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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: stashgrower on March 19, 2017, 10:10:30 AM

Title: Shopping around for health insurance (Aussie)
Post by: stashgrower on March 19, 2017, 10:10:30 AM
That time of year for premiums.

I'm unhappy with MBP (poor customer service, long wait times, inconsistent info from reps, I don't like the "approved providers" thing, and claims are either a PITA or I don't get much back). I don't see my benefits going up, just the premiums. On the other hand I'm on an older (no longer for sale) policy with a bonus that effectively reduces my cost.

I have bare bones hospital and extras. I desire more comprehensive hospital to avoid the exclusions problem, but the slush fund is tight and I don't foresee a need for hospital. I'm toying with dropping extras and paying out of pocket to avoid the headache, but some years it pays for itself. If I change anything, I lose the grandfathered benefit and can't go back. I'm looking into other providers. Spreadsheet time!

Are you happy with your insurance provider? What's your take on level of cover? Do you bother with extras or pay out of pocket?