Baby boom: Is private health insurance necessary if you’re planning for pregnancy?
Planning to have a baby? Pregnancy is an exciting time but also a nerve-wracking one. There is so much to think about, not the least of which is where to have your baby.
Australians are fortunate to have access to good health care. And most women will give birth in a public hospital, where the charges will be limited. But many opt for private hospitals because they believe it will be a better pregnancy experience, including the promise of a private room after the birth.
It’s one of the reasons women who are thinking about getting pregnant take a closer look at private health insurance. This might mean updating their existing policy to cover pregnancy and birth. Or taking it out for the first time specifically for that reason.
Dying to know: Is life insurance worth the premiums?
What is life insurance? It is basically a contract between you and an insurance company under which you pay a regular amount of money in return for a lump sum benefit.
Unlucky break: Will travel insurance protect you when you need it?
Australians are big travellers — at least we were before Covid hit. Now that we’re getting back out on the road and into the air again, should we protect our hard-earned money with travel insurance?
Some people might say that travel insurance is a waste of money. After all, what are the chances that something will actually happen to you while you’re on holiday? But the truth is, anything can happen when you’re away from home. And if something does go wrong, travel insurance can be a life saver. But is it really worth the extra expense? And how has Covid changed things?
Dead loss: Is funeral insurance worth the money?
Dying isn’t something any of us like to think about it, let alone discuss, but it might be worth asking exactly what funeral insurance is and whether it’s for you.
Funerals can be very expensive. According to Canstar, it can cost anything from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the ceremony, and insurers know you won’t want to leave your loved ones with a hefty bill as well as a heavy heart. But is funeral insurance worth it?
Future proof: Staying on top of insurance innovation
Ever thought about taking out alien abduction insurance? Curious about ‘you are not the father’ insurance? Is your golf club ever likely to need hole-in-one insurance?
Weird as these policies may sound, they are an indication of how much the industry has evolved - although not always for the better.
Safety net: Getting the most out of your insurance
We've all been told we need insurance for our car, home and health — and a few other things — to protect ourselves from a big financial hit if something goes wrong. But how much do you really know about it? And is it really the safeguard we all hope for?
Time for a check-up: Take a closer look at your private health insurance
It’s that time of the year again. Your advice about the annual rise in your health insurance premiums has just arrived. But don’t just sigh and make a mental note of the extra dollars coming out in a few days. Take it as a sign - a sign to reexamine your policy and make sure it is working for you.
It’s not just about your age, but your stage in life. Are you thinking about having a baby? Do you need a lot of physio? Is your health deteriorating to the point you think you might be more likely than not to need to go to hospital within the next year?
You may not want to ditch your health insurance altogether, but by taking a closer look and thinking about what and where your policy delivers - or isn’t delivering - you could get a lot better value for money.
Is pet insurance worth the money?
Australians spend more than $33 billion a year looking after their furry friends and pet owners know that trips to the vet can chew through a large chunk of cash. So is pet insurance worth the money upfront to ward off potential financial pain in the future?
According to Animal Medicines Australia’s Pets in Australia Survey, dog owners spend about $3200 a year on their animals, while cat owners spend about $1700 per feline.
Asking the Right Questions: A Comprehensive Guide on Car Insurance
If you have a car, you need car insurance, that part is simple. Deciding on car insurance, that can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin. To assist you in feeling confident in your choice for insurance for the years to come, we've shared the top things you need to know.