Western Advocate

The importance of having private health insurance

The importance of having private health insurance
The importance of having private health insurance

This is sponsored content for Qantas Private Health.

The term "private" in a private health insurance policy means any coverage plan not run by a federal or state government. You can get this insurance plan from different sources like a state or federal marketplace, or a private institution.

Interested insurance applicants may also acquire this policy from employers. Continue reading to know the reasons you should have a private health insurance plan today.

Shorter waiting times than public systems

A universal healthcare system is ideal for the general public, allowing them to acquire inexpensive healthcare services. However, the trade-off here is that you need to line up like everyone else.

Many emergency treatments are done in public hospitals. Conversely, and in the case of "non-urgent" or elective medical operations, healthcare institutions encourage patients to use private health insurance.

The main reason behind this choice is to significantly shorten the waiting time to get the procedure.

A private health insurance policy like the plan provided by Qantas Private Health can help shorten the waiting time for patients to get surgery.

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for admitted patient care states that the median waiting time for patients using public healthcare privileges is 42 days.

On the other hand, a patient taking advantage of private health coverage to help fund the admission will only wait 20 days.

Private hospital rooms

Aside from cutting waiting times, another potential benefit of using the coverage from a private health insurance policy is for patients to get private hospital rooms.

Getting treatment in a public hospital may put you in a place with four or six other patients with varying health conditions.

Private health insurance policyholders may request a private room instead. Remember, the room is still subject to availability.

If it's not an immediate emergency, you may ask the hospital or medical facility if they have an available private room.

Expecting mothers about to give birth to a newborn child may be better off getting a private room. It can help provide the mother, as well as the family, with adequate rest after the operation.

Also, the mother can request their significant other to stay with them in the private quarters. A private room may mean open visiting hours. Again, it depends on the medical facility and their rules.

You may check your health insurance coverage to see which hospitals can grant you a private room. If it's unclear, don't hesitate to ask your health insurance provider.

Choosing doctors

A private health insurance plan may allow you to select a doctor for your treatment. In comparison, public health facilities give you minimal to zero options as to who will take care of you for your needed medical procedures. Read your policy as there might be limitations to the doctors you can choose.

Insurance companies can have a network of doctors and medical specialists affiliated with the company. Specific health insurance plans may allow you to choose doctors outside the network.

Otherwise, you can only select doctors within the affiliate network.

Despite existing limitations, it still means better selections compared to when you're getting medical attention in a public health facility.

The importance of having private health insurance
The importance of having private health insurance

Improved care

Most public healthcare institutions have the government taking care of the funding for their equipment and operations.

While that isn't wrong, many people tend to choose general care because it may bring inexpensive overhead medical costs.

However, these facilities tend to be overcrowded. Thus, amenities, equipment, and personnel may be lacking.

Coverage from a private health insurance plan may grant you improved facilities in comparison with overcrowded medical institutions.

Private healthcare organisations may have better funding from private entities. Hence, it means that the company maintains its establishment, equipment, and staff well.

Opting to use a private health insurance plan to get improved facilities in a privately-owned medical association may grant you enhanced luxuries.

For example, a private room may give you the comforts of home like a TV, refrigerator, and a couch. Specific private healthcare facilities may even give you better food as opposed to seeking medical attention from a public medical organisation.

Claim money back

Many people opt to gain private health coverage to receive rebates on specific health and medical services. Without the financial help of this policy, buying new eyeglasses or getting your tooth filled may be expensive.

You might file for a claim if you acquired specific health and medical services within or outside the insurance company's network. You may receive rebates on the following extra services:

  • Dental
  • Optical
  • Chiropractic care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Giving birth

Again, the coverage depends on the policy and insurance provider. Ask your insurance agent for details regarding the health services that qualifies you for a claim.

Private Vs. public health coverage plans

Public healthcare programs like Medicare may provide other health and medical assistance to the general public. However, it also has various restrictions that may hinder people from getting adequate help to benefit their overall well-being.

For example, a public health insurance plan may cover part of the healthcare costs from an X-ray exam.

A private healthcare insurance plan may cover the entire cost of the examination. Keep in mind that there are also other benefits for private health insurance policyholders.

Furthermore, insurance companies tend to divide this plan into two main categories: Hospital Coverage and General Treatment Coverage. Specific territories may also add another group to the list, which is Ambulance Coverage.

It's essential to choose the right private health insurance policy to give you great benefits and excellent value for money. Don't fall into the trap of buying a health insurance plan simply because of the cheap premiums.

Remember, cheap doesn't automatically mean quality. Aim for an insurance plan that is still easy on the budget while giving you the best benefits it can offer.

Take your time in choosing the right private health insurance plan from a reliable provider.

You'll most likely stick with the insurance policy you pick for a long time. Hence, it's best to make the most out of it from the beginning.

This is sponsored content for Qantas Private Health.