sâmbătă, 4 februarie 2012

How to get the ideal health insurance in Australia

Author: Christina Buckingham

Everybody needs a private health insurance to cover them during emergencies. Australians are lucky because they are entitled to free treatments in public hospitals. If you are thinking of establishing a career there and becoming a permanent resident, here are some pointers in selecting health insurance in Australia.

- Compare insurance plans
One important factor you should consider when choosing private health insurance is the list of accredited hospitals. Check the terms and conditions of the coverage you are considering regarding hospitals. Some insurance limits the coverage for extra expenses.
For example, a private health insurance may offer $400 worth of chiropractic and physiotherapy in a year instead of $400 for each service. The limitation can make a large difference in the amount you may need to shoulder.
- Do more research and read the fine print
Before signing up with an insurance company, read their brochure and understand their key features. If there is anything you don't understand, get in touch with your insurer. It is important you know about your entitlements and understand how they will help you when you need medical coverage. It is advisable to draw up a list of questions and have a thorough discussion with your insurance agent.
- Know what's going on in the industry
Private health insurance premiums are rising in Australia. Many customers find that their policies have exclusions. The premiums might be increasing but customers are still getting less for their money. They are also being offered insurance plans that do not cover surgical procedures. Sometimes, they do not know what treatments are part of the coverage.

Private health insurance premiums in Australia have increased 33% even though the government promised stable premiums when it introduced the 30% rebate and lifetime health cover.

Everyone should know about the 30% private health insurance rebate. The government gives a 30% rebate on appropriate insurance cover. Rebates are a form of price reduction or refund on a plan that has already been bought.

The rebate can be 30%, 35% or 40% of the cost of premiums paid. This means the rebate will increase if the premium increases. There are higher rebates for senior citizens. There is a 35% rebate for people aged 65-69 years while there is a 40% rebate those aged 70 years and above.

Those who are eligible for Medicare can claim private health insurance rebate. They can have a health insurance policy providing hospital treatment, general treatment or both.

What everyone should look out for

Take note that there are new policies that exclude a range of procedures, such as heart-related surgery or eye operations.

Health insurance in Australia gives potential members complete information explaining any exclusion. They should explain these in detail and show a separate section in the membership application where members can acknowledge the limitations of the insurance coverage.

Take note that policies that do not cover common surgical procedures should not be offered. Make sure there is a financial consent and review your health cover every year, especially if you have a policy with exclusions, limitations, a high excess or a co-payment.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/how-to-get-the-ideal-health-insurance-in-australia-5620532.html
About the Author
Christina Buckingham is a physician looking for health insurance australia and recommends private health insurance to patients.

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