Is your health insurance working for you?

​More than 1.1 million Australians have taken out hospital cover between July 2020 and September 2024. This brings us to a record high of 12.3 million people with hospital cover – or 45% of the population. 

With private hospital cover you have rapid access to hospital treatment with a doctor of your choice. And if you combine it with extras cover you receive valuable benefits towards the cost of treatment such as dental and optical services, physiotherapy and other important health treatment. 

What is the ‘right’ level of hospital cover? 

Some people won’t leave anything to chance – so they’ll choose a gold hospital product that includes all clinical treatment. But if you know the type of treatment you’re likely to need, you can pay a lower premium that includes a selection of relevant clinical treatment.  

It all depends on your overall level of health, your lifestyle, and the health of other people you might need to include on your policy. A trained health fund consultant can help you review your needs and your budget to find a suitable level of hospital cover.  

You can alter your level of cover at any time if your needs change. Just be aware that waiting periods will apply if you increase your level of cover – including up to 12 months if you take our higher cover for a pre-existing condition.  

Make the most of extras

Top level extras has more treatment options and pays a higher benefit towards the provider’s charge. But if you don’t need the full range of available services, you could find that mid or basic extras is sufficient to meet your health needs and budget.  

You can monitor the value you get from extras cover by viewing your available annual benefits. Defence Health benefits and annual limits re-set on 1 July each year. Have a chat with your health fund consultant, or check your product guide, to understand all the services and benefits available.  

Defence Health is here to help you understand and have complete confidence in your health cover choices. Our Member Portal also allows members to manage their membership and monitor their usage at any time. ​