Family health insurance couldn't be more important when it comes to protecting those you love the most. Comprehensive coverage, including extras, means you can access necessary medical services and treatments when you need them, without the stress of unexpected costs.
It's no secret that navigating any kind of insurance can seem tricky from the outside, but we're here to simplify it for you. Come along as we dive into the best family private health insurance options, the benefits of extras cover, and a wealth of handy tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your policy. Ready to ensure your family's peace of mind and well-being? Let's get into it.
Why comprehensive family health insurance matters
Comprehensive family health insurance is a game-changer for peace of mind and financial security. When your little one falls off their bike or your partner needs emergency surgery, you want the best care possible without needing to give a second thought to the cost.
Not only does this type of insurance alleviate the stress of unexpected medical bills and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, but it also covers a broad range of medical needs - everything from hospital visits to dental check-ups and physio sessions. This ensures that no matter the situation, your loved ones will have access to quality healthcare in a speedy fashion, no matter the situation.
Cushioning you from the high costs that come along with medical treatments, comprehensive family health insurance is the safety net for all of life's unpredictable moments. All in all, it can protect you from significant financial strain while allowing you to focus your attention where it belongs - your family's health and wellbeing.
Core components of family health insurance
Family health insurance ensures everyone's health needs are covered with a single plan. Here's an overview of what's typically included:
Hospital cover
This allows access to private hospitals, allowing you to choose your doctor and benefit from shorter wait times. Hospital cover encompasses financial support for surgeries, specialist care, and of course, hospital stays. It's essential for both planned and emergency procedures.
Extras cover
As the name suggests, extras cover include a range of additional services that are vital for maintaining overall health and wellbeing including dentistry, optical care, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and podiatry.
Combined cover
Integrating both hospital and extras cover, combined cover provides the most extensive protection for your loved ones. This allows you to stay on top of all aspects of your family's health from emergency treatments to regular check-ups.
This truly comprehensive approach is the ultimate safety net that provides endless peace of mind knowing our family is protected from both a financial and a well-being perspective.
Enhancing your coverage with family extras cover
Adding extras cover to your family health insurance plan can significantly boost your overall health protection. The benefits include a holstic healthcare plan for the entire family, ensuring every member gets the necessary care. It promotes preventative care through regualr check-ups and treatments, whichh aid in maintaining optimal health and identifying serious before they get out of control.
By reducing out-of-pocket expenses, this level of care also provides financial relief while caring for your entire family, with:
- Dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and major dental work ensuring your family's oral health is well-maintained to prevent serious issues down the track
- Eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses to support regular eye care that is especially critical for children and older family members
- Physiotherapy services for the rehabilitiation and management of chronic conditions to ensure your physical health and mobility are the best they can be
- Chiropractic care to address musculoskeletal issues for active families or those with physically demanding lifestyles
- Podiatry for all of your family's foot care needs
Top considerations when choosing family health insurance
If you're on the lookout for the best family health insurance plan, you'll need to carefully evaluate various factors to ensure comprehensive coverage and total peace of mind. They include:
- Comparing policies thoroughly to get a handle on the benefits, coverage levels, and overall costs
- Being aware of exclusions in each plan, to avoid unforeseen expenses
- Assessing the specific health needs of each family member, from routine checkups to specialised care
- Checking the waiting periods for various treatments to plan for future medical needs without unexpected delays
- Evaluating the flexibility of the plan to accommodate any changes and adapt to your evolving family dynamics
- Considering the network of hospitals and healthcare professionals included in the plan
- Reviewing any additional benefits like dental, optical, and physio services
- Looking into the terms related to emergency and urgent care to ensure immediate attention when it's needed most
- Considering the cost-shaping aspects such as deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket maximums
- Assessing reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the level of customer service and support provided by the insurer
The importance of family ambulance cover in WA
Having ambulance cover is so important for families in Western Australia where ambulance services can be extremely costly. Emergency callouts can cost hundreds of dollars, and without cover, these expenses can add up quickly.
Family ambulance cover ensures the entire family are protected from these high costs and have complete transport and paramedic support during emergencies. When it comes to family ambulance cover, WA residents will be pleasantly surprised with out options. Review our Ambulance Cover Information and Ambulance Cover Details for more information.
Member testimonials: Why families love HIF
At any moment, life can take an unexpected turn, particularly in a dynamic family environment. From accidents while playing sports or riding bikes to work-related injuries or sudden illnesses, you just never know when you'll need medical support. Nobody knows that better than Sharon and Glenn, a typical family from WA who faced an unforeseeable challenge, completely out of the blue. Thanks to HIF, they had access to the best medical professionals and treatments. Let's hear from them:
We were just your normal, healthy, fit and busy West Australian family of mum, dad and 3 sons struggling to pay our HIF premiums for another 12 months, and wondering if only being in our thirties if it was really worth it; when our life changed. My fit and healthy husband at aged 35 years, unexpectedly, was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer, and underwent surgery and then 4 months of extensive chemotherapy in which he was hospitalised for. It was such an emotionally and financially demanding time and we were so thankful that HIF was with us every step of the way. HIF enabled us to have a choice of surgeon, oncologist, neurosurgeon, and hospital. My husband was able to begin his chemotherapy almost 6 weeks earlier because of our HIF insurance. We are a great testimony as to why all West Australian families should prioritise health insurance. There is no way we could've financially paid the $150,000 plus so far out of our own pocket for my husband's ongoing medical needs. I now feel health insurance is definitely a priority no matter how old you are.
Read more about why Aussies just like Sharon and Glenn choose HIF for their family.
Strategies to maximise your family health insurance benefits
Getting the most out of your family health insurance benefits calls for proactive management and smart utilisation of the policy. Here are some practical tips:
- Review your policy every year to make sure it's still meeting your family's needs and any life changes like new additions or health conditions have been considered
- Make the most of your extras cover by scheduling regular check-ups, dental visits and other routine care
- Understand all of the benefits included in your policy
- Be aware of the limits on your extras cover to avoid any unexpected charges
- Plan your family's appointments and treatments to maximise your entitlements
- Use providers within your insurer's network to reduce costs and benefit from higher coverage rates
Key considerations: The Government Rebate, MLS, and LHC loading
Families can benefit from the Australian Government rebate, which reduces health insurance premiums based on age and income. It could be time to sign up, because if your family income exceeds a certain threshold and you don't have private hospital cover, you may be subject to the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS), which can cost you thousands at tax time. On the bright side, having hospital cover helps you avoid this surcharge.
Finally, if you or your partner are over 31 and have never held private hospital cover, you may face a Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading. This can increase your premiums by 2% for every year over 30, up to a maximum of 70%.
Why HIF is the best choice for family health insurance
Choosing HIF for your family doesn't simply mean choosing an insurance company; it means choosing a partner who is dedicated to your loved ones' health and well-being. We offer comprehensive coverage options tailored to meet your needs and our plans include all of the essential services that will keep every family member in optimal health. We're committed to customer satisfaction, flexibility, exceptional support, and making it our mission to ensure you're not just getting insurance but peace of mind for the whole household.
Final thoughts on family health insurance
As demonstrated, having access to family health insurance is essential for protecting your loved ones from unexpected medical expenses and ensuring comprehensive care. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your family is covered simply cannot be overstated. With HIF’s family health insurance plans, you can tailor coverage to fit your family's unique needs, from hospital stays to extras like dental and optical care. To prioritise the health and well-being of your favourite people, learn more about deciding on the best plan for your needs thanks to HIF.
Please note: Kirsty's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your healthcare professional.