review your private health policy

The following story highlights the need to review your private health policy and don't assume your illnesses/conditions will follow a chronological order.

A young Perth doctor needs a knee reconstruction as part of her cancer treatment only to find out that HBF didn't cover it. Fortunately the decision has been reviewed, with a 'little help' from our state newspaper.

I found out similar when I had a cardiac arrest. I was going to save the public hospital funds by using private health cover but soon realised it was not an option. As someone 44 yrs old isn't 'expected' to have heart issues, it's not included in the cover. Likewise with hip/knee joints, and I believe conditions like cataracts. All the 'old people' conditions. I ended up increasing my cover to include cardiac issues. It was only a few dollars more per month. There was a 12 month waiting period...fortunately I had no complications...which may not be deemed life threatening but I preferred to have looked at immediately. I was already on a very comprehensive policy with top essentials and hospital cover was only one notch away from the top...which only offered a doctor of your choice(that's if you know one and they're available) and I'm sure if you came in mangled from an accident a doctor of your choice is the last option you want to exercise. Likewise if you have cancer...the best of the best are on hand anyway. But still...some want that choice.

On a side note...if you don't use 'Essentials' consider downgrading the premium. Most pay out crap amounts anyway. Dentistry is a good payer...the rest are passé. If you're disciplined pay the premium into a bank account and use the money when you need the service...if ever.

So please...check your policy...the sake of a few dollars is not worth the inconvenience...or your life.

Are you covered?