Private Health Insurance

In general, health funds that run for profit all tend to have large administrative costs and most have shareholders, which require them to generate lots of income. When choosing private health insurance, the business structure of the fund should be one of your top considerations as it could greatly impact what you pay in premiums and the rewards you receive as a member. Ultimately, majority of for-profit health funds generate huge profits, they operate with anti-competitive behaviour and are not transparent when it comes to what their policies really offer.

One other thing, beware of insurance companies trying to persuade you into utilising their ‘Members Choice’ or ‘Preferred Provider’ schemes. You pay for health insurance so you have the right to choose. Exercise that right. You shouldn’t have to be punished or penalised for choosing a dentist you trust and have a relationship with. If you’re paying the same money for the same policy as any other person, why should you get a lesser rebate simply because the health practitioner you chose isn’t on their “Preferred Provider” list?

Read more at The Australian Dental Association website.