Health insurance extras are jam-packed with value, yet many of us leave money on the table every year. Research shows that a significant number of Australians don’t fully claim their entitled benefits before they reset. Dental check-ups, optical rebates, physio sessions, or even wellness programs are there for the taking—and if you’re not using them, you’re losing them!
The good news? It’s easy to take full advantage of your extras and maximise the value of your policy. From understanding answers to key questions like when does health insurance reset to reviewing your excess private health insurance entitlements, this guide will show you how to avoid missing out. Let’s make sure you get the most from your health cover before those benefits vanish.
What are health insurance extras?
Health insurance extras are designed to support your everyday health needs by covering costs not included under hospital insurance. Unlike hospital cover, which focuses on in-patient treatments, extras provide rebates for a range of out-of-hospital services that help you maintain your overall well-being.
Common extras include dental, optical, and physiotherapy benefits, as well as wellness services like remedial massage, gym memberships, and acupuncture. For example, HIF Extras Cover allows members to claim for services such as routine dental check-ups, glasses or contact lenses, and even healthy lifestyle programs.
Extras are highly flexible, giving you the freedom to tailor coverage to your needs. Whether you’re looking to save on regular dental visits, keep up with physiotherapy sessions, or access emergency ambulance cover, these benefits can make essential services more affordable. With HIF’s member-focused policies, you can also choose your own preferred providers for most services, ensuring your health insurance fits your unique lifestyle
When Do Health Insurance Benefits Reset?
Health insurance benefits don’t last forever—they typically reset every 12 months, either at the start of the calendar year (January 1) or the financial year (July 1), depending on your provider. Knowing the reset date for your policy is crucial because any unused extras, like dental, optical, or physio benefits, won’t roll over. Once the reset happens, they’re gone. HIF benefits are calculated on a per-person, per-calendar-year basis, starting on January 1 and ending on December 31, regardless of your joining date.
This means timing is everything when it comes to using your health insurance extras. If you’re wondering, “When does health insurance reset?” check with your provider to confirm your policy’s specific reset date and annual limits. By planning ahead, you can schedule services like a final dental check-up or new glasses before the year’s benefits expire.
Acting before your private health benefits reset ensures you don’t leave money on the table. Take advantage of all the extras your policy offers—you’ve paid for them, so make sure you use them. With a little planning, you can maximise your cover and avoid losing out on valuable entitlements.
How to maximise your health insurance extras before they reset
Maximising your health insurance extras before they reset is all about planning ahead and knowing what’s still available in your policy. Start by booking routine services like a dental check-up or updating your prescription glasses. These are some of the most common benefits covered by extras and can save you hundreds of dollars. If you’ve been putting off physio or remedial massage sessions, now’s the time to schedule them.
Think about how to combine benefits for a more holistic approach. For example, if your policy includes dietitian services and fitness program rebates, you can use them together to focus on long-term health goals like weight management or improving overall fitness. Many health insurance extras are designed to complement each other, so take advantage of these synergies.
Don’t forget to check your remaining limits and entitlements before the reset date. This is especially important for high-value extras like orthodontics, major dental, or hearing aids. It is important to note that Reach out to your insurer if you’re unsure what’s left on your policy or how to claim. Making the most of your excess private health insurance entitlements isn’t just about saving money—it’s about getting the full value of your investment in your health.
Don’t forget to check your remaining limits and entitlements before the reset date, especially for high-value extras like orthodontics, major dental, or hearing aids, as these often have unique benefit structures. For instance, orthodontics benefits are paid from a lifetime limit that does not reset annually, which is explained in more detail here.
Similarly, hearing aid benefits are available for replacement devices only after three years from the date of supply; you can find additional information about this by visiting the HIF Hearing Aids policy page. If you’re unsure about your remaining entitlements or how to claim, it’s a good idea to reach out to your insurer for guidance. Making the most of your private health insurance isn’t just about saving money—it’s about maximizing the value of your investment in your health.
Review your policy to avoid missing out
Taking the time to review your health insurance policy can help you unlock its full potential and avoid missing out on valuable extras. Start by checking the details of your policy, including annual caps, service limits, and which treatments or services are covered. Knowing these specifics ensures you can plan and make the most of your entitlements before they expire.
If anything seems unclear, reach out to your insurer. A quick chat can clarify what you’re eligible for and uncover benefits you might not have realised you had. Don’t leave money on the table—understanding your coverage is key to maximising value.
Digital tools like insurer apps make tracking benefits easier than ever. Many allow you to check remaining entitlements, monitor reset dates, and submit claims directly. By using these tools, you can stay on top of your extras and ensure you’re not caught off guard when benefits reset. Reviewing your policy regularly keeps you informed and in control, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to maximise your cover. HIF Members can exclusively view used and remaining extras limits via the Online Member Centre & Mobile app, available on the apple and android store.
Tailoring your extras to match your needs
Health insurance extras are most valuable when they align with your lifestyle and health priorities. Whether you’re a family needing regular dental and optical cover or someone who benefits from physio and wellness programs, selecting extras tailored to your unique needs ensures you’re getting the best value.
If you find yourself frequently using services not included in your current policy, upgrading your extras could be a smart move. For example, adding benefits like chiropractic or remedial massage to address ongoing issues might save you significant out-of-pocket costs in the long run.
Life changes, and so do your health priorities. That’s why it’s important to regularly review your health insurance policy to ensure it still meets your needs. Whether you’re starting a family, managing a chronic condition, or prioritising preventative care, an annual policy check-up ensures your cover stays relevant and cost-effective.
FAQs about health insurance extras
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to health insurance extras.
Is it worth having private health insurance in Australia?
Absolutely! Private health insurance gives you more control over your healthcare. It lets you avoid long public hospital wait times, choose your preferred doctor, and access treatments not covered by Medicare. Extras cover can also save you money on regular expenses like dental check-ups, physio sessions, and glasses. If you use these benefits, private health insurance can provide excellent value and peace of mind.
Are extras on health insurance worth it?
Yes, extras are a great way to reduce out-of-pocket costs for everyday healthcare needs. From dental and optical to physio and wellness programs, these benefits can make regular care more affordable. If you take advantage of these services, extras can quickly pay for themselves, offering significant value and promoting better health.
Do I need hospital cover or just extras?
Both can be valuable, but it depends on your needs. Hospital cover is ideal if you want access to private hospitals, your choice of doctors, and faster treatment options. Extras cover is great for reducing costs on everyday services like dental, optical, and physio. For many, combining hospital and extras provides the best value and ensures comprehensive health coverage.
When does health insurance reset?
Most health insurance benefits reset every 12 months, often on January 1 or July 1, depending on your provider. Knowing your reset date is key to maximising your policy. It ensures you claim as much as possible—like dental or physio benefits—before they expire, so you’re always getting the best value from your cover.
Final thoughts on health insurance extras
Health insurance extras are more than just an add-on—they’re a powerful tool to save money on everyday healthcare services while improving your overall well-being. From dental and optical to physiotherapy and wellness programs, these benefits help make essential care more accessible and affordable.
By understanding when your health insurance resets and reviewing your excess private health insurance entitlements, you can maximise your coverage and avoid letting valuable benefits go unused.
If you’re ready to make the most of your extras, now’s the time to act. Explore HIF’s extras offers and plans to find the coverage that best suits your needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your health and your benefits today. Visit HIF to learn more and get started!