We are not all fortunate enough to be a member of a private health care plan, but if we are, then it makes sense to be fully aware of the benefits.
Some of the larger business organisations will pay into a private health care scheme on behalf of their employees, as part of their strategy to support health and wellness and to have a healthy workforce to help keep absenteeism figures as low as possible. Some organisations will choose to offer a scheme to their employees at a cost to the employee, and some individuals will take out their own care plans independently.
Whatever the reason, the same rules apply to optimising the plan.
- Read your plan very carefully and be sure to understand what you are and what you are not entitled to.
Plans vary and may include cover for the following
- Dentist
- Optician
- Chiropractic/Osteopathy/Acupuncture
- Chiropody/podiatry
- Physiotherapy
- Hospital cover/health screening/body assessments/surgery
- Maternity
- Counselling
- Wellbeing
- Check and understand the level of benefits that you are entitled to. This usually depends on the premium paid into the scheme. Work out the cost of treatments that you know you will use. Most people have regular dental and optical appointments. Does your plan cover the cost of these? Do you need to top up the premium to optimise your benefit? In turn this may also increase the benefits for the additional services covered.
- Consider if your plan could help you to improve your overall wellbeing. If you have the cover, then use it! Don’t wait to become ill. Think of your treatment as preventative, stress relieving, improving overall health and wellness which in the long term may prevent you from becoming ill. Call your local practitioners and ask what they can do for your overall wellness.