HEALTH INSURANCE
Health insurance with no waiting period

By Sean Callery
Updated 8 Jul 2025
Our experts help you get a better deal on Extras cover. Compare now, sit back and save money (we’ll even do the paperwork).
Our dedicated Health Insurance experts are here to help.
Here are some of the best health funds in terms of the percentage of general treatment (Extras) charges covered, as per the latest Commonwealth Ombudsman State of the Health Funds Report:
Extras cover is a type of health insurance that helps pay for medical expenses not related to hospital care. This typically includes services like dental check-ups, eye exams and glasses, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, and other therapies that aren’t covered by Medicare. Having Extras cover can help you manage these out-of-pocket costs and access a wider range of healthcare services.
It usually involves choosing a policy that fits your healthcare needs and paying monthly premiums. Depending on your level of cover, you can claim a portion or even the full cost of treatment. You can often claim on your Extras cover there and then when you pay for the treatment.
One of the drawcards of taking out Extras cover is that you normally have at least three options based on the level of inclusions. This allows you to personalise your coverage to include services and treatments you will actually use, ensuring you get the most value from your policy.
Most health insurance providers offer different levels of coverage and benefits to suit various needs and budgets. Here are the three main tiers of Extras cover:
Generally provides a level of coverage for basic services such as general dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiro, and emergency ambulance services. You can usually claim a percentage (e.g. 60%) or all of your expenses, and there are often annual limits on claims. For instance, you might be able to claim up to $200 per year on general dental.
Choosing a basic level of cover might be a good option if you’re new to health insurance, expect to use only a handful of services, or you're a single parent with a tight budget. You can always start with basic coverage and upgrade later as your healthcare needs or family circumstances change. However, when upgrading to a higher level of cover, you may need to serve waiting periods to access the increased benefits.
Offers a wider range of services and higher benefits than the basic tier. It typically covers a percentage of costs (e.g. 80%) or even the full amount for a broader array of services, including major dental work (think root canals and crowns), podiatry, exercise physiology, acupuncture, and remedial massage. While there are annual limits on claims, these are usually higher compared to basic coverage — often up to $750 for general dental.
This option might be ideal for singles or families who require regular care and want a good balance of affordability and coverage. With mid-level Extras cover, you can access essential treatments without facing overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses.
Provides the most comprehensive coverage with higher benefits across a broader range of services. It builds on mid-level cover and often includes antenatal and postnatal care for expectant and new mothers, some non-PBS pharmaceuticals (medications not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), home nursing, speech therapy, and hearing aids.
While this level of cover offers greater peace of mind, it comes at a cost. Top Extras cover can be quite expensive, making it more suitable for high-income households or individuals who are willing to pay a premium for comprehensive coverage. This investment can provide you with reassurance knowing that you’re well-protected for a wide range of healthcare needs.
Extras cover products and tiers can vary a lot and often have different names, which can make comparing policies a bit tricky. For example, Bupa has 11 standalone Extras products listed on its website. That’s why it’s important to check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for each policy. This will help you understand what’s included and ensure you don’t miss key details like waiting periods and exclusions.
Includes common dental treatments like check-ups, scale and cleans, x-rays, fillings and extractions, such as wisdom teeth removal (excluding hospital charges). Waiting periods are typically two months. You can usually claim a portion of the expenses (e.g. 50-80%), or as a combined annual limit (i.e. $500) with other treatments and services.
Includes eye exams, optical services on prescription from an optometrist, including frames, prescription lenses, contact lenses and certain lens coatings. Waiting periods are typically two to six months, depending on the level of cover and insurer. You can normally claim a percentage of the expenses, or as a combined annual limit (i.e. $200) with other treatments and services.
Includes services such as root canal, periodontics, crowns, dentures, bridges and veneers. Major dental coverage is typically available only with mid or top Extras cover, and waiting periods are usually 12 months. Having coverage for major dental could be particularly useful for seniors, those aged 65 or above.
Includes treatment to change the position of teeth and jaws with devices like braces, retainers, and other corrective appliances. Coverage is often included in mid or top Extras plans, with waiting periods generally at least 12 months.
Includes treatments such as exercise programs and rehabilitation for injuries or movement disorders. This coverage is usually available under basic, mid and top policies, but the benefits to claim will vary. Waiting periods are commonly two to six months.
Includes treatments like spinal adjustments, manipulation, and other hands-on therapies aimed at alleviating pain and improving mobility. These services are typically included in most Extras plans with benefits varying based on the level of cover (i.e. 50% or $600 annual limit per policy). Waiting periods are generally two months.
Includes a range of prescription medications that are not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), often encompassing specialty drugs and certain over-the-counter options. These medications are typically covered under some mid or top level Extras plans, with benefits varying based on the level of cover, such as a reimbursement rate of 50% or an annual limit of $400 per policy. Waiting periods often range from two to six months.
Includes diagnosing and managing conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs, including services such as foot assessments, orthotics, and therapeutic interventions. These services are typically covered under mid and top-level Extras plans, with benefits varying based on coverage level, such as a reimbursement rate of 70% or an annual limit of $500 per policy. Waiting periods usually range from two to six months.
Includes treatments aimed at relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting overall well-being. This service is typically included in most Extras policies, but the benefits can vary, with reimbursement rates ranging from 50% to 100%. Most health insurers impose waiting periods of two to six months.
Includes treatments on the assessment and prescription of exercise programs tailored to improve physical health, manage chronic conditions, and enhance athletic performance. Typically included in mid and top levels of coverage with reimbursement rates often ranging from 50% to 100%. Waiting periods are generally two to six months.
Includes services that focus on mental health support, including counselling and therapy for a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress management. Available under most mid or top levels of Extras cover, with annual limits and reimbursement rates varying depending on the policy. Most insurers impose a two-month waiting period for psychology and mental health services.
Includes hearing devices designed to assist individuals with hearing loss by amplifying sound. These services are typically covered under a top level of Extras cover with annual limits ranging from $800 to $1,200. Waiting periods generally range from 12 to 36 months.
Includes diagnosing and treating communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, and swallowing. These services are typically included in many Extras plans, particularly at mid and top levels of coverage. Benefits can vary, with reimbursement rates generally ranging from 50% to 100%, and annual limits often set between $500 and $1,500 per policy. A common waiting period for speech therapy is two months.
Includes services that provide emergency medical transportation for individuals in need of urgent care. Ambulance coverage is generally included in most Extras cover policies; however, if you live in Queensland or Tasmania, these services are already provided by the state government. Typically, there are no annual limits or reimbursement percentages, and the standard waiting period is usually just one day.
Many insurance companies offer a top-up rebate for prescriptions not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Some medically recommended treatments for conditions like weight loss, acne and contraception may be eligible for rebates. It’s important to check with both your GP and insurer prior to purchase.
The cost of Extras cover can vary widely depending on several factors, including the level of coverage, the insurer, and the specific services included in the policy. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $280 per month for Extras cover in Australia.
Based on our analysis, basic Extras cover premiums typically range from $20 to $60 per month. Mid-level coverage usually costs between $60 and $150 per month, while top-level cover can range from $150 to $280 per month. When evaluating the cost, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of private health insurance alongside each plan. This will help you determine which Extras cover offers the best value for your needs.
It’s important to remember that while lower-cost plans may be more affordable, they generally come with limited benefits or higher out-of-pocket expenses. Conversely, higher-cost plans typically provide more extensive coverage, but tend to be expensive.
We recently commissioned a survey that asked Australians why they don’t have private health insurance. Nearly four-fifths (79.8%) cited cost as the primary concern, while 15.9% expressed that they would never need it. Additionally, 10.6% felt they had enough savings to cover medical costs.
Our survey also found that health insurance premiums are Australians’ third most dreaded bills, only behind council rates and energy bills.
Chris Whitelaw, General Manager - Health Insurance at Money.com.au
"Most health insurers have agreements with specific care providers, which means you may not receive the full benefits of your coverage if the medical practice or service you choose isn’t affiliated with your insurer. They typically have a network of healthcare providers, so it’s a good idea to check which insurers they partner with before scheduling an appointment. This way, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your Extras cover."
Chris Whitelaw, General Manager - Health Insurance at Money.com.au
Choosing the best Extras health insurance involves assessing your specific circumstances, including your healthcare needs and budget. For singles, you might consider services that align with your lifestyle, such as dental and optical care. Those looking for couples health insurance, on the other hand, may want to explore plans that provide cost-effective options for covering both partners.
Families often have broader healthcare needs, so selecting a policy that covers a range of services could be most beneficial. In contrast, single-parent families may focus on policies that provide comprehensive coverage for children’s health needs while being relatively budget-friendly.
Budget is another significant factor. Assess how much you can comfortably afford to pay in premiums while also considering out-of-pocket expenses for services you’re likely to use. It’s worth comparing different policies and insurers by checking their benefits, limits, and waiting periods. Also, check if the services you require have reasonable reimbursement percentages and annual limits.
Our latest survey revealed that 13% of Australians have only Extras cover, while 68% have both Hospital and Extras cover. When it comes to usage, 33% of Australians use their Extras cover 1-2 times a year, 29% use it 3-5 times a year, 20% use it 6-10 times a year, and 11% use it more than 10 times a year.
Service | General dental |
---|---|
Basic cover | 50-60% reimbursement, $500 limit per year |
Mid cover | 70-80% reimbursement, $750 limit per year |
Top cover | 100% reimbursement, $1,200 limit per year |
Service | Optical |
Basic cover | 50-60% reimbursement, $150 limit per year |
Mid cover | 70-80% reimbursement, $250 limit per year |
Top cover | 100% reimbursement, $350 limit per year |
Service | Physiotherapy |
Basic cover | 50-60% reimbursement, $300 limit per year |
Mid cover | 70-80% reimbursement, $600 limit per year |
Top cover | 100% reimbursement, $1,000 limit per year |
Service | Chiropractic care |
Basic cover | 50-60% reimbursement, $300 limit per year |
Mid cover | 70-80% reimbursement, $500 limit per year |
Top cover | 100% reimbursement, $1,000 limit per year |
Service | Acupuncture |
Basic cover | Not covered |
Mid cover | 70-80% reimbursement, $400 limit per year |
Top cover | 100% reimbursement, $650 limit per year |
Service | Basic cover | Mid cover | Top cover |
---|---|---|---|
General dental | 50-60% reimbursement, $500 limit per year | 70-80% reimbursement, $750 limit per year | 100% reimbursement, $1,200 limit per year |
Optical | 50-60% reimbursement, $150 limit per year | 70-80% reimbursement, $250 limit per year | 100% reimbursement, $350 limit per year |
Physiotherapy | 50-60% reimbursement, $300 limit per year | 70-80% reimbursement, $600 limit per year | 100% reimbursement, $1,000 limit per year |
Chiropractic care | 50-60% reimbursement, $300 limit per year | 70-80% reimbursement, $500 limit per year | 100% reimbursement, $1,000 limit per year |
Acupuncture | Not covered | 70-80% reimbursement, $400 limit per year | 100% reimbursement, $650 limit per year |
Extras health insurance offers a variety of services depending on the policy. Many people prioritise dental care, as regular check-ups and cleanings can help prevent more serious issues down the line. Optical cover is also popular, particularly for those who wear glasses or contact lenses.
We recently commissioned a survey to understand why Australians choose their Extras cover. Here are the five main reasons:
Chris Whitelaw, General Manager - Health Insurance at Money.com.au
"Preventive dental check-ups can help you stay ahead of serious health problems. Many health insurers offer at least one free scale and clean with their preferred providers each year, and some even cover multiple visits. Taking advantage of this service is a great way to protect your teeth and get more value from your Extras health insurance."
Chris Whitelaw, General Manager - Health Insurance at Money.com.au
In our latest survey, we found that 36% of Australians brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly (every 6-12 months). Another 35% brush twice a day but don't floss daily or visit the dentist often (less than once a year). 21% brush daily but don’t floss and rarely see the dentist. 5% don't follow a consistent dental care routine, and 2% sometimes forget to brush and rarely visit the dentist. This is surprising, considering routine dental care was ranked as the number one health and wellbeing service people would invest more in.
What is the percentage of the treatment cost that the policy will cover? It typically ranges from 50% to 100%. Some services may have different reimbursement rates, so it’s worth checking to see how much you’ll be getting back for each type of treatment.
Check for annual limits per person or per policy on how much you can claim for specific services. For example, general dental might have a limit of $500 per year, while optical services could have a lower cap.
Be mindful of waiting periods for various services, which can range from two months to one year. This means you generally won’t be able to claim for those services until the waiting period is over.
Review the list of excluded services or treatments that are not covered under the policy. This can include certain cosmetic procedures or specific types of therapy.
Understand if there are any co-payments required for certain services and how gaps between the total cost and the reimbursement amount may affect your out-of-pocket expenses.
Some private health insurers may require you to use specific care providers to receive full benefits. Ensure you’re comfortable with the network of practitioners available to you.
Familiarise yourself with the claims process, including how to submit claims, any documentation required, and how quickly you can expect reimbursement.
Check if there are any options to upgrade your policy or change coverage levels in the future, and understand any implications that may arise from such changes.
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Yes, some health funds offer Extras cover with no waiting periods, especially for certain services, such as general dental with no waiting period. However, this varies by insurer and policy, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions. Keep in mind that even if there is a waiting period waiver for some services, others might still have waiting periods.
It's somewhat common for health insurance providers to offer special promotions where waiting periods on Extras cover are waived or shortened for new customers. For instance, a health fund might waive the two-month waiting period for selected services if you’re switching from another fund.
The main difference between Hospital cover and Extras cover lies in the types of services they provide:
Yes, you can get Extras cover without Hospital cover. Many health insurance providers offer standalone Extras policies that allow you to access out-of-hospital services like dental, optical and physiotherapy without needing Hospital cover. Typically, Extras cover as an individual product is less expensive than Hospital cover or a combined Hospital and Extras policy.
Yes, you may need to pay a gap with Extras cover, depending on your policy and the provider you choose. The gap refers to the difference between the total cost of the service and the amount your health fund reimburses you. For example, if your Extras cover reimburses a certain percentage of a treatment cost (i.e. 60%), you would need to cover the remaining balance (40%).
Annual limits are the maximum amounts your fund will pay for a service each year. These limits reset annually and vary by service and policy. For example, annual limits will generally be higher on a top level of cover, compared to basic policies.
No, you don’t pay an excess on Extras cover – excesses only apply to Hospital cover when you're admitted to hospital. With Extras, you may have out-of-pocket costs if the service fee exceeds your benefit limit, but there's no set excess fee to claim benefits.
Yes, you can upgrade anytime, but waiting periods will apply to any new services or higher benefit limits. If you're switching to a more comprehensive policy, check how the insurer handles transfers and benefits already used.
You don’t have to, but using a provider that has an agreement with your insurer (a preferred provider) often means higher benefits or no-gap payments. If you choose a non-network provider, you may receive a lower rebate and pay more out-of-pocket.
There are services that Extras cover may not include, and this can vary based on the insurer and the specific policy you choose. For example, basic cover generally has more limitations compared to mid or top Extras plans. Among the more common exclusions are major dental treatments, orthodontics, or podiatry. It’s essential to carefully review your policy details to understand what is and isn’t covered under your Extras health insurance.
To claim for Extras, you’ll generally need to:
Yes, you can cancel your Extras cover at any time by contacting your private health insurance provider. If you’ve recently taken out cover, you’ll usually have a 30-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel your policy and receive a full refund of any premiums paid, provided you haven’t made any claims.
A pre-existing condition is any health issue or medical condition that existed before you took out a health insurance policy. This can include chronic illnesses, past injuries, or any previously diagnosed medical issues.
For Extras cover health insurance, pre-existing conditions can have different implications. Some health insurance funds may impose longer waiting periods for certain services or have specific rules or limitations for pre-existing conditions. For example, a waiting period for a specific service might be two months, but if you have a pre-existing condition, it could be extended to 12 months.
We have a range of health insurance partners including:
Please note, we do not compare all health funds in the market, or all policies from our partner funds, and at times certain funds or products might be unavailable.
Yes, but you'll need to be on a higher level of cover. Orthodontic treatment usually falls under its own category in extras policies, and benefits often come with annual and lifetime limits, meaning the benefit you can claim is capped each year and over the course of treatment. The waiting period for orthodontic treatment is usually 12 months.
Some policies have a combined annual limit across multiple services (e.g. dental, optical and physio), while others set individual limits for each service. Be sure to check how limits are structured, as it can impact how much you can claim overall.
Most standard vaccinations, like flu shots and travel vaccines, are not covered under Medicare but may be included in some Extras policies. Coverage varies by insurer – some offer limited benefits for non-PBS listed immunisations like travel or preventative vaccines, so it’s best to check your policy details.
No, you can only claim for services received after your policy starts and once relevant waiting periods are served.
Basic Extras typically include services like general dental and optical with lower annual limits, while comprehensive policies cover a broader range of services like major dental, physio, chiro, and even alternative therapies, with higher limits. The more services and higher rebates you want, the more you’ll pay in premiums.
It depends on how often you use services like dental, optical or physio. If you claim regularly, it can provide good value and reduce out-of-pocket costs. According to a recent Money.com.au survey, 51% of Australians hold some level of Extras cover, with a third of people (33%) claiming at least 1-2 times per year.
Many Australians take out Extras cover to reduce the cost of everyday health services not covered by Medicare, such as dental and optical. It also offers peace of mind and convenience by spreading out the cost of routine care rather than paying large bills out-of-pocket.
In a recent Money.com.au survey, 52% of policyholders chose Extras for dental, 26% for optical, 14% for physio, 5% for health aids and 4% for massage or natural therapies.
Generally, no – Extras cover only applies to health services received within Australia. If you're travelling, consider taking out separate travel insurance that includes cover for medical and dental care abroad.
Some Extras policies include natural therapies like acupuncture, remedial massage or naturopathy, but not all. Coverage depends on your insurer and the type of policy, and the provider must be registered with your fund for you to make a claim.
The information on this page is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information provided and the nature of any product is suitable for you and seek independent advice if necessary.
We are not providing you with a recommendation or suggestion about a particular product. You should read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents before deciding whether to apply for or continue to use a particular product.
However, when a customer requests that we contact them regarding health insurance, after being on the Money.com.au website, we will take the information they provide into account when providing the customer with a range of health insurance product options.
While we make every effort to ensure all products available in Australia are shown in our comparison tables, we do not guarantee that all products are included.
Our product comparisons may not compare all product features and attributes relevant to you.
Product information is subject to change without notice. Before acting on any information, you should confirm the relevant product information with the provider.
At Money.com.au, we aim to provide you with the highest level of service, but we also understand that occasionally you may not be 100% happy with us. If that’s the case, you can let us know by emailing us at support@money.com.au
If we can’t resolve your issue immediately, a senior manager will respond to you at the latest by the next business day from receipt of your enquiry. If we are still unable to resolve the matter within three days, it will be escalated to the attention of the CEO.
You could also contact your health fund or the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman’s office (PHIO):