Choosing between Bupa / Medibank

[Kanniewagnie]

We compared quotes for basic hospital / established families and seems like we have to choose between Bupa, Medibank, or Australian Unity.

Your input will be appreciated:

1. Anything we need to know before making our choice?

2. Hubby has chronic prescription medicine, but it is not clear how that works / to what extent these medicine will be covered.

3. We also have to start thinking about making an appointment with a Dr for his Australian Prescription. Will a house Dr do the script, or will he be referred to a cardiologist? (Same for my hormone pills, will I have to make an appontment with a gyne, or will the GP Do the script?)

4. Can anyone recommend a good dr and Cardiologist in Perth?

Thank you for helping.... Again!

[zetman]

Hi there,

Much of a much-ness really. They're both large reputable companies, comes down to the fine print in terms of what benefits you get for the rate you pay - and what best suits the needs of your family. Also worth considering the extent of their preferred provider network, how much you can save using preferred providers if you have ones in your area etc.

We're with Medibank mainly because my company has a corporate rate with them. We've been with them for years and have been very happy. We have Top Hospital and Intermediate Extras. We've claimed both on hospital and extras expenses and have never had drama. We also used them for travel insurance (you get discount if your a member) and ended up having a medical emergency whilst on holiday in RSA. They had a helpline we could call for advise to help us get through it and even for that the claim process was great - so as a company their customer service is very good (which is always something I look at when deciding who to go with).

Medibank also have some additional benefits - discount when you buy sunglasses at OPSM, Medibank Gymbetter etc.

z

[RichardH]

Have a look at HCF. When I went through this exercise a few years ago they had the best price vs benefits balance for my needs. This may be out of date but so far I have been happy with them.

[Tiermelk]

Just something to note - when comparing prices online some quote the price with the maximum Tax benefit (depending on annual family income) included while others do not.

[Kanniewagnie]

Any one with advice on questions 2,3,4?

[rozellem]

We're with HCF too. Start by finding a local GP and they will tell you what and where. For a good local GP, you need to speak to locals. Bit tricky if your kids are not in school and you dont have a house yet. Maybe wait a bit till you get those? Then ask school mums and neighbours their advice.

[LeeInOz]

Any one with advice on questions 2,3,4?

2. Hubby has chronic prescription medicine, but it is not clear how that works / to what extent these medicine will be covered.

3. We also have to start thinking about making an appointment with a Dr for his Australian Prescription. Will a house Dr do the script, or will he be referred to a cardiologist? (Same for my hormone pills, will I have to make an appontment with a gyne, or will the GP Do the script?)

4. Can anyone recommend a good dr and Cardiologist in Perth?

I cannot help with Q4 but

2 Chronic medication. If you have a PR visa then any drug on PBS will be heavily covered no matter what the medication is, but you must have a medicare card which is available to PR and easy to get. I checked your profile but did not see your visa type, only that you withdrew PR and reapplied. In fact the private health care is quite useless in my opinion for medication in many circumstances, because of medicare cover

http://www.pbs.gov.au/browse/medicine-listing

3. Often a GP will prescribe drugs if needed but also give you a referal to the relevant specialist

Hope that helps