Extras-Only Health Insurance: Understanding Its Benefits and Coverage
Published September 28, 2026
While hospital health insurance is what typically comes to mind when thinking of private health insurance, if you happen to be someone interested in extras benefits only, including dental, optical and physiotherapy services among others, then extras-only health insurance is what you need.
This type of cover is designed for people who want financial support for everyday healthcare services that are generally not covered by Medicare or standard hospital policies. Depending on the policy and insurer, extras cover can also include services such as chiropractic treatment, remedial massage, podiatry, psychology, hearing aids and prescription glasses. By choosing an extras-only policy, you can tailor your health cover around the services you are most likely to use, without paying for hospital cover that may not be a priority for you. However, it is important to compare policies carefully, as annual limits, waiting periods, claiming rules and the percentage of costs covered can vary between insurers.
| Service | Commonly covered? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Yes | Check-ups, cleaning, fillings |
| Optical | Yes | Eye tests, glasses, contact lenses |
| Physiotherapy | Often | Injury treatment, rehabilitation |
| Chiropractic | Often | Chiropractic treatments |
| Podiatry | Often | Foot-related treatments |
| Hospital treatment | No | Admissions and surgery |
What is extras-only health insurance?
Extras-only health insurance is a private health insurance that includes non-hospital services. It means that such an insurance package covers services such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology services and much more. And if you don’t want to purchase the combined health insurance that includes both hospitals and extras but still consider extras-only insurance as the best option, here is how to make the right choice.
What does extras cover include?
The list of the services provided under extras health insurance might differ from insurer to insurer, but the following are the most common services included in this type of health insurance:
1. Dental
One of the most popular services included in extras cover is dental services, including check-ups, teeth cleaning, fillings, etc. Higher level extras packages also include major dental services like crowns, bridges and root canals.
2. Optical
You will receive cost coverage for any optometry treatments. This includes anything from glasses or sunglasses to contact lenses and eye exams. In some cases, extra policies will offer 100% coverage of optical treatments up to a certain limit. Just keep in mind that these limits can apply annually and also throughout your lifetime.
3. Physiotherapy
Extras insurance covers physiotherapy treatments for any sporting injuries or pain management.
4. Chiropractic and Osteopathy
Some extras will also offer coverage for alternate treatments such as chiropractic and osteopathy. These types of treatment are especially helpful for musculoskeletal problems.
5. Podiatry
Extras cover usually includes podiatry treatments for any feet problems. Some higher-level extras cover also include orthodontics.
What is not covered by extras-only health insurance?
Despite the fact that extras only cover offers great assistance for health treatments, it’s important to remember that it cannot solve all of your problems. Some of the things that extras do not cover are:
- Hospital admissions and surgical procedures: Separate hospital cover insurance or bundled coverage is required here.
- Emergency services: No extras insurance covers will include emergency services.
- Unregistered practitioners: You can make claims with registered health service providers only.
- Particular exclusions: Some services such as cosmetic dental treatments may be excluded from your dental cover.
Conclusion
Remember to do the necessary comparison of extras cover in order to find a suitable one. Choose policies that offer flexibility and have reasonable yearly caps on expenses. Also, consider checking whether your chosen extras cover plan has no waiting periods for necessary treatments. With a proper plan, you can control the cost of your healthcare and rest assured at the same time. It is also worth looking closely at the services included in the policy and whether they match your personal healthcare needs. Check the benefit limits for dental, optical, physiotherapy and other services you are likely to use regularly. You should also consider the policy’s premiums, claiming process and any exclusions that may apply. Taking the time to compare these details can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and ensure that your extras cover provides meaningful value throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extras health insurance cover helps pay towards eligible out-of-hospital health services that Medicare generally does not cover, such as dental, optical and physiotherapy. The services and benefits depend on the policy.
Depending on the policy, extras cover can include services such as dental treatment, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, orthodontics, speech therapy, glasses and contact lenses. Not every policy covers every service.
No. Extras cover is intended for eligible general or out-of-hospital treatments. Hospital treatment requires hospital cover, although you can purchase hospital and extras cover together as a combined policy.
Yes, insurers can apply waiting periods to extras services. PrivateHealth.gov.au states that waiting periods commonly range from two to six months for services such as general dental, optical and physiotherapy, while some major services can have longer waiting periods.
Not necessarily. Extras policies may pay a percentage of the cost or provide a fixed benefit and annual limits can apply. The amount you can claim therefore depends on the specific policy and service.
Yes. The Australian Government states that people can have hospital cover, extras cover, or both and separate policies can be purchased to meet individual needs.
Compare extras health insurance cover in Australia with Utility Market to find a policy that suits your healthcare needs and budget. Follow us on Instagram for more helpful tips and updates.
