Use Your Optical Extras before They Expire on 31 December!

Most private health fund benefits expire at the end of December. If your health fund is one of them, make sure you claim your optical extras before they reset…and you’ve claimed nothing!

Why Australians Get Private Health Insurance

An initial eye consultation is covered by Medicare, and most optometrists don’t charge any further costs or fees. However, certain prescription lenses, contact lenses or prescription sunglasses are not covered by Medicare. This is one of the reasons why Australians get private health insurance.

According to the Australian Government’s private health advice website PrivateHealth.gov.au, your prescription lenses, frames and contact lenses are covered under the optical category if you have an appropriate policy in place.

What Is a ‘Preferred Provider’?

Some health funds use the term ‘preferred provider’ to promote their network of healthcare providers and guide patients to their own practice. In truth, you have the choice of which optometrist you are going to see, and your optical benefits pretty much remain the same. This has been clarified recently by Optometry Australia in an open letter to clear out any confusion. Please be reminded that all optometrists are able to use the HICAPS system for rebates—which is good news for all patients who still want to continue seeing their current optometrist.

Use Them before You Lose Them!

Some health insurance companies operate using the financial calendar year, some from date joined, but most follow the January to December calendar. Any funds you don’t claim within that twelve-month period will reset, which means they will no longer be available for you to claim!

What Can You Claim with Your Optical Extras?

A selection of optical treats can be yours to claim for little to no out-of-pocket fees. This includes:

  • Designer styles
  • Prescription sunglasses
  • A lens upgrade
  • A spare pair of spectacles
  • Contact lenses
  • Computer glasses
  • Sports glasses
  • Reading glasses
  • Driving glasses

So, does your health fund benefits expire on 31 December? Take advantage of your private health fund and our quality service and expertise. Visit us and we will help you maximize your optical benefitsso that they benefit you.

Brunette mum and daughter happily wearing spectacles which they claimed from their optical health fund extras