5 Signs You’re Overpaying for Health Cover

Saving on health insurance isn’t about picking the cheapest policy. It’s about making sure you’re actually getting value for your healthcare dollar. Here’s what our health cover experts say to watch for:

That “affordable” policy may be costing you more than you think. Here are five red flags that it’s time to review your health cover.

Still paying gap fees and premiums for extras you don’t use? You could be overpaying without even realising it. Let’s break it down.

Health insurance premiums are going up. Your rebate feels like it’s going down - and every time you visit a provider, you’re hit with another bill.

Sound familiar?

Whether you’re looking to reduce your health insurance costs or you just want to make sure you’re getting the cover you need, here are five telltale signs it’s time to switch things up when it comes to your health cover:

1. You’re still paying big gap fees

Gap fees are the out-of-pocket costs you pay when your insurer doesn’t fully cover a service.

If you’re paying hundreds - even thousands - on top of your premium, something’s not working with your policy.

Good cover includes access to no-gap or known-gap providers. If your policy doesn’t, or if your insurer has limited agreements with providers in your area, it’s a sign it’s time to look at your options.

2. Your extras no longer match your lifestyle

Still paying for acupuncture or podiatry cover, even though you haven’t used them in years?

Many Australians aged 30-45 are on legacy extras policies that include outdated or irrelevant treatments. What’s being used most? Dental, optical and physio.

If your extras don’t align with your lifestyle, you’re probably overpaying, and missing out on higher rebates for the services you actually are using (I mean, it’s your money - you’ll want as much of it back as possible, right?)

3. You’re travelling too far - or paying too much - for your health care

Not all insurers have provider agreements in every area. If your local dentist, physio or optometrist doesn’t have an agreement with your insurer, you’ll either pay more, or have to drive further to a provider that does.

You shouldn’t have to choose between cost and convenience.

Some insurers have better networks in certain locations. Knowing which ones work best for you is where an expert can help - and this is what they do best.#

4. You’ve never heard of “Plus” hospital cover

If you’re only familiar with the standard four tiers of hospital cover - i.e., Basic, Bronze, Silver and Gold - you might not know that Plus cover offers extra procedures without the higher price tag.

Some Australians are paying for top-tier policies without realising a tailored Plus option could save them hundreds per year. Now you know you can do better - so ask us today.

5. You haven’t compared policies in over a year

A lot can change in a year. New policies, new rebates, new gap fees - and yes, new premium price increases. Health insurers are betting on you staying put - but switching is easier, and smarter, than ever - especially when you have an expert happy to do it for you for free.#

In fact, our team of health cover experts have helped Aussies save an average of $295 per year by helping them find better-value policies^.

Stop overpaying. Speak to a health insurance expert today and find out if there’s a better policy out there for your needs.#

# HealthMatch’s comparison service is provided by the team of health insurance experts at Compare Club. Compare Club compares selected products from a panel of trusted insurers and does not compare all products in the market