Health Insurance Basics

Private health insurance policies can help cover specified healthcare costs according to their terms.

Overview

Compare provider networks, covered treatments, exclusions, waiting periods, excesses and annual limits rather than focusing only on price.

What should you check?

• Read the policy definitions, limits and exclusions.
• Check the excess and any waiting or notification requirements.
• Understand what evidence may be required for a claim.
• Compare equivalent levels of cover rather than comparing price alone.

Why policy wording matters

Insurance is a contract and the precise terms determine when a claim can be accepted. Marketing summaries can be useful for orientation, but the policy documents should be treated as the authoritative source for the coverage you are considering.

Common questions