If your extras cover only gets used at the dentist, you’re probably leaving money in the pocket of your health insurer. Beyond the old faithfuls like dental, physio, and optical, your policy could pack lesser-known perks to save you cash.
Here are a few unexpected extras you might actually be able to claim, depending on your health insurer and level of cover.
1. Heading overseas? Travel vaccinations could be covered
Planning a trip to Bali, Vietnam, or South America? Don’t add travel vaccinations to your holiday budget without checking your extras.
Some health funds contribute towards eligible travel vaccines, like hepatitis A or typhoid, through pharmacy or preventative health benefits. Just remember eligibility varies between insurers and some vaccines may already be free under government-funded programs.
2. Extras could offset the cost of your zen
Like to get centred with a spot of yoga, pilates or tai chi? Your extras could cover some of the cost.
“You might not realise it, but some health funds pay a fair bit towards these,” Canstar Health Insurance Specialist Chloe Stonehouse says.
“Naturopathy is also one that's been excluded for many years, but some funds have started adding it back on.”
3. Meeting a new grandchild? Get help paying for your whooping cough booster
Have a new baby on the way in your family? GPs typically recommend a whooping cough booster to help protect newborns. While this vaccine is generally free for expecting mothers, other family members—like partners and grandparents—usually have to pay out-of-pocket.
Fortunately, some extras policies contribute towards eligible vaccinations, usually under a vaccinations benefit. Keep in mind, funds deduct the PBS co-payment first, so you'd only be claiming the amount above that.
While this easy-to-miss perk might not be available to all extras policy holders, it’s worth checking with your fund before booking your jab.
4. Extras can ease the burden of hearing aid costs
Hearing aids can come with a hefty price tag, but some higher levels of extras cover may contribute towards approved hearing devices. Keep in mind that hearing aids can be subject to longer waiting periods, as well as periodic limits, after which you might not be able to claim for a while. Likewise, some funds also require you to purchase through an approved provider, which can limit your choice.
In addition to hearing aids, extras can also contribute towards the cost of other medical devices like custom orthotics. Considering these can cost several hundred dollars, checking your annual limit before replacing an old pair could minimise some of the damage to your wallet.
5. Baby on the way? You could claim breast pumps and other vital gear
Spoiler: babies aren't cheap, and any bit of help you can get can go a long way. Some health funds contribute towards approved breast pumps, breastfeeding equipment, and lactation services, so it's worth checking against your policy before splashing out.
It’s not just breast pumps, either. While compression stockings won’t win any awards in the glamour department, they play a crucial role in many pre- and post-partum, recovery, and post-op situations. Some comprehensive extras policies include benefits for these or other medical appliances and garments when supplied through an approved provider.
6. Play hard? Custom mouthguards for sports could be covered
Don’t let the price of protection knock your teeth out. If you or the kids play contact sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard is a justifiable investment.
A professionally-fitted mouthguard can cost hundreds of dollars, but your extras policy could cushion the blow. Many extras policies include benefits for custom-made mouthguards under general dental cover, provided they're fitted by a dentist or dental prosthetist. It's worth checking whether you've got the dental benefits available before swallowing the whole cost.
7. Keep your receipts! Pharmacy medicines can be covered too
The next time you’re emptying your pockets, set aside that pharmacy receipt. Depending on your policy, your extras cover could include a pharmacy benefit that contributes towards eligible non-PBS medicines. Just remember, over-the-counter items (like standard painkillers or vitamins) likely aren't covered, even if recommended by a pharmacist.
8. Your health insurance can be your quitting smoking buddy
Depending on your cover, you may be able to claim benefits towards approved smoking cessation programs, weight management courses, diabetes education, or other health management programs designed to support your long-term wellbeing.
9. Even your trusty CPAP machine could be covered
Recently been diagnosed with sleep apnoea? Don't assume you'll need to cover the entire cost of treatment yourself. Some comprehensive policies include benefits towards approved CPAP machines and accessories under health appliance benefits.
Before you get too excited …
Before you start digging through old receipts or booking in all manner of appointments, there's one important catch: extras cover isn't standardised. What's included in one policy could be completely excluded from another. Annual limits, waiting periods, recognised or ‘approved’ providers, and clinical requirements also all impact whether or not you're able to make a claim.
It's also worth remembering that some of these benefits sit under broader categories, like pharmacy, health appliances, or preventative health, rather than being listed front and centre by name on your policy. So if you’re not familiar with your policy’s fine print and can’t find the answers you’ve been looking for, it could be time for a quick call to your provider to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
