Major Dental: Major Dental refers to a category of dental treatments that typically involve more extensive procedures and higher costs. These can include treatments such as crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontics (braces), and oral surgery. Major Dental coverage is a type of extras cover offered by private health insurance policies in Australia. It provides benefits or a percentage of the cost for major dental treatments, helping individuals manage the financial burden associated with these procedures. The specific coverage and limits for Major Dental can vary depending on the insurance policy and level of extras cover chosen by the individual.
Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS): An additional tax imposed on high-income earners who do not have private health insurance and earn above a certain threshold. It encourages individuals to take out private health insurance and reduce the burden on the public healthcare system.
Medicare: Australia's publicly funded healthcare system that provides basic medical services and subsidized treatments to Australian residents.
Network: A group of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that have contracted with an insurance company to provide services
No-Gap: No-Gap refers to a situation where a policyholder does not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses or the "gap" for certain medical services or treatments. It typically applies to in-hospital services where the medical practitioner agrees to charge only the Medicare benefit and the health insurance covers the remaining cost, eliminating or reducing the gap amount that the policyholder would need to pay. No-Gap arrangements can help individuals minimize their expenses for specific procedures or treatments.
Orthodontics: Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaw irregularities. It involves the use of braces, retainers, aligners, and other dental appliances to straighten teeth and improve bite alignment. Orthodontic treatment is typically considered a major dental procedure. Private health insurance policies in Australia may offer coverage for orthodontic treatment under extras cover, specifically under the Major Dental category. It's important to review the specific policy details and waiting periods associated with orthodontic coverage, as there may be limitations and conditions for reimbursem*nt.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): OSHC is a specific type of health insurance designed for international students studying in Australia. It is a requirement for most student visa subclasses to ensure that students have access to necessary healthcare services during their studies in Australia.
OSHC provides coverage for essential medical treatments, hospital stays, prescription medications, and emergency services. It helps international students manage the costs associated with healthcare while studying in Australia and ensures they have access to necessary medical care.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Out-of-pocket expenses refer to the costs that individuals are responsible for paying directly when receiving healthcare services, even if they have health insurance coverage. These expenses can include deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance, as well as any costs not covered by insurance. Out-of-pocket expenses can vary depending on the type of service, the insurance plan, and any applicable limits or exclusions.
OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover): OVHC refers to health insurance specifically designed for visitors to Australia, including temporary residents, such as international students, working holiday visa holders, and temporary skilled workers. OVHC is a requirement for most visa subclasses to ensure that visitors have access to necessary healthcare services while in Australia.
OVHC provides coverage for essential medical treatments, hospital stays, and emergency services during the visitor's stay in Australia. It helps protect visitors from the high costs of medical care and ensures they have access to necessary healthcare services during their time in the country.
PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme): The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is a program by the Australian Government that subsidizes the cost of a wide range of prescription medications, making them more affordable for Australian residents. Under the PBS, eligible individuals pay a reduced price (known as the patient co-payment) for prescribed medications, while the government covers the remaining cost. The PBS ensures access to essential medications at affordable prices for the Australian population.
Pre-existing Condition: A medical condition that existed before an individual took out health insurance. Waiting periods may apply before coverage is provided for treatment related to pre-existing conditions.
Preferred Provider: Healthcare providers, such as doctors or specialists, who have an agreement with an insurance company to provide services at agreed-upon fees. Policyholders may receive higher benefits or reduced out-of-pocket expenses when using preferred providers.
Premium: The amount of money paid to the insurance company at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, annually) to maintain health insurance coverage.
Private Health Insurance Rebate: A government subsidy provided to eligible individuals to help offset the cost of private health insurance premiums. The rebate amount is based on income and age.
Waiting Period: The specified period an individual must wait after taking out private health insurance before they can claim benefits for certain treatments or services. Waiting periods vary depending on the treatment or service.
