Deciding on family health insurance? Here’s everything you need to know

Comprehensive family health insurance can provide flexibility, choice, and protection for your loved ones.

Whether you’re just starting out as a family or expecting another child, your family’s health will be at the front of your mind. You’ll likely require a range of birth-related specialists both during and after your pregnancy.

Even with basic family insurance coverage you have a right to expect real benefits for your money. In Australia the average health insurance policy costs between between $1000 and $5000 per year, with many families at the upper end of that scale.

So while you might want the very best advice and expertise, you also have budgets to consider.

Regardless of the decision you make, remember that all Australians have access to the public health system for giving birth. So choosing to have your child in a public hospital doesn’t mean you get any less care or specialist treatment.

Every family is at a different stage with unique needs. We’ve covered everything you need to know, no matter where you’re at and what your plans are as you gather your family health insurance quotes.

However, if you’d like to jump right in and see what’s currently available, why not use Member’s Own clever comparison tool before you decide to buy family health insurance?

Why do families take out private health insurance and is it worth it?

Private health cover has the potential to give your family more choice and control with your health needs. By understanding the different types of cover for family health insurance, you can begin to decide what’s important and how much you want to spend.

You have to decide what you think you’ll need and what you value

There’s no point being covered for things your family will never need or use. For example, after you give birth you won’t want to be paying for certain pregnancy services.

It pays to stay on top of your health insurance and check in every 3 or 6 months to make sure your cover is still tailored for your lifestyle. Many health funds allow you to do this online using your membership number, so it will only take a few minutes.

Now, let’s look at some typical scenarios for families and their health insurance.

You’re planning a family as a couple but not sure exactly when?

Many couples who are considering starting a family will have health forefront in their minds. The comfort and peace of mind you get with private health cover for such an important part of your life can be worth it.

Most health funds will have a 12 month waiting period before they allow you to claim benefits for pregnancy cover, which is regulated by the federal government. This includes specialised services such as:

• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Pregnancy Scans and Blood Tests
• Prenatal and / or Antenatal Classes
• Fertility Treatments (IVF)

What’s next when deciding on family health insurance?

Family health insurance can come in handy for different areas of yours and your kids lives. From access to a wide-range of health services to saving on general dental check-ups to benefits on ambulance cover.

It can guarantee greater peace of mind while ensuring the right medical help is there when you need it.

Compare online and find great health insurance

Members Own comparison service makes it easy to compare between 100s of health insurance options from most of the Members Own funds. You can browse for cover that suits your needs and budget, create a shortlist of policies you want to compare side-by-side, and save your search.

It’s quick and easy to join online and you get the same great price as buying direct.