Are you making the most out of your Insurance covers?

It’s easy to overlook the benefits and potential claims that may be hidden within our medical, income or trauma insurances. Why? Because we often forget what our insurance benefits cover, or aren’t aware of some of the valuable bells and whistles. 

When we inquire about your health while reviewing your insurances, it can sometimes reveal missed claim opportunities from the past few years. You’d be surprised to learn that many people have undergone procedures such as skin cancer removal, fractured a bone, opted for public hospital surgeries when private was an option, or even experienced a heart attack without realising they could make a claim. It’s essential to inform us about any health events (big or small), so we can check if a claim can be made under the benefits you have in place, and ensure you receive the full protection you’re entitled to.

Some common missed claim opportunities include;

1. Accommodation and public hospital stays
Comprehensive medical policies often cover accommodation expenses for both you and a support person. This provision proves especially beneficial if you live far from the area where treatment is required. Additionally, some policies offer nightly compensation (e.g., up to $300 per night) for stays in public hospitals exceeding three nights.

2. Specialist costs 
Even if your private medical coverage doesn't explicitly include a "specialists and tests" benefit, certain circumstances may still allow you to claim for these expenses. For instance, if you undergo surgery or require hospitalisation, you might be eligible to claim back the specialist appointments or tests you required as part of that surgery. Additionally, some of the best medical policies often provide a "major diagnostics benefit," which covers common tests like colonoscopies, CT scans, PET scans, laparoscopies, and hysteroscopies.
 
3. Free children’s trauma cover 
If you have trauma cover in place, did you know your children may be eligible for free children’s trauma up to $50,000? In the unfortunate event that your child is diagnosed with a severe illness or injury, this invaluable coverage provides financial support for the family (e.g., you may need to take time off work to look after your child or wish to seek alternative medical treatment).
 
4. Specific injury payments
Certain income protection policies include a specific injury benefit, which means you can receive immediate compensation, even if you're still capable of working, in the event of an injury such as a fracture. 
 
5. Health & wellness programmes
Some insurers offer specialised programmes designed to provide targeted support for events such as chronic conditions, mental health, or seeking second medical opinions. These encompass a wide range of services, such as wellness coaching, pain management, cancer care, or guidance on building a healthy lifestyle. These programmes may be available to you depending on the cover you have in place.