Ambulance Cover: Ambulance cover refers to the insurance coverage for emergency ambulance services. In Australia, ambulance services are generally not covered by Medicare (the public healthcare system) and can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. Having ambulance cover through private health insurance helps protect individuals from the high costs associated with emergency ambulance transport.

It's important to note that ambulance cover requirements and regulations vary between Australian states and territories. Some states provide free or subsidized ambulance services to their residents, while others require individuals to have their own ambulance cover. It's crucial to check the specific requirements and regulations in your state or territory and ensure that you have adequate ambulance cover in place to avoid potential financial burden during emergency situations.

Extras Cover: Additional health insurance coverage that provides benefits for services not typically covered by Medicare, such as dental care, optical services, physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatments. Here are some examples of extras that are commonly covered under private health insurance policies in Australia:

• Dental Extras: Coverage for routine dental treatments, such as check-ups, teeth cleanings, fillings, extractions, and major dental procedures like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
• Optical Extras: Coverage for optical services and products, including prescription glasses, contact lenses, and prescription sunglasses.
• Physiotherapy: Coverage for physiotherapy sessions, which involve rehabilitative exercises, manual therapy, and other treatments for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
• Chiropractic Services: Coverage for chiropractic treatments, which focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly related to the spine.
• Remedial Massage: Coverage for therapeutic massage treatments aimed at relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, and reducing pain and discomfort.
• Occupational Therapy: Coverage for occupational therapy services, which help individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities and tasks related to work, rehabilitation, or disability management.
• Psychology/Counselling: Coverage for psychology or counselling sessions to address mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and stress management.
• Naturopathy/Homeopathy: Coverage for consultations and treatments provided by naturopaths or homeopaths, who use natural remedies and therapies to support overall health and well-being.
• Podiatry: Coverage for podiatry services, including assessments, treatments, and care for foot-related conditions, such as foot pain, injuries, and diabetic foot care.
• Hearing Aids: Coverage for hearing aids and related services, including assessments, fittings, and ongoing support for individuals with hearing impairments.

Gap Cover: An arrangement where private health insurers may provide additional benefits to cover or reduce the out-of-pocket expenses (known as the "gap") incurred by policyholders for in-hospital medical services not fully covered by Medicare.

General Dental: General Dental refers to routine dental treatments and preventive care aimed at maintaining oral health. These can include services such as check-ups, teeth cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and basic extractions. General Dental coverage is a common component of extras cover provided by private health insurance policies in Australia. It helps individuals offset the costs of routine dental visits and basic treatments. The level of coverage for General Dental can vary depending on the insurance policy and the specific extras cover chosen by the individual.

Hospital Cover Tiers: Hospital cover in Australia is categorized into tiers, which represent different levels of coverage and benefits. These tiers were introduced to simplify and standardize private health insurance policies. The tiers are as follows:

1. a) Gold: Gold is the highest level of hospital cover and provides the widest range of coverage for hospital treatments. It typically includes coverage for all clinical categories and treatments in both public and private hospitals.
2. b) Silver: Silver tier hospital cover offers a comprehensive level of coverage, including a wide range of treatments across different clinical categories. However, it may have some exclusions or restrictions compared to Gold tier cover.
3. c) Bronze: Bronze tier hospital cover provides a medium level of coverage for common treatments and clinical categories. It generally excludes or has limited coverage for higher-cost or specialized treatments.
4. d) Basic: Basic tier hospital cover offers a limited level of coverage and typically covers a narrower range of treatments. It is designed to provide essential coverage for key clinical categories, but may have exclusions or restrictions for certain treatments.

Hospital Cover: Hospital cover refers to the component of private health insurance that provides coverage for hospital treatments and services. Hospital cover allows individuals to have greater control over their healthcare options by providing access to private hospitals, choice of doctor, shorter waiting times, and accommodation in a private room (depending on the level of cover). Hospital cover typically includes benefits for in-hospital medical procedures, surgeries, accommodation, and related services, such as anesthesia and operating theatre fees.

Lifetime Health Cover (LHC): A loading or penalty applied to the premium of private health insurance policies if an individual takes out cover after the age of 30. It incentivizes individuals to maintain continuous private health insurance coverage.

Major Dental: Major Dental refers to a category of dental treatments that typically involve more extensive procedures and higher costs. These can include treatments such as crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontics (braces), and oral surgery. Major Dental coverage is a type of extras cover offered by private health insurance policies in Australia. It provides benefits or a percentage of the cost for major dental treatments, helping individuals manage the financial burden associated with these procedures. The specific coverage and limits for Major Dental can vary depending on the insurance policy and level of extras cover chosen by the individual.

Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS): An additional tax imposed on high-income earners who do not have private health insurance and earn above a certain threshold. It encourages individuals to take out private health insurance and reduce the burden on the public healthcare system.

Medicare: Australia's publicly funded healthcare system that provides basic medical services and subsidized treatments to Australian residents.

Network: A group of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that have contracted with an insurance company to provide services

No-Gap: No-Gap refers to a situation where a policyholder does not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses or the "gap" for certain medical services or treatments. It typically applies to in-hospital services where the medical practitioner agrees to charge an agreed fee and Medicare and health insurance covers the full No-Gap arrangements can help individuals minimise their expenses for specific procedures or treatments.

Orthodontics: Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaw irregularities. It involves the use of braces, retainers, aligners, and other dental appliances to straighten teeth and improve bite alignment. Orthodontic treatment is typically considered a major dental procedure. Private health insurance policies in Australia may offer coverage for orthodontic treatment under extras cover, specifically under the Major Dental category. It's important to review the specific policy details and waiting periods associated with orthodontic coverage, as there may be limitations and conditions for reimbursement.

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): OSHC is a specific type of health insurance designed for international students studying in Australia. It is a requirement for most student visa subclasses to ensure that students have access to necessary healthcare services during their studies in Australia.

OSHC provides coverage for essential medical treatments, hospital stays, prescription medications, and emergency services. It helps international students manage the costs associated with healthcare while studying in Australia and ensures they have access to necessary medical care.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Out-of-pocket expenses refer to the costs that individuals are responsible for paying directly when receiving healthcare services, even if they have health insurance coverage. These expenses can include deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance, as well as any costs not covered by insurance. Out-of-pocket expenses can vary depending on the type of service, the insurance plan, and any applicable limits or exclusions.

OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover): OVHC refers to health insurance specifically designed for visitors to Australia, including temporary residents, such as international students, working holiday visa holders, and temporary skilled workers. OVHC is a requirement for most visa subclasses to ensure that visitors have access to necessary healthcare services while in Australia.

OVHC provides coverage for essential medical treatments, hospital stays, and emergency services during the visitor's stay in Australia. It helps protect visitors from the high costs of medical care and ensures they have access to necessary healthcare services during their time in the country.

PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme): The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is a program by the Australian Government that subsidizes the cost of a wide range of prescription medications, making them more affordable for Australian residents. Under the PBS, eligible individuals pay a reduced price (known as the patient co-payment) for prescribed medications, while the government covers the remaining cost. The PBS ensures access to essential medications at affordable prices for the Australian population.

Pre-existing Condition: A medical condition that existed before an individual took out health insurance or upgraded their cover. Waiting periods may apply before coverage is provided for treatment related to pre-existing conditions.

Preferred Provider: Healthcare providers, such as doctors or specialists, who have an agreement with an insurance company to provide services at agreed-upon fees. Policyholders may receive higher benefits or reduced out-of-pocket expenses when using preferred providers.

Premium: The amount of money paid to the insurance company at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, annually) to maintain health insurance coverage.

Private Health Insurance Rebate: A government subsidy provided to eligible individuals to help offset the cost of private health insurance premiums. The rebate amount is based on income and age.

Waiting Period: The specified period an individual must wait after taking out private health insurance or upgrading their cover before they can claim benefits for certain treatments or services. Waiting periods vary depending on the treatment or service.