When most people picture private health insurance, hospital cover is usually the first thing they think of. But what if you’re more concerned about the routine costs that pop up—like dental check-ups, new glasses, or a physio session after an injury? That’s where extras-only health insurance comes in.
What is extras-only health insurance?
Extras-only cover, sometimes called ancillary insurance, focuses on everyday health services rather than hospital care. It’s designed to help with treatments that Medicare generally won’t cover, including dental, optical, physiotherapy, and even some alternative therapies. Instead of paying the full bill yourself, you can claim back part of the cost, usually up to an annual limit.
Unlike hospital cover, extras-only insurance won’t cover emergencies or surgeries. Think of it instead as a way to manage ongoing, out-of-pocket health costs for you and your family.
What services are usually included?
The services you’re covered for will depend on the policy, but here are some of the most common benefits:
- Dental care – Most plans cover basics like check-ups, cleaning, and fillings. Higher-level policies may include major procedures such as crowns or root canals. Orthodontics is not always included, so compare carefully if that’s something you need.
- Optical services – From eye exams to prescription glasses and contact lenses, optical care is one of the most popular extras. Some policies even refund 100% of your costs, though usually up to a set annual or lifetime limit.
- Physiotherapy – Useful for sports injuries, rehab, and managing chronic pain.
- Chiropractic and osteopathy – Many plans cover therapies that focus on musculoskeletal health.
- Natural therapies – Depending on the insurer, this can include treatments like remedial massage or naturopathy.
- Podiatry – Helpful for foot care and sometimes includes custom orthotics under higher-level plans.
- Mental health support – Increasingly, policies now cover psychology or counselling sessions.
- Health and wellness programs – Some extras plans contribute to gym memberships, weight management, or quit-smoking programs, often with a GP referral.
What’s not included?
Extras-only policies have limits. They don’t cover:
- Hospital stays or surgeries (you’ll need hospital cover for that).
- Emergency services.
- Services from unregistered providers.
- Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or other elective procedures.
How much can you claim back?
The rebate you get depends on your insurer and policy. Most plans work in two ways:
- Percentage back – For example, you might get 60–80% of the bill reimbursed.
- Fixed benefits – A set dollar amount per service, regardless of what the provider charges.
Do waiting periods apply?
Yes, though some insurers waive them for basic services like general dental or optical. Higher-cost services such as orthodontics usually come with waiting times. If you’re switching funds, ask if your new provider will recognise the waiting periods you’ve already served.
How to choose the right extras plan
When comparing policies, keep these questions in mind:
- Which services do I actually use most?
- What are the annual limits for each service?
- Do I prefer a higher percentage back or lower premiums?
- Am I free to see any registered provider, or am I limited to certain networks?
- Are there waiting periods that affect the treatments I need?
Who benefits most from extras-only health insurance?
This type of cover can be especially worthwhile for:
- Families who have frequent dental and optical costs.
- Young adults who don’t need hospital cover but want help with day-to-day expenses.
- Older adults who benefit from physiotherapy, podiatry, or chiropractic services.
- Budget-conscious people looking to save on routine health bills without paying for full hospital cover.
Is extras-only insurance worth it?
The answer depends on how often you’ll actually use the services. If you go to the dentist or physio regularly, the savings can quickly outweigh the premiums. But if you only need these services once in a while, paying out of pocket might make more sense.
Extras-only health insurance is ultimately about peace of mind—knowing that when those everyday health costs pop up, you won’t have to shoulder them entirely on your own.
