4 health insurance benefits you might not be making the most of
Health insurance is designed to be used – even if you don't need medical treatment right now. We have some suggestions on how to make use of your cover every day.
Sponsored by Medibank. Whether you need hospital cover, extras cover or both, we've got you. Get outstanding value health insurance with a range of benefits and member perks with Medibank.
When it comes to health insurance, a lot of people think that it can only be used when you're sick. For example, you might need to see a physio – then you make a claim and that's that, right?
Wrong.
Although some health insurance policies work this way, there are plenty out there that can offer you benefits even when you don't need medical treatment.
With this in mind, we're taking a look at some of the benefits that might be included with your policy -- and how you can make the most of them!
1. Introductory offers
Sometimes, your health insurance policy can offer you benefits well before you even need to make a claim.
Keeping an eye out for the right introductory offer can help you get better value on your health insurance.
If you want a great deal on your health insurance, check out Medibank's latest offers and promotions before you join for health cover.
That means you can get the cover you need (along with the other benefits we'll discuss in a moment) while still paying less for your policy overall.
2. Extras cover
People usually opt for extras cover for services that aren't usually covered by Medicare.
But when you're choosing extras cover, which services are you most likely to use? Whether that's dental check-ups, optical, physio or other everyday healthcare services, picking the right level of cover can get you more value from your policy.
Let's take a look at Medibank as an example. Medibank offers a wide range of extras services across Dental, Optical and more. The benefits available to you will depend on your level of Extras cover:
- Essential Extras
- Growing Family
- Health Start Extras
- Top Extras
Depending on the level of cover and eligibility, benefits may include
- Dental benefits through eligible extras cover and participating providers, subject to annual limits and waiting periods=.
- Optical benefits on eligible extras cover, subject to annual limits and waiting periods~.
- Access to Online Doctor services for eligible members, subject to program terms and availability≠.
- Access to Medibank's Members' Choice provider network≤.
- Access to select health programs#, support services and member offers.
Having access to benefits like these can help you get more value from your cover and make it easier to stay on top of your health throughout the year.
Medibank was a big winner in the 2026 Finder Awards. 
Congratulations, Medibank Private Limited!
3. Rewards programs
Prevention is always better than cure. So Medibank offers the Live Better Rewards** program to encourage members to get active and look after themselves!
You're provided with a series of monthly Challenges geared at helping you discover new (and fun) ways to get better nutrition, exercise and look after yourself better. Complete them successfully and you can earn points^ which can be redeemed for a range of rewards, including discounts on your premium and saving on your shopping.
You can read more about the Live Better Rewards program right here on Finder, too.
4. Other perks and benefits
Sometimes you can also find other little perks lurking in your policy, too.
Depending on your cover and eligibility, Medibank members may also have access to a range of member offers and partner discounts beyond their standard health insurance benefits.
Making sure you use them can help you get better value from your policy.
Get cover with Medibank
Disclaimers
€ For full Hospital and Extras offer Terms, Conditions and Exclusions, click here.
*Eligible members on Medibank extras (excluding Healthy Living Extras and Gold Ultra Health) can claim a maximum of two 100% back dental check-ups per member, per year at a Members' Choice Advantage provider (including bitewing x-rays where clinically required). For members on eligible extras, the first two check-ups do not count towards your annual limit. Members with Healthy Living Extras can get 100% back on one dental check-up each year at a Members' Choice Advantage provider (including up to two bitewing x-rays, where clinically required) or at a Members' Choice provider (excluding x-rays). Members with Gold Ultra Health can get 100% back on up to three dental check-ups at a Members' Choice or Members' Choice Advantage provider. Members' Choice and Members' Choice Advantage providers are not available in all areas. Two month waiting period applies. Some products may have other dental benefits, check your cover summary for details.
** Must be aged 16+ to register for Medibank Live Better Rewards, but some partners require you to be 18+ to earn and redeem. To earn and redeem points, must hold eligible Medibank hospital and/or extras cover (excluding Overseas Student Health Cover and Ambulance only cover), be up-to-date with premium payments and have signed up in My Medibank. Live Better Management Pty Ltd ACN 003 457 289 may receive commissions from partners. Points earning activities and rewards may change and are subject to availability. Additional terms may apply. See full Medibank Live Better rewards terms <hyperlink to https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/rewards/terms/>.
^ Medibank Live Better Challenges & Goals Earning Policy: The participant of a Medibank Live Better Challenge or Goal may not receive Live Better points or may have their already credited Live Better points reversed in accordance with the Medibank Live Better terms and conditions. To earn Live Better points, the participant needs to properly complete 100% of the eligible Challenge according to the instructions. The number of Live Better points available for Medibank Live Better Challenges and Goals is subject to change without prior notice. The maximum number of Live Better points that each Medibank Live Better member can earn from successfully completing health and wellbeing Challenges, Goals or any Onboarding action in a calendar year is 40,000 Live Better points. To the extent of any inconsistency between this Policy and the Medibank Live Better terms and conditions, the terms and conditions will take precedence.
#Member must have eligible hospital cover and must have served all relevant waiting periods. Out of pocket expenses may apply. Health programs may not be available in all areas. Treating doctor must consider it appropriate for eligible member to participate in the health program. Eligibility and exclusion criteria vary for each health program.
= 100% back on dental check-ups: Eligible members on Medibank extras (excluding Healthy Living Extras and Gold Ultra Health) can claim a maximum of two 100% back dental check-ups per member, per year at a Members' Choice Advantage provider (including bitewing x-rays where clinically required). For members on eligible extras, the first two check-ups do not count towards your annual limit. Members with Healthy Living Extras can get 100% back on one dental check-up each year at a Members' Choice Advantage provider (including up to two bitewing x-rays, where clinically required) or at a Members' Choice provider (excluding x-rays). Members with Gold Ultra Health can get 100% back on up to three dental check-ups at a Members' Choice or Members' Choice Advantage provider. Members' Choice and Members' Choice Advantage providers are not available in all areas. Two month waiting period applies. Some products may have other dental benefits, check your cover summary for details.
~ Excludes Healthy Living Extras. Applies to prescription glasses and select contact lenses. Some lens coatings are excluded. 6 month waiting period applies. ᶲ For full Extras only offer Terms, Conditions and Exclusions, click here.
≠Must be a Medibank member with Hospital cover, Overseas Workers Health Cover or Overseas Visitors Health Cover.
≤The Members' Choice network is subject to change, so please contact us prior to booking an appointment or admission to ensure your provider remains part of our network.
Image: @Wavebreakmedia via Canva.com