According to 2018 data from the United States Census Bureau, 27.5 million people lacked health insurance at some point during that year. This number is quite devastating when considering the importance of a health plan. Not only can having adequate access to health care save you from financial ruin, but a health insurance plan that covers preventive care can save you from premature death and seriously improve your quality of life. According to Medibank, “extras” are generally services provided outside of the hospital system of health care; “extras” provide options for people to take a “proactive approach to their health.”
It is vital to not only have health insurance but to also have the best possible health care for your and your family’s individual needs. Taking your and your family’s medical history and risk factors (how much emergency room coverage will you need to be safe?) into account when choosing a health care plan that covers extras is essential. Plus, this could be the ideal way to get all of your health care needs covered under your insurance company without a huge monthly payment.
Check out these five extras you can add to your private insurance plan:
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1. Dental
Not only does having an insurance company that covers dentist visits a great idea to prevent future problems with your teeth (a cleaning tends to be cheaper than a root canal), but if you’re experiencing dental pain, it is crucial to see a dentist. If you are experiencing chronic pain in your jaw, head, or face, and then receive an orofacial pain diagnosis, then it could be time to get treatment for the management of orofacial pain. To find the best dental plan to treat neuropathic facial pain conditions, compare health insurance with iSelect and say goodbye to orofacial pain.
Bonus tip: Consider discussing your health care needs with an insurance agent for more clarification.
2. Optical
According to the CDC, most people who avoid going to the eye doctor (even those who are visually impaired) do so because they can’t afford it or their insurance company doesn’t cover it. Considering that the number of people in the United States who are visually impaired is expected to double by 2030, according to the CDC, this is quite unsettling.
This estimate could be due to the fact that the CDC also notes that as many as 45 percent of people haven’t had a dilated eye exam in the last two years despite the fact that regular exams are the “first defense” against permanent vision loss. Preventive eye exams are especially important when it comes to preventing vision loss (especially if you have a medical history of diabetes or glaucoma), but having a health insurance plan that covers optical can also be cost-effective for those who wear glasses.
3. Physical therapy
An estimated 1 in 5 people in the United States suffer from chronic pain, according to the CDC. Considering the addictive quality of opioids, many people may seek alternatives such as physical therapy to treat chronic pain and improve their quality of life. But regular trips to physical therapy can add up fast. This is where extra coverage can be beneficial, according to Bupa Health & Care. Bupa explains how extra coverage from your insurance company can also be useful because you can generally get money back for medical expenses that may not have been covered by Medicare, such as dental, physio, and optical bills.
4. Psychology
According to the CDC,1 in 5 people in the United States will experience a mental illness and 1 in 25 will experience a “serious mental illness” (like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression). For many, seeing a Psychologist and seeking an accurate diagnosis is key to finding the proper treatment for their mental health struggles. Therefore, adding an “extra” to your health insurance coverage to cover mental health treatment could allow you to get the care you need without going into debt.
5. Extra pharmaceutical coverage
Depending on your medical history, you may need more expansive coverage from your insurance company to cover your medication needs. For example, if you suffer from an autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis), the medical expenses can greatly add up—especially regarding the medications used to keep these diseases under control. Or, if you suffer from neuropathic pain or another one of many chronic pain conditions, then a health plan that adequately covers your pharmaceutical needs could be vital in preventing you from living life in severe pain.
