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Why compare health insurance for podiatry with Canstar?

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How to compare podiatry cover with Canstar?

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Guide to health insurance for podiatry

Fact Checked

What is health insurance with podiatry cover?

Some health insurance policies may provide cover for podiatry treatment and services. This usually comes in the form of an extras health insurance policy, which may cover other general health services like dental and physio as well.


What does podiatry cover include?

A policy that includes podiatry cover may help with the cost of:

  • Consultations: Regular consultations with your podiatrist for issues such as bunions, plantar fasciitis and general foot pain.
  • Preventative care: Physical assessments and foot-related injury management.
  • Custom orthotics:  Shoe inserts that are designed to alleviate pain, improve posture and foot movement and/or assist in the recovery of injuries.

How much does health insurance with podiatry cover cost?

The cost of a health insurance policy that covers podiatry will vary depending on factors such as the provider you choose, the level of cover a policy has, where you live and who you want to be covered (i.e. yourself, you and your partner or your whole family). 

Podiatry services are usually available in medium level extras policies, but this can change depending on the provider. It’s important to compare your options to ensure that a policy is giving you adequate coverage, as well as good value for money.


How to choose the right level of podiatry cover

When comparing policies that cover podiatry, you should consider:

  • How often you visit the podiatrist
  • What percentage of the cost of treatment can you claim back and would you be willing to pay a higher premium to receive a higher percentage back?
  • What’s included in the policy: Some policies may not provide cover for custom orthotics, so it’s important to check the policy’s Private Health Information Statement (PHIS) to see what you’re covered for.
  • What annual limits and sub-limits apply?
  • Is your chosen podiatrist affiliated with a particular health fund? Do they offer discounted or ‘no gap’ services to members of a specific health fund?
  • What are the waiting periods before you can make a claim?
  • Would other preventative services, such as physiotherapy or remedial massage, be beneficial to have in your policy as well?

FAQs about health insurance for podiatry

In some cases podiatry services may be covered fully or partially by Medicare. This is usually through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan provided by your GP. The plan allows your GP to coordinate with at least two other healthcare providers (including a podiatrist) in order to help treat your chronic medical condition. A chronic condition is one that’s been or is likely to be present for six months or longer (e.g. plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bunions etc.).

As there’s no list of specific, eligible conditions, it’s important to speak to your GP to see if your condition requires a CDM plan.

If your policy provides cover for custom orthotics, you can make a claim and be reimbursed for part of the cost. How much you get back will depend on your policy. Consult your policy’s PHIS or contact your provider directly for more information.

Private health insurers generally impose waiting periods on different forms of cover, in order to stop people from signing up for a policy, getting treatment and then cancelling their policy immediately. For podiatry cover, you’ll typically have to serve a two month waiting period before you can make a claim. This may be longer, up to a 12 month waiting period, for pre-existing conditions that require surgery.

Podiatric surgery performed by your podiatrist is not usually covered by Medicare, but may be covered under an extras policy. If your surgery is taking place in hospital, however, you may also need hospital cover in order to be treated as a private patient. Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is covered as a standard requirement by Silver and Gold tier hospital policies. It may also be covered by certain Basic Plus and Bronze Plus policies.

Podiatric surgery may be performed to treat certain medical issues such as:

  • Bone spurs
  • Bunions
  • Flat feet
  • Fractures, sprains and breaks
  • Hammertoes
  • Heel pain
  • Ingrown toenails and other nail conditions
  • Nerve problems (e.g. Morton’s Neuroma).

About our health insurance experts

As a Finance Writer, Nick provides assistance to Canstar's Editorial Team in its mission to empower consumers to take control of their finances. He has written hundreds of articles for Canstar across all key finance topics. Coming from a screenwriting background, Nick completed a Bachelor of Film, Television and New Media Production from Queensland University of Technology. Nick has also completed RG 146 (Tier 1), making him compliant to provide general advice for general insurance products like car, home, travel and health insurance, as well as giving him knowledge of investment options such as shares, derivatives, futures, managed investments, currencies and commodities.

Nick’s role at Canstar allows him to combine his love of the written word with his interest in finance, having learned the art of share trading from his late grandfather. Nick strives to deliver clear and straightforward content that helps the everyday consumer navigating the world of finance. Nick is also working on a TV series in his spare time. You can connect with Nick on LinkedIn.

Jessica was previously the Finance Editor at Canstar. With more than 12 years media industry experience, Jessica has worked across a range of fintech, travel and lifestyle publications in Australia and the UK. Her work has appeared in publications including Grazia UK, Time Out, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, WIRED, Refinery29, Suncorp, Urban List and Tourism & Events Queensland. Before joining Canstar, Jessica was a Senior Communications Associate at Australian insurer Suncorp Group, covering topics from assisted relocation reform to ASX Full Year Results. Prior to this Jessica was the Brisbane Editor at independent media brand Urban List. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Advertising and Creative Writing from London’s Middlesex University.

Important Information

For those that love the detail

This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.