You may also find that you need extra help in the form of Extras cover. For example, many health funds offer cover for prenatal classes and massages, which can help you relax and feel your best during pregnancy. Extras cover can also help you pay for things like acupuncture or physiotherapy if you’re struggling with morning sickness or back pain. Ultimately, having extras cover can give you peace of mind knowing that you have access to the support you need during pregnancy.
Key facts
- It’s important to prioritise your overall health and wellbeing during pregnancy and birth, including your diet, exercise routine, and mental health.
- Extras policies can cover a range of out-of-hospital treatments and outpatient services, such as massages, therapy, prenatal classes, and dental care, to name a few.
- Hospital policies that cover birth-related services only kick in after you’ve served a 12-month waiting period.
- Your newborn baby does not automatically get added to your health insurance plan.
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Why do you need Extras cover for pregnancy?
There are many healthcare services and treatments you may require during your pregnancy. These can be costly over time, and an Extras policy is recommended to save out-of-pocket costs while ensuring you’re covered. Some Hospital policies don’t cover obstetric or midwifery care, so you may have to pay some of the costs yourself.
It’s also a good idea to find out if there are any extras you can get with your policy, like cover for antenatal classes or a private room in the hospital. By doing your research ahead of time, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible care for yourself and your baby.
Some of these treatments that Extras policies may cover include:
- Physiotherapy
- Postnatal classes
- Clinical pilates
- Health Management
- Pharmacy
- Midwifery
Extras cover to support expectant mums
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a challenging one. Your body is going through a lot of changes, and you may find yourself feeling more tired than usual, as well as experiencing aches and pains in your back and legs. It’s important to listen to your body and give yourself the time and space to rest when needed. You may also find that your diet needs to change during pregnancy.
Eating healthy is always important for your overall health and wellbeing, but it’s especially important if you’re pregnant. Getting the right nutrients is essential for both you and your baby, and a healthy diet can help to ensure a smooth pregnancy and delivery. There are a few key things to remember when eating during pregnancy.
First, you’ll need to increase your intake of certain vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium.1 You can get these nutrients from foods like leafy green vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. In addition, it’s important to eat small meals throughout the day to avoid indigestion and heartburn. And finally, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or unsweetened fluids like herbal tea. By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.
Many Extras policies cover pregnancy classes and dietician services to help you better understand how diet affects your baby and the vital nutrients you need to ensure your baby’s health.
Your body goes through so many changes, and it can be difficult to keep up with your usual exercise routine. However, staying active during pregnancy is important for both your body and mind. Exercise can help to ease pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue, and it can also help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Of course, you need to be careful not to overdo it.
Listen to your body, and don’t push yourself too hard. If you were inactive before pregnancy, start slowly and increase your activity level gradually. And if you have any concerns, always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. By staying active during pregnancy, you’re doing yourself a world of good – both now and in the future. Extras policy benefits include pregnancy classes that help you gain mobility and stay fit without compromising your safety.
As your baby grows and puts more pressure on your pelvic floor, you may start to experience stress incontinence. This is when urine leaks out when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise. Stress incontinence is more common during pregnancy, but can also happen after the baby is born. Luckily, there are things you can do to help reduce stress incontinence during and after pregnancy. One of the best things you can do is to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles that support your bladder.
You can do pelvic floor exercises (anywhere and anytime) while sitting at your desk, driving in your car, or even lying on the couch. Just make sure that you’re not doing them while you’re urinating. Regular pelvic floor exercises can help reduce stress incontinence and may even help prevent it altogether. If you’re unsure how to do pelvic floor exercises, talk to your doctor or a physiotherapist. They can give you instructions and make sure you’re doing them correctly.
Some Extras policies cover pelvic floor exercise classes to help support you through and after your pregnancy.
Aches and pains during pregnancy are extremely common. As your body changes and adapts to accommodate your growing baby, you may experience new aches and pains. In particular, the added weight can put a lot of strain on your back, neck and shoulders, and abdominal muscles.
A few things may help if you’re starting to feel sore. Stretching can help relieve muscle tension, and gentle exercise can also be beneficial. Pregnancy massage can also help alleviate back pain and other discomforts. If you’re experiencing severe pain, it’s important to speak to your doctor or midwife, as they may be able to recommend additional treatments.
Many Extras policies cover pain management as part of the pregnancy package. Be sure to check with your insurance provider if you’re covered.
Your hormones can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Some dental problems, like gum disease, can increase the risk of preterm labour and low birth weight. Other problems, like cavities, can lead to infection. That’s why it’s important to keep up with your dental appointments and to brush and floss regularly. If you have any concerns about your dental health, be sure to talk to your dentist.
Extras policies cover dental care, such as check ups and major dental operations, depending on your level of cover.
Expecting a baby is an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one. For many parents-to-be, the arrival of a new baby is accompanied by a range of emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. And while it’s normal to feel some stress during pregnancy, it’s important to be aware of the signs of more serious mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
If you’re finding it difficult to cope with your feelings or you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to seek help. There are many resources available to support you, including counselling and therapy. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Extras policies generally cover mental health care services such as therapy or psychology sessions.
Hospital cover for pregnancy and birth
After you’ve been a member of your private hospital insurance fund for 12 months, you’re generally covered for pregnancy-related services at an agreement private hospital. This includes labour ward costs, doctors’ fees, and accommodation in a private room (if available). Some services, such as birthing classes, may be covered before the 12-month mark. Check with your fund to see what’s included in your cover.
If you are struggling with infertility, you may be wondering if your private hospital cover will pay benefits toward the cost of in-hospital Assisted Reproductive Services (ARS). Fortunately, many private health funds in Australia offer coverage for these treatments. Since only inpatient services are covered under private health insurance, you may be out-of-pocket for certain costs associated with ARS procedures.
Can you still use your Extras cover once your baby is born?
Most people are aware that they need health insurance to cover themselves and their families. However, many people are surprised to learn that their private health cover does not automatically include their newborn baby. This is because babies born in Australia are automatically covered by Medicare and the Medicare benefits schedule, the government-funded health insurance system.
However, Medicare only covers basic medical expenses, so if your baby needs to be admitted to hospital as an inpatient, you will need to take out private health insurance to cover the costs. Luckily, most hospital cover and health insurers offer packages that include cover for newborns, so it is easy to find a policy that suits your needs.
How to choose Extras cover
Extras cover helps pay for the cost if you ever need outpatient medical services. This can include optical and dental care, which prevent diseases from progressing worse than they already have. Remember that you may need to serve waiting periods before you can claim back. These typically last for two to 12 months.
- Decide who will be under your Extras cover, such as children.
- Analyse your healthcare needs, such as dental appointments, optical care, or physio.
- Review and compare several insurance companies and their various policies. Keep in mind that some health insurance providers do not offer stand-alone Extras policies.
- Consider your budget. Extras policies generally have three tiers: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is covered in pregnancy cover?
Pregnancy policies generally cover a range of treatments, but it depends on your level of coverage. Services usually include: Accommodation and care at a private hospital; Assisted reproductive services; Some hospital-administered medicines; Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy; Antenatal/postnatal classes; Remedial massages; Physiotherapy.
Is pregnancy cover worth getting?
Private health insurance for pregnancy can be a big decision. If you’re considering going to a private hospital for your birth, you’ll likely need to factor in the cost of private health cover. A C-section alone can set you back over $10,000 without private insurance, so it’s important to understand your options and make an informed decision that’s right for you. Whether or not you need private health insurance for pregnancy will depend on your personal needs and circumstances. But if you’ve weighed up your options and decided that private healthcare is the best option for you, then taking out a policy could make all the difference in bringing your bundle of joy into the world.
When should I add my pregnancy to my insurance?
Regarding health insurance, pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition. There is, however, a minimum 12-month waiting period before you can make a claim related to pregnancy. That means you can’t be pregnant before you take out cover. If you’re planning to give birth in a private hospital, you’ll want to purchase your policy at least three months before you get pregnant. This waiting period is in place to ensure that people don’t take out cover to make a pregnancy-related claim immediately. While it may seem like an inconvenience, the 12-month waiting period is there to protect the integrity of the health insurance system.
What does Medicare cover for pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant and considering your birthing options, you may be wondering whether to give birth as a public or private patient. In Australia, most women give birth as public patients in public hospitals. This means that the government pays for your hospital care, and you’re generally cared for by midwives. You may also be seen by obstetricians, depending on your individual circumstances. There are many benefits to choosing to give birth as a public patient. Firstly, Medicare will cover the cost of your hospital care. Additionally, you’ll be able to access free midwife appointments, routine ultrasounds, blood tests and immunisations throughout your pregnancy. Plus, if you need emotional support, you can get up to 3 free counselling sessions. Giving birth as a public patient is a great way to save money and provide high-quality access to care.
What type of insurance is best for pregnancy?
When it comes to pregnancy cover, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best policy for you will depend on several factors, including your budget and the level of cover you need. For example, if you’re looking for comprehensive cover, you’ll need to take out a policy that covers both prenatal and postnatal care. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may need to choose a policy that only covers prenatal care. Whichever route you choose, it’s important to ensure you have enough coverage to protect yourself and your family. Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be expensive. The last thing you want is to be left out of pocket if something goes wrong. With the right cover in place, you can relax and enjoy the journey ahead, safe in the knowledge that you’re covered against the worst-case scenario.
What kind of insurance do I need when pregnant?
The main insurance policy you will need is Hospital insurance since that will cover your costs for in-hospital appointments and the birth itself. While it is not essential, Extras cover is highly recommended as it will cover you for all of your out-of-hospital treatments, such as pregnancy massages and dental care. What’s most important is finding a policy that provides enough coverage for your needs at a price you can afford.