In my last post I highlighted the statement made by Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC) CEO Shaun Gath that purchasing “extras” health cover is an Irrational decision. Now there are more voices advising action.
Consumer group Choice spokesman, Tom Godfrey, has been quoted in “The Senior” that “If you are receiving extras cover it’s worthwhile checking to ensure the benefits you receive are at least as much as the premium you pay, as some policies are pretty poor value.” and he has indicated that people would be better off keeping the premiums in their bank account and paying their own ancillary health bills. Mr Godfrey said if you are struggling with the 1 April health fund price hike, consider dropping your extras (ancillary) cover.
Mr Graham Middleton from Synstrat group posted a recommendation to :
“Review your dental, optical, physio, chiropractic and podiatry services and the rebates that you obtained and compare them to the ongoing cost of ancillary cover. Most fund members doing the analysis will conclude that ancillary (general) cover represents poor value for money, and cancel it. Anybody contemplating cancelling should immediately book any imminent dental treatment or visit their optometrist if they are intending to get a new pair of spectacles, and then cancel.”
In conclusion it is advisable to consider the advice of the growing number of voices to check the benefits received and compare it to the cost in order to make a wise decision.