YOU could be left out of pocket next year for forgetting to lodge your health insurance claims before January 1, when insurers reset their annual claims benefit.
New research indicates 30 per cent of Aussies have not claimed on their insurance because they forget. Other reasons include thinking their doctor will do it for them, or finding the claims process lengthy or complicated.
The survey of 1000 people with private health insurance was commissioned by insurance comparison service comparethemarket.com.au to find out how many people could be out of pocket in the new year, and gauge sentiment about the claims application process.
The survey asked respondents if they had forgotten to lodge any health insurance claims; 30 per cent said they had, while 41 per cent assumed any new doctor or specialist they go to charges their health fund directly for all costs, when they might not.
Of the 75 per cent who said they have had to pay their medical bill in full and seek a health insurance or Medicare rebate afterwards, 40 per cent found the claims application process lengthy and 28 per cent found it complicated.
"With most health insurers resetting their annual benefits on January 1, Aussies with claims that haven't been lodged should do so as soon as possible or they might waste this year's benefit pot," said comparethemarket.com.au spokesperson Abigail Koch.
"The fact that over 40 per cent of our survey respondents find the claims process lengthy could be a reason they are forgetting and putting off making their claims."
It seems millennials are the age group getting the least amount of value out of their private health insurance. More than half (56%) of 18-24s and 43 per cent of 25-34s forgot to lodge a claim in the past. This incidence lowers as people get older: 20 per cent of 55-64s and just 12 per cent of over-65s.
Ms Koch said it was wise to do a health insurance check up to make sure you are getting the best benefit limits from your provider.
"We recommend comparing policies side-by-side on comparethemarket.com.au to find a policy that covers your health needs and fits in with your new year budget."
