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If you require treatment from an orthotist or you need orthotics to improve your mobility, the cost of treatment can be quite expensive. However, if you have private health insurance, your health fund may cover some or all of the costs.
Cover for orthotics is typically included in an extras or general treatment policy, so let’s take a look at what sort of benefits are available and how to find a policy that suits your needs.
Here's a snapshot from Finder partners that cover orthotics in an extras policy. Below are prices and example products that offer a limit towards the cost of treatment.
*The policies listed in this table are extras only. However, in most cases these can be combined with hospital cover.
Health fund | Extras policies and annual benefit limits* | Waiting periods |
---|---|---|
ahm |
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Australian Unity |
|
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Bupa |
|
|
CUA Health |
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GMHBA |
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HBF |
|
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HCF |
|
|
Health Care Insurance |
|
|
hif |
|
|
Latrobe Health Services |
|
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Medibank |
|
|
Mildura Health Fund |
|
|
nib |
|
|
onemedifund |
| |
Peoplecare |
| |
Queensland Country Health Fund |
|
|
St. Lukes Health |
|
|
Transport Health |
|
|
ACA Health |
|
|
Defence Health |
|
|
Navy Health |
|
|
RT Health |
|
|
Teachers Health Fund |
|
|
TUH |
|
|
*The policies listed in this table are extras only. However, in most cases these can be combined with hospital cover.
Compare health insurance for orthotics
An orthotist is an allied health professional who can, according to the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association, “Assess and treat the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities, including limb amputations.” Orthotists can prescribe, design, fit and monitor the performance of orthotic and prosthetic devices.
Orthotics, which are also called orthoses, are specially designed braces, appliances and inserts that can be fitted to the body. There are orthoses available for knees, ankles and feet – for example, shoe inserts – plus orthoses to protect fractures and spinal orthoses. These appliances are used to:
Although there are some similarities between the work they do, orthotists and podiatrists are two very different types of health professionals.
The good news is that many Australian private health funds include cover for orthotics as part of some extras policies. However, you will usually need to take out a comprehensive extras cover in order to receive benefits for orthotics, as it is commonly excluded from basic extras policies.
It is also important to be aware that health funds classify orthotics differently. Some funds will list orthotics in its own section with a single annual benefit limit you can claim for orthoses and treatment by an orthotist. Other health funds will combine orthotics with other appliances under a health aids with a shared annual benefit limit.
Picture: Shutterstock
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