If you are thinking of purchasing hearing aids towards the end of the year, you may find that not all private health funds offer the same option paying for hearing aids.
Not only are you able to benefit from a Government Subsidy if you are a Pensioner Concession card holder. You may also be able to claim back a certain amount from your Private Health Insurance.
All insurance companies and policies are different, see below some of the variances:
If your policy has hearing devices included in the extras cover, you can usually claim back for 2 hearing aids every 3-5 years, after applicable waiting periods. Some Policies give you a larger benefit if you purchase the hearing devices separately. I.e.
Medibank offers some policyholders a rebate per ear per year, then once both ears have been claimed for, the waiting period is 3 years. In these cases, it may be more beneficial to purchase your new hearing devices in December so the payment can be split over the 2 year period i.e. 1st hearing device is paid for in December, the 2nd device is paid for in January so that you may receive the largest possible benefit from your insurance.
Other companies simply give you a bulk amount once every 3-5 years, whether you receive one hearing aid or a pair of devices.
As a guide benefits can range anywhere between $500 – $2500 per pair, depending on the extras covered you have selected and the period in which you have held your policy.
The best way forward is to contact your private health insurance to find out exactly what you are insured for. Another option is to visit your clinic and our team will call for you to find out what benefits you may be able to receive.