry level health insurance, at an affordable price.
Take a look at what’s included and compare to other Tiers with our comparison tool.
Do I need extras cover?
Extras cover is additional cover that can be taken out on its own or in combination with hospital cover. Taking out extras cover is another way to keep your out-of-pocket costs down. Extras cover is used for out-of-hospital services that Medicare does not cover such as a range of health and wellness essentials like dental, optical, physiotherapy, and mental health services. Depending on the level of cover you take out, your extras cover will pay up to an annual limit which is the maximum amount of benefit that you can claim towards that service each year.
For example, at Doctors’ Health Fund, we offer 3 different types of extras cover, designed to support you and your family at different stages. We offer Starter Extras which is exclusively partnered with Smart Starter Bronze Plus, Essential Extras and Total Extras.
Great for those needing a higher level of cover or for young families with changing needs. Mid-level extras cover with a substantial list of benefits, including 100% cover for two dental checkups per year² and a $500 optical limit every two years.
High-end extras cover offering a range of premium benefits, including no limit for general dental services including 100% of the cost of all checkups, fissure sealings and bitewing x-rays, and generous limits for major dental. Up to $700 every 2 years for contact lenses or frames with prescription lenses, and benefits for laser eye surgery
What's the best cover for you?
Comparing health insurance quotes for hospital and extras is a great way to start, but sometimes it helps to speak to an expert. Our experienced team are ready to assist you make the right choice for your unique lifestyle and healthcare needs.
Contact us on 1800 226 126 or email join@doctorshealthfund.com.au
1 For Starter Extras: one general dental check-up per year is limited to an examination, fluoride, and a scale and clean.
2 For Essential Extras: two dental check-ups per year is limited to an examination, fluoride, and a scale and clean.