Health insurance hacks: get more from your nib cover
Most of us probably set and forget when it comes to health insurance. But if your cover hasn’t been updated in a while, there’s a good chance you’re paying for things you no longer use. Whether you’re a gym junkie, weekend hiker or someone who loves a good deal, your nib cover should reflect how you live now. It’s not about having the most expensive plan, it's about having one that shows up when it counts (like that weekly acupuncture appointment you can't live without).
Here are our top tips to make your health insurance policy feel like it was built just for you.
Get extra personal with your Extras
Extras can help you cover the things you regularly use and not just those big what-ifs. To make your Extras fit your lifestyle, start by looking at what you do each week, from how you move to how you unwind. Think about tailoring your policy to what actually makes you tick. Here are some examples to help guide you when choosing which Extras are right for you.
For the always-moving type
If you spend your weekends running or playing sports, your body needs a tune-up. Make sure your plan offers rebates for things like physio and remedial massage. Instead of waiting for a sore back to get worse, you can get a massage that keeps you moving.
For the wellness fan
If you're all about staying healthy before you get sick, you want a plan that supports that. Look for cover that includes preventive health checks or natural therapies such as acupuncture. By picking these extras, you're basically getting a discount on your healthy habits.
For the screen addict
If you spend eight hours a day staring at a laptop, your eyes and posture are working overtime. You could try bumping up your optical limits so you can enjoy a fresh pair of frames regularly, or stock up on contacts without the high price tag. Tech neck is also a real thing, so having cover for osteopathic or chiropractic care can help realign your spine after a long week of ‘just one more email’.
For the busy parent
If your life is a blur of school runs, sports practice and growing pains, you need cover that works as hard as you do. Look for family-focused Extras that include general dental care, speech pathology or occupational therapy. Plus, with kids under 21, you often don't have to pay an excess if you have an unexpected hospital visit.
For the 30 going on 13 type
At nib, you can stay on your parents' cover until the day before you turn 31. Check whether you're a student or a non-student dependent, as students can often stay on for free, while others may need to pay a small fee. It's like a safety net while you're figuring out your own life. You get the same level of cover your parents might have, like dental or physio, without the full bill of a solo policy.
For the travel lovers
If your lifestyle involves a heavily stamped passport and always having a valid boarding pass in your back pocket, make your health cover your favourite travel buddy. nib health members often get a discount on nib Travel insurance. Whether you're hitting the slopes in Japan or heading to Bali, it's worth checking it out before you book.
Stay on top of your cover
The nib App is like a personal assistant that tells you exactly what you've got left to spend. You can open the app and check your extras usage to see exactly how much you have left for things like dental or physio. You can also use the app to search the nib First Choice network. These participating providers, including dentists, optometrists and physios, often charge lower agreed rates for nib members. It's one of the easiest ways to stretch your limits further.
Know your nib Rewards
The real hack is realising that your health insurance can cover your life outside the clinic. nib Rewards is a member-only portal where you can save at over 100 big brands. You can grab discounted eGift cards for your weekly grocery run at Woolworths, save on fuel, or score deals on tech and activewear from brands like JB Hi-Fi, Garmin and New Balance. It's a simple way to make your membership work harder before you even touch your Extras.
Do a yearly review
Life moves fast. Take 10 minutes once a year to review your cover. Have you moved from your marathon phase to your Pilates era? Or perhaps you’re on basic Hospital cover, but your weekends now involve regular cliff diving. Making your health cover match your unique lifestyle isn't hard, it's just about being savvy.
Log in to the nib App today, check your rewards and make sure your cover is as unique as you are.
The information shared in this article is general and not meant to guide specific financial choices. Always consult with a professional who understands your personal situation before making any financial decisions.