4 things to ask yourself before you buy extras cover

Extras cover helps pay for everyday health services like dentist visits, glasses, contacts, physios, and chiropractors.

The cost of these everyday needs can really add up, and they generally aren’t covered by Medicare. That’s why people take out Extras cover.

Here are the questions you should ask before buying;

What do I need cover for?

It's not as simple as getting covered for dental or optical.

If you want to get the best value for your money, you've got to sit down and do a quick audit of your needs.

Here are some things to think about:

• Family composition
  Who requires coverage? Is it just you? You and a partner? Or you and your kids? (Remember, your kids can stay on your policy until the age of 25, under certain circumstances.
• Dental
  Do you, or does anyone in the family need braces? Do you need some surgical work done? Or would you just like some of the expense of dental procedures covered?
• Optical
  Does anyone in the family wear glasses or contacts?
• Physio/Chiro/Osteo
  Physios, chiros and osteos all treat different things but they focus mostly on physical injuries and recovery.
  
  There are a lot of unforeseen but really common injuries like sprained ankles and back or neck pain that could require treatment by a physio, chiro or osteopath. Yes, there is a difference is between them, if you were wondering.
  
  Sometimes the stuff we love doing most can increase our risk of injury. Playing for a soccer team, a regular Saturday afternoon kick-to-kick, kayaking on the river or playing with the kids in the park can increase our risk of an injury that might require physio or similar treatment.

What level of cover should I get?

Once you know what you need, you can start comparing different Extras products.

Basic Extras covers the most commonly used services like dental check-ups, glasses, and physio. The low price point of Basic Extras makes it a great option for those looking for entry level cover.

More comprehensive cover also lets you claim for a wider variety of services such as orthodontics, pharmaceuticals, speech therapy and clinical psychology.

Remember, you have to wait before claiming some services. Check for waiting periods on each plan so you don’t get caught out.

Where can I use my extras?

It’s a good idea to know which providers your insurance company works with and how much you can claim back.

Some insurers have a ‘preferred provider’ scheme, where you might be able to claim back more money from certain providers than from others.

Pick the right cover for you and your family

Once you’ve got your list of the coverage you need, picking the right Extras cover is much easier.

Shop around. Look for a plan that fits your needs. Here’s our Extras, if you’d like to see what we offer.