Millions of Aussies have been urged to claim extra benefits from their private health insurance before it expires in less than two weeks.
Up to 13.6 million Aussies will be eligible for the wide range of benefits, including physio and dental care, before the December 31 cut-off date.
Healthcare providers have reported that many are struggling to book last-minute check-ups to take advantage of their unused extra benefits.
Data from personal finance company Compare Club revealed Australians could leave an average of $1,300 in additional health insurance cover untouched.
The company’s research found that the majority of health insurance policyholders qualified for an average of $1,050 in dental rebates.
But customers only claimed an average of $237.80 per year.
Data from health insurer Bupa shows that sales of optical products increased by 54 percent in November alone.
The majority of dental and optical claims are made at the end of the year as Australians book eye tests, buy new glasses or visit the dentist before the New Year.
About 13.6 million Australians are eligible for the benefit, which ends on December 31 (Photo: A woman walking in Sydney)
Figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) show that around 12.2 million Aussies will have private hospital cover as of June 2024 (stock image)
Figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) show that around 12.2 million Aussies have private hospital cover as of June this year.
About 54.5 percent or 14.9 million Australians have private extras cover.
The Extras cover is a policy that covers medical care that does not require treatment in a hospital, but is essential to people’s health and well-being.
Common services include dental checkups, physiotherapy and optical products.
Other services and products included in the additional coverage include chiropractic treatments, occupational therapy, and medical aids and devices such as asthma pumps.
Aussies have been urged to check what amount of extra cover they are eligible for.