Our insurance expert explains how to find the best-value health cover if you're aged 65 and over. Plus, special deals from HCF, Medibank, GMHBA and other health funds.
Health insurance premiums from Bupa, Medibank, HCF and NIB will increase on 1 November, so now is a good time to review your cover and make sure you're getting the best deal
Sadly, you're more likely to need certain types of treatments and surgeries (such as cataracts or knee replacements, for example) and these are usually only covered by the top-tier Gold and Silver Plus policies.
Health insurance premiums from NIB, HCF, Bupa and Medibankwill go up on 1 November, so the time is right to compare your health insurance options and shop around for a better policy if you can.
In between these main tiers there are also Silver Plus, Bronze Plus and Basic Plus policies that cover at least one service more than the normal Silver, Bronze or Basic policies. For example, a Silver Plus policy could include cover for pregnancy or cataract surgery (services usually only covered under Gold policies).
For instance, about 65% of hip and knee replacements carried out in Australia are for people aged over 65. Older people are also more likely to end up in hospital, with over 65s accounting for more than 40% of day and overnight hospital admissions (despite the fact this age group accounts for only 15% of the population).
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A lower court previously found that the president overstepped his authority by imposing tariffs under a law intended only for national emergencies.
