Extras-only health insurance: Coverage, benefits, and what to expect in 2026
Published December 2, 2025
When most people think of private health insurance, hospital cover is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But if you’re someone who wants support for everyday health expenses like dental, optical and physiotherapy, you’ll need to look into extras-only health insurance.
What is extras-only health insurance?
Extras-only health insurance is a type of private health insurance that includes non-hospital treatments. In other words, it covers services like dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology services and more. If you don’t want a combined hospital and extras policy but do think you’ll get the most bang for your buck with extras-only cover, here’s how to choose the right plan for your needs.
What does extras cover include?
The specific services covered by health insurance extras cover plans will vary slightly depending on the insurer, but below are some of the most common inclusions:
1. Dental
Extras cover is very commonly used for general dental services like check-ups, cleanings and fillings. Some higher-level plans also include major dental procedures like crowns, bridges, root canals and more.
2. Optical
You’ll get costs covered for eye care services, whether that’s prescription glasses or sunglasses, contact lenses and eye tests. Some extras policies will give you 100% back on optical expenses up to a set limit. Just bear in mind that those limits can be both annual and lifetime caps.
3. Physiotherapy
Extras plans will generally include physiotherapy for sports injuries, chronic pain management or rehabilitation.
4. Chiropractic and Osteopathy
Some plans also cover alternative therapies like chiropractic and osteopathy, which can help with musculoskeletal issues.
5. Podiatry
Extras policies tend to include podiatry services for foot-related issues. Some higher-level plans also cover custom orthotics.
What isn’t covered by extras-only health insurance?
While extras cover does indeed provide incredibly valuable support for everyday health services, it’s important to remember that it’s not a cure-all for everything. Some of the things it doesn’t include are:
- Hospital stays and surgeries: For these, you’ll need to take out a separate hospital cover policy or get combined cover.
- Emergency services: Extras-only policies won’t include emergency care.
- Unregistered providers: Claims can only be made with registered healthcare providers.
- Specific exclusions: Some services, like cosmetic dental procedures, might not be covered even under major dental plans.
Conclusion
Make sure you take the time to compare extras cover to find one that suits your needs. Always look for flexible policies with reasonable annual limits, and check whether your preferred extras policy has no waiting periods for essential services. With the right plan, you can manage your healthcare costs while getting total peace of mind.
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