5 ways health insurance can be more flexible than you think

Whether it’s mixing and matching extras and hospital cover, spreading your extras benefits across the services you use most, or reviewing your cover as your needs change, there are more ways to shape your policy (and make it more powerful) than many people realise.

The key is knowing what flexibility looks like, and how to spot it. We asked our product specialists for 5 ways health insurance can be more flexible than you link, here’s what they think you should tell your mates.

Claim more of what you actually use

This is a good one, because if you’ve got 20/20 vision but a neck that will not let up, you’re likely not in need of glasses. Luckily, HBF have a range of Extras products that allow you the option to claim what you need (Hello, Flex 50 and Flex 60). The same applies to hospital, depending on what stage of life you’re in, your contact sports status, and your family’s health history there are certain checkboxes that need a big tick, and others that you won’t want to be paying for. So go ahead and make sure your policy is prioritising you by considering a Policy Health Check.

Are you due for a policy health check?

Flexible extras: your cover, your priorities

We’ve written a whole blog on this, and there was even a Rotto wedding ceremony you may remember if you’re one to follow the antics of Buddy the (HBF) Quokka. With most HBF extras, everyone on your policy can have their own separate limit*. It’s a very flexible feature, and a possible relationship saver, that takes away the stress of shared limits being all used up before you can say remedial massage.

Here’s how per person limits work

You’re not locked in, HBF health insurance can adjust with you

There’s bit of a myth that you’re locked into your policy once you choose it but consider that case *busted* because there is always room to adjust and policies should never get dusty. This is again where a Policy Health Check can help you make sure you’re covered for what you need.

Choose who treats you and when

Here’s where flexibility and value come into play. With hospital cover, you may be able to choose your preferred specialist and private hospital, rather than being assigned a doctor through the public system. HBF has a large range of fully covered specialists too, so you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. In many cases, you can also access treatment sooner by avoiding public hospital waiting lists.

Find a Provider (and reduce your out-of-pocket costs)

Waiting periods may not be as daunting as they sound

Depending on your level of cover and the service you need, you may be able to claim sooner. For example, accident-related hospital treatment has a waiting period of just one day, while some other services may require a longer wait. You’ll be given all this information when you sign up.