In this episode, Jodi Bird from the consumer organisation CHOICE takes you through the basics to help you make the decision.
It’s important to know the two components of private health insurance – hospital and what are termed “extras” for dental, optical, physio and other services.
Jodi Bird suggests you make a list of the reasons you might need health insurance. For example, you might be looking at a joint replacement in the coming years. Is there a waiting list for the procedure you need? If you need to avoid waiting, then private hospital cover might be desirable.
Do a comparison online using CHOICE, and perhaps one or more of the health insurance comparison websites. Calculate how much you realistically spend annually on extras such as dental compared with the cost of the premiums.
Note that CHOICE receives no commissions for recommendations and offers independent unbiased advice. Other online comparison services may not disclose commission details.
More information:
- Choice: Health insurance comparison
- ABC: Do you need health insurance: ask yourself these questions
- PrivateHealth.gov.au: Health insurance comparison
- iSelect: Health insurance comparison
- Canstar: Health insurance comparison
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