Using your extras cover
The big advantage of extras cover is being eligible for rebates on specialist care, such as physios and chiros. However, you may not have considered the simple products that can relieve constant pain or help you recover from an injury.
Each year, roughly $4.5 billion worth of extras go unclaimed. This accounts for about half of all extras coverage and means that around half of the people reading this (who have PHI + extras) have rebates that could be used for health services and products!
Here are 3 products to claim on your health insurance
1. Supports and braces
Whether you have an ankle that rolls every now and then, a dodgy knee or tennis elbow. If you’re active in the gym or play sports, chances are you’ve hurt yourself at one point or another.
Wearing a support such as the GenuTrain Knee Support or MalleoTrain Ankle Support, which are made with medical-grade compression, will not only improve performance by speeding up muscle recovery, but they will protect previous injuries and reduce the chance of further damage.
If you're unsure which product is right for you, the team here at Bauerfeind Australia is trained by world-class specialists in Germany and can help you find the support or brace for your condition. With access to our own health insurance database, we can also help check if you’re eligible for a rebate.
As a guide, any mid or high-level extras coverage is likely to include supports and braces.
GenuTrain Knee Brace
2. Compression garments
Compression garments can sound like something for older people or people with serious conditions or varicose veins. However, interestingly, 91 percent of the population over the age of 18 would immediately benefit from wearing medical-grade compression socks.
There are a large number of athletes who wear compression socks, such as the VenoTrain Micro, after competing. Compression socks increase blood flow, which speeds up muscle recovery and reduces tired, achy legs.
If you work on your feet or travel frequently, compression stockings will also provide comfort and can reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. The sole of the VenoTrain socks has special pressure relief zones at the heel and the ball of the foot, allowing comfort and support to stay on your feet for longer.
So, if you have extras coverage, you’ll almost certainly benefit from wearing compression socks or stockings, and it's likely you will be able to claim back on them.
VenoTrain Business Compression Socks
3. Insoles
Insoles don't get the credit they deserve. For those who have issues with their feet, whether it’s plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, heel pain or heel spurs. Insoles are likely to be common.
For everyone else, wearing insoles will help minimise the risk of developing foot problems. However, they also provide a range of benefits for posture, knees, back, and shoulders. Insoles can help reduce pain in all of these areas.
We have a range of comfortable insoles to wear all day.
ErgoPad WeightFlex 2 Insoles
