Why would I need health cover?

You may be asking yourself “Why do i need health Cover? I am healthy, active and never been ill!”

That may be so but no matter how much one is fit, healthy or prepares....accidents do happen.

Why take the risk? If things do go pear shape wouldn’t you want the peace of mind knowing that you can be treated as soon as possible by the your chosen doctor?

Latrobe's quality range of Hospital and Extras covers allows you the freedom to:

• Choose a hospital
• Choose a doctor
• Choose when to be treated
• Choose a level of cover that suits you
• Take control of your health
• Gain peace of mind and security

Also there are a range of Government initiatives that you should know about....

• Medicare Levy Surcharge – Over a certain level of income you may pay this extra tax. Avoid paying this by joining appropriate hospital cover.
• 30% Government Rebate – The Federal Government make s health cover more affordable by subsidising your contributions.
• Lifetime Health Cover – If you're over 30 and have no hospital cover you may have to pay more. Avoid paying or reduce the amount you pay by taking hospital cover.

Some facts about claims

During the 2010 financial year, Latrobe paid benefits on behalf of its members covering :

• 23,243 hospital episodes totalling 63,264 bed days at a cost of $47.3million.
• 190,058 in-hospital medical services totalling $8.4million.
• 13,739 surgically implanted prosthetic devices totalling $12.3million.
• 248,286 dental and other general treatment services totalling $9.2million.

Benefits paid for hospital accommodation during the 2009 -2010 year increased by 19.0%, gap medical benefits paid increased by 18.0%, benefits paid for surgically implanted prostheses increased by 17.6% and general treatment benefits paid increased by 3.7%

During the 2010 financial year, Latrobe’s ten highest individual claims ranged from $73,951 to a high of $162,940. Of the ten highest claims for the year, five claims were in excess of $100,000.

Of the ten highest claims, three involved the fitment of cardiac defibrillators with an average prostheses cost of $63,339, four involved treatment for cancer, two involved leg fractures requiring joint replacement surgery and the last involved treatment of various co-morbidities associated with diabetes.

The ages of members involved in these treatments ranged from 47 years of age to 90 years of age.