In Australia, your public health insurance (Medicare) may cover routine checkups, screenings, and a few mental health services. What happens when you or your partner need to book an appointment for a service that isn't covered? Or, what if you choose to visit a specialist who runs tests that aren't included in your public health plan?
Choosing private health insurance for couples can assist you and your partner in planning for your healthcare needs — whatever they may be. Learn more about couples health insurance and select a plan that works best for your life situation.
Public vs. Private Couples Health Insurance
Australia's government website details the benefits of public health insurance, but it specifies that Medicare may not pay for all of your medical, dental, or psychiatric needs. You may choose to stay with public insurance if you're young, healthy, and have no medical conditions. Public health insurance may cover the cost of prenatal visits, childbirth, and wellness visits.
Unfortunately, Medicare in Australia does not cover ambulance rides, many dental and vision services, hearing aids, and most psychological therapy services. Your prescription medication may or may not be covered by this public insurance program.
Two reasons to consider couples insurance
You may be living with a partner or may be married while keeping your individual policies separate. Switching to couples health insurance can save you money and provide you with peace of mind in the event of an accident or illness.
1. Avoid surprise emergency bills
You may assume that after phoning an ambulance, receiving emergency care, and staying in hospital for a few days, the stressful part of your accident is over. For many people who don't have private health insurance, it's not.
Under our couples health insurance plans, you can cover many costs associated with ambulance rides and emergency hospital treatments. Combine your insurance with your partner's under a private plan, and both of you will receive the same services in the event of an accident.
2. Share a policy and lower your rates
With a couples health insurance plan, you'll also only pay for one plan, which may be easier to manage than two when it comes to paying bills and calculating taxes.
Choose the couples health insurance plan that is right for you
We understand that choosing a health insurance policy can be a life-changing decision. Learn more about our plans, discover the right health insurance for you and your partner, and get a quote today.
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Sources:
Itsmyhealth (2022) https://www.itsmyhealthinsurance.com.au/understanding-health-insurance/for-couples/
Australian Government Services Australia (2022) https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/about-medicare?context=60092
PrivateHealth.gov.au https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/what_is_covered/medicare.htm
Compare The Market (2020) https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/blog/health/should-you-break-up-with-couples-health-insurance/
Posted: Mar 08 2022
Disclaimer
The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided.
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© Copyright Health Partners. 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Health Partners is committed to providing quality and affordable health care, and we value our members and our obligation to protect your privacy. As part of our responsibility in protecting your privacy, from time to time we review our policies to ensure we are meeting our obligations. We have recently made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please click here to view the Health Partners Privacy Policy.