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Private health cover for men in Australia
Finding the cheapest healthcare plan might seem like a good way to save some money, but it can end up costing you when it comes time for check-ups.
Men have specific needs when it comes to healthcare, and need to have the coverage when it comes time to diagnose and prevent particular conditions.
Private healthcare will often fill the men's health gaps that Medicare leaves behind, but you can't take this for granted.
Before making your healthcare decisions, you need to compare insurance providers to make sure they cover your men's health needs.
Key Points
Comparing health insurance is essential when it comes to men's health. Don't assume that your provider will cover check-ups, as many of the cheaper options may not give you everything you need.
There are certain screenings you should complete throughout your life such as: testicular cancer screenings, dental exams, depression screenings, and skin tests.
As men age, they're more likely to develop prostate cancer, colon cancer, and heart disease. Men must make sure that their private insurance fund covers these checkups.
The importance of comparing insurance
Deciding to purchase private health insurance over Medicare coverage may be the right move for you.
Why? You'll be able to choose your doctor and cut substantial time off of your waiting period, along with a long list of other benefits; for example, health insurance can cover vasectomies & related treatments.
Before making a decision and paying your first premium, though, you need to check what your private health fund covers.
In many cases, men and women have different needs when it comes to their health. This is a no-brainer.
So, male healthcare shoppers need to ensure their private health insurance fits their individual needs and preferences.
Young people tend to disregard the need for private health coverage.
It's an added expense at a time when money can be tight, so it's understandable they may choose not to enrol.
Even when they do purchase private health insurance, young men will often try to buy the cheapest available option.
While these cheap healthcare plans will cover you for most screenings done in a hospital, there are some screenings they may not cover as an outpatient.
It's critical that you compare health coverage before selecting which one is right for you.
You might not need coverage for every screening, but below are a few that you might want to be covered for.
Your insurance provider will be able to determine which of these screenings and consultations are covered under their policy.
Dental exam
If you regularly brush and floss you might not see the need to visit the dentist regularly.
While proper dental hygiene starts at home, it's still essential to visit the dentist once or twice a year for a check-up and clean.
Why? You might have a tooth beginning to rot before you're aware.
If the dentist catches a cavity early, you can save yourself a considerable amount of pain by getting a filling before it turns into a root canal.
Most private health funds cover dental visits, which is one of the primary reasons some people choose private over public healthcare.
Still, you need to check with your insurer before making a decision.
Depression screening
A depression screening is another check-up that private insurance will usually cover.
Like everything, you'll need to make sure these screenings are covered under your private healthcare plan if addressing depression is important to you.
Both men and women develop depression for a host of different reasons, but they may express their symptoms very differently.
To get an accurate depression screening from a doctor, you may have to visit a psychologist who specialises in diagnosing these mental disorders.
Your GP may be able to help you here, but if you think you're suffering from depression, you may find it beneficial to consult a specialist in psychology.
Men are at a greater risk of heart attacks than women are, which is why staying on top of your blood pressure and cholesterol is important from an early age.
Heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks are the leading causes of all deaths in Australia.
Most people think that cholesterol and blood pressure aren't something they have to worry about until they get older.
In reality, the sooner you learn your risk, the better prepared you'll be.
Since CVD and heart disease are so devastating to public health, almost all private health funds cover cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.
Doctors will likely ask you to fast for around 12 hours, then take your blood in the morning before giving you the results.
COMPARE & SAVEEssential screenings for ageing men
It should come as no surprise that when we get older, health problems start to flare-up.
If you're older than 40 and shopping for insurance, it may be a good idea to compare plans to ensure that your provider covers all the screenings you need as an aging man.
It's recommended you undergo all of the screenings we've listed above, of course, but you may also choose to add a few other screenings to your healthcare regimen.
Some of those screenings include:
Colonoscopy
Prostate exam
Eye check
Osteoporosis Screening
Lung cancer screening
Prostate cancer screening
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer males develop, and it's essential that doctors catch it early.
Most men who face a diagnosis of prostate cancer survive, but that doesn't mean a diagnosis isn't serious.
You need to take the proper steps to treat the disease, and your first move will be getting tested -- especially if you're over 40 or have had a history of prostate cancer in your family.
Colon cancer screening
Colonoscopies may be uncomfortable, but they're one of the necessary screenings to prevent and diagnose colon cancer -- one of the deadliest of all cancers.
Once you hit 50, it's recommended you undergo a colonoscopy every five years.
If you have a history of colon cancer in your family, you may choose to start even earlier.
Private insurance will almost always cover this procedure.
Eye exams
You're probably used to eye exams if you've had glasses for a large part of your life.
If you've never worn glasses, though, you might be stunned to learn that your eyesight has severely deteriorated.
Eyesight gets worse with age, and time opens the door to more serious eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma.
Consider checking your eyesight every year or two.
You should go in for screenings more frequently if you have the following risk factors:
Have had eye diseases or eye injuries in the past
A family history of eye conditions or diseases
Taking medication that increases your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes
Be sure you’re covered
Choosing a private health fund isn't as straightforward as it might seem.
Before you commit to a plan, read the fine print and find out which check-ups are fully covered and which require you to pay out of your own pocket.
The reward for your diligence will come in the form of affordable coverage that fits your needs.
Do the proper research before you buy and make sure your men's health screenings are covered.
COMPARE & SAVEThings You Should Know
*As our customer you'll be provided with quotes directly from the insurer for the product you intend to purchase. We manage the application and deal with the administration work and insurer. We do not charge you a fee for the service we provide, the insurer simply remunerates us in return for setting up your policy. The financial and insurance products compared on this website do not necessarily compare all features that may be relevant to you. Comparisons are made on the basis of price only and different products may have different features and different levels of coverage. Compare Club does not compare all policies available in Australia and our partner insurers may not make all policies available to Compare Club.
This guide is opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial/medical professional before making any decisions.
Chris Stanley is the sales & operations manager of health insurance at Compare Club. With extensive experience and expertise, Chris is a trusted leader known for his deep understanding of health insurance markets, policies, and coverage options. As the sales & operations manager of health insurance, Chris leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health insurance needs.
Meet our health insurance expert, Chris Stanley
Chris's top health insurance tips
- 1
Australia’s public health system is world-class, but wait times for public hospitals can be long, inconvenient - and leave you living in constant pain while you wait.
- 2
An appropriate private health insurance policy can speed up your surgery, relieving your pain sooner.
- 3
Family health cover means your children are covered under the same policy as you.
- 4
Many health insurance policies come with a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related cover, so it’s a good idea to get a family policy organized well before starting your family. This means your child will be covered from birth until at least their early twenties (depending on which health fund you select).