It’s commonly accepted that servicing mechanical products such as cars and other machinery extends their life and minimises any impact when things go wrong; the same is true for our health.
Private health funds are supporting their members by recognising the importance of reducing the risk of illness and injury, by offering preventative health services. By supporting and advocating for healthy decisions such as regular checkups and screenings, as well as supporting physical and mental activity, nutrition and other lifestyle factors, private health care funds are working towards preventative health in a very proactive way.
By allowing you, the member, easier access to private health insurance preventative health care, you are able to take charge of your own health. Maintaining good health by following a healthy lifestyle and incorporating preventative interventions such as dental and optical checkups, keeping vaccinations up to date and tending to mental health needs allows you and your family to enjoy the everyday good health you deserve.
How private health insurance supports preventative care
In Australia Preventive care can be support by Private Health funds in two main ways, offering wellness and chronic disease management programs and through extras policies.
The Health and Wellness Programs may include:
- Weight management programs
- Quit smoking support
- Exercise or fitness programs (sometimes with rebates or partnerships with gyms)
- Mental health support such as mindfulness apps, psychology consultations, or stress management workshops
In addition, chronic disease management and early intervention and monitoring of chronic conditions:
- Programs to manage or prevent diabetes, heart disease, and asthma
- Regular check-ins with care coordinators or health coaches
- Telehealth services for early signs or symptoms
Through extras you might have access to:
- Dental check-ups and cleans
- Eye tests
- Health screenings: e.g. skin cancer checks, cholesterol tests, blood pressure checks
- Vaccinations: e.g. flu, HPV, COVID-19, shingles
Additionally, insurers can provide digital tools and resources such as:
- Many insurers invest in technology to support prevention:
- Health apps and wearable integrations for activity tracking
- Online health risk assessments
- Personalised health content, reminders, or prompts to attend screenings
(It is important that members check your policy to ensure you know what coverage you currently have.)
Why not-for-profit funds are among the leaders in preventative private healthcare
The fundamental difference between a Members Health fund and for-profit funds is how profits are distributed. Members Health funds, return profit to their members via competitive prices and high standards for service, which can include wide access to preventative health programs, while for-profit health insurance providers return profit to their shareholders or overseas investors.
Not-for-profit and funds that are part of a member owned group prioritise their member’s needs, and this is increasingly reflected in their broad offering of preventative health services.
These funds can often offer enhanced services that support the broader community, including:
- Funding public health campaigns (e.g. on sun safety or nutrition)
- Partnering with local organisations for education or screenings
- Supporting rural or underserved communities with outreach services
Conclusion
Just like a car, our bodies need maintenance and incorporating preventative care programs into our everyday lifestyle is the best way we can keep ourselves in tune. As not-for-profit and funds that are part of a member-owned group are member focused, access to preventative care initiatives is an important aspect of their offerings, striving to support long-term health.
It would be recommended that you review your current health insurance policy to check the preventative care options available to you and your family. Checking with the people first, not-for-profit and member owned health funds might allow for some flexibility with how you design your health insurance to allow for higher excess and more preventative care opportunities.
Members Health Fund Alliance can support you in finding a health care fund that works towards your goals in preventative healthcare as well as overall health insurance needs.
Members Health is the peak industry body for an alliance of more than 20 health funds that are not-for-profit or part of a member-owned group, regional or community based. They all share the common ethic of putting their members’ health before profit. Our funds represent the interests of more than 5.4 million Australians.