Approximately 13.6 million Australians are racing against the clock to maximize the benefits of their private health insurance before their extras expire on December 31. Many health insurance providers report a dramatic surge in appointments for services such as optical, dental, and physiotherapy as people seek to take full advantage of their coverage.
The Year-End Rush: A Seasonal Phenomenon
Data from Bupa, one of Australia’s leading health insurers, reveals that December consistently sees a marked increase in claims for optical and dental services. Optical sales, for instance, increase by 54% in December compared to other months, as policyholders purchase new glasses, sunglasses, or book long-overdue eye tests. Similarly, dental clinics report an uptick in cleanings and check-ups as people strive to maximize their coverage.
Struggles and Delays Throughout the Year
A national survey highlights the barriers many Australians face in maintaining their health routines, including work commitments and financial constraints. For some, this results in delaying necessary appointments until the end of the year, when they face a “use it or lose it” scenario with their health insurance benefits.
Dr. Tony MacDermott, clinical director at Bupa Health Services, notes that this end-of-year rush is often accompanied by a broader effort to balance other December priorities, such as summer holidays and festive celebrations.
“December is a timely reminder to book in those appointments you might have missed or delayed during the year,” he said. “It’s also a good time to review your health insurance policy to ensure it’s still relevant to your current health and wellbeing needs.”
The Importance of Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance plays a significant role in Australia’s healthcare system, with about 55% of the population relying on it in some capacity. Policies often include optional extras that provide rebates on services not covered by Medicare, such as optical, dental, and physiotherapy.
While these extras offer valuable benefits, they also come with annual limits that reset at the end of each calendar year. Any unused benefits from 2023 will be forfeited unless claimed in time, motivating the current spike in appointments.
