Private Health Insurance

[lurker17260]

I just tried to make a claim for the podiatry consultation I had last week.  No, not covered.  I see IVF is though. 

Now, which one do you think a couple in their 50s & 60s is more likely to use?

[givemeaspell]

I have private health insurance but sometimes I have not told them that at the hospital.  Reason being is that I would no doubt receive a charge.  My son punctured his lung, took him straight to a public hospital, he got seen straight away, they had asked him about insurance he said you will need to check with my mum ( I was parking the car at the time), I didn't follow up on it and no cost to us when we left.   Wisdom teeth out for daughter $1200 out of pocket *standard they said!  I am in the top extras.  It is very expensive $195 per fortnight, we pay it now but I have to wonder when we are pensioners who can afford that?  And then can you afford not to have it? My parents who are in their 80's battle to pay it, it is their main worry keeping it up due to father having heart issues....it's really unfair.  I think if you have been a member for over 30 years when you retire you should get a major discount on your policy.

[purple_haize]

Me and hubby are on a pension, I am on the age and hubby is on the carer, we both have pension cards, we dont have private insurance. If we need medical attention in hospital we get it, and with our own dr. in the public system.

Same goes for dentist, I recently had an emergency regarding my teeth, was sent to the comm. health dentist, had tooth out and other things done cost me $25 for the lot.

Most doctors have plans that they can put you on, hubby was on one and had all of his teeth out, cost him nothing.

Older people are looked after in the health and dental systems, and I cant see the point of having insurance, plus when you are on a pension one would find it hard to pay.

[catsnknots]

For hospital stay I have a $500 excess paid once in a financial year.... once I pay I can go to hospital as many times as I want at no extra charge. 

If I go to my local public hospital apparently they will pay the $500 excess if I go private... 

I need two procedures this next 12 months coming. The first I will have at a public hospital and they will pay the $500. then early next year I will be having one in a private hospital... i will not need to pay anything out of pocket. 

Now if I am claiming on extras I will always have an out of pocket expense but I will always save money as I make the most of my extras.