Massive health insurance benefits almost 14million Aussies have just two weeks to claim

Millions of Aussies have been urged to claim extra benefits from their private health insurance before they expire in less than two weeks. 

Up to 13.6million Aussies are eligible to claim the large range of benefits, including physio and dental, before the cut-off on December 31. 

Healthcare providers have reported that many are scrambling to book last minute checkups to make use of their unused extra benefits. 

Data by personal finance company Compare Club revealed Australians could be leaving an average amount of $1,300 in health insurance extras cover untouched. 

The company’s research found that the majority of health insurance policy holders were eligible to access an average of $1,050 worth of dental rebates. 

But customers only claimed an average of $237.80 a year.

Meanwhile, data from health insurance company Bupa has revealed sales of optical products surged by 54 per cent in November alone. 

The majority of dental and optical claims are made at the end of the year as Aussies book eye tests, purchase new glasses or go to the dentist before the New Year. 

Figures by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) revealed around 12.2million Aussies have private hospital cover as of June 2024 (stock image)

Figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) revealed around 12.2million Aussies have private hospital cover as of June this year. 

Around 54.5 per cent or 14.9million Aussies have private extras cover. 

Extras cover is a policy that covers medical concerns that don’t require treatment at hospitals but are essential to people’s health and welfare. 

Common services include dental checkups, physiotherapy and optical products.

Other services and products included in extras cover include chiropractic treatment, occupational therapy and health aids and appliances such as asthma pumps. 

Aussies have been urged to check the amount of extras cover they are eligible for.