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Over 15,000 Australians were diagnosed with a melanoma skin cancer in 2019. We have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Emergency service workers, such as lifeguards, are at higher risk of getting melanoma, due to the length of time spent outdoors during Summer.

But it’s not just lifesavers who are exposed to UV radiation. Police officers stand in the sun for hours, directing traffic, managing big crowds, and protecting communities – often without sunscreen or appropriate cover.

As we know from the recent bushfires, firefighters spend hours putting out blazes, often in the sun. A study by Monash University found the rate of melanomas in male firefighters was 45% higher than the general population.[1]

The numbers are mirrored on a global level. In a 2017 study of 2,400 firefighters in South Florida, about 0.7 percent were diagnosed with melanoma and 3.5 percent had non-melanoma skin cancers — higher rates than those among the general population of Florida. Firefighters were also found to be diagnosed with melanoma at younger ages — an average of 42 compared with 64 for the U.S. population.[2] There’s also the chemicals from the combustion of materials from flame retardants used to contain fires.

This isn’t a disease that’s isolated to just lifeguards.

Outdoor workers experience five to 10 times more UV radiation[3]

As a firefighter or other emergency services worker, you’re bound to wearing a uniform. A broad-brimmed hat provides more protection than a police cap, but this isn’t the reality. Nor can emergency workers avoid the sun in the middle of the day, between 10.00am – 4.00pm. If there’s a fire, a 000 call-out or an incident, that’s what takes priority. It’s the nature of the work that’s unavoidable.

The levels of UV radiation inside a car vary, depending on the orientation of the sun. For police officers who are on traffic control, they can sit in the sun for hours on end. Plain window glass used in car side windows is usually about a UPF 12, which is only a moderate level of protection. The officers sitting inside can still receive significant exposure to UV radiation.[4]

The Cancer Council advises that people who spend long periods of time sitting in a vehicle to use sun protection. On this point, it’s important to highlight the ‘she’ll be right’ approach that plagues emergency services. With male-dominant departments and a ‘tough’ mentality, sun protection falls to the bottom of the list. 

By being in this line of work, you’re at a greater risk of melanoma. Having a weaker immune system also increases the risk of this cancer (and others). With the loads of shift work, poor nutrition, lack of sleep and increased stress, the immune system becomes compromised. These are all common issues for emergency workers, given the nature of the job.

There are great resources online that can help determine your likelihood of developing a melanoma. The Medical Research Institute Melanoma Risk Predictor is one example. While you should get into the habit of self-checking, this will only take you so far.

Cover like no other

We understand the demands of front line work more than any other insurer. After all, we've been looking after the health and wellbeing of the police community for more than 85 years. Whether you're already a member or interested in becoming one, call us to find out how to get the most out of our cover and benefits. We're here to help. 

Please note: some articles on this website are compiled from material obtained externally. Although we make every effort to ensure information is correct at the time of publication, we accept no responsibility for its accuracy. Health-related articles are intended for general information only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your doctor. The views expressed in articles are not necessarily those of Emergency Services Health.

Fatigue and burnout have almost been normalised over the past few years. ‘You’re tired? Join the club.’ But for some lines of work, like emergency services, excessive fatigue is life or death – both for the responders and community. If our frontline workers are pushed over the edge of physical, mental and emotional limits, who’ll protect us?

Many studies have explored the risk factors involved for workers who spend their days in contact with people in states of physical and psychological suffering. Police officers, fire fighters and paramedics top this group.

We can define burnout as symptoms of exhaustion, decreased productivity, job dissatisfaction, and cynicism. There’s a pattern of negative responses that must be monitored. 

Burnout is particularly harmful in emergency services because it can lead to life-risking errors. For the first responder, the stress factors span from the work itself to strains on personal life. This includes the stress of accurate and comprehensive case documentation, lack of rest, night shifts, and higher overall physical and emotional stressors.

According to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, the most common reasons for burnout include:[1]

• Heavy workloads while on-shift
• Poor career recognition 
• Lack of rest and chronic fatigue
• Juggling multiple jobs
• Documentation challenges
• Physical demands of the job
• Possible target of violence 
• Emotional burden

Shift work alone has detrimental effects on one’s emotional and mental capacity. Long shifts and non-traditional hours increase employee fatigue. If there’s an emergency call-out, that takes priority over taking a break to eat, relax or recharge.

Add to this the loss of sleep, less frequent home-cooked meals and a lack of social interaction (sometimes for days), all of which, can push the already-stressed employee into burnout. This is like no other line of work.

Higher rates of divorce, depression and suicide.

Burnout must be addressed.

There are some important questions emergency service workers should explore to identify the severity of burnout.

For example, do I dread going to work? Where do I derive my energy from? How do I handle situations where I don’t have control? What makes up my real quality of life and how can I apply this to my work? Where do I find my support, and, am I getting enough? What are the top priorities in my life?

Reduce stigma, by sharing personal experiences

We need to break free from stigma, especially in the male-dominated emergency services. Heads Up talks about taking action at a departmental level by:[2]

• Taking a systematic approach to risk management
• Implementing a mental health strategy
• Developing leadership capability
• Educating the workforce

But change has to also come at an individual level. Some resources available to emergency service workers include Phoenix Australia, Equipt, and Black Dog Institute. It’s a UK resource, but this wellbeing questionnaire is worthwhile taking a look at. It’ll run through questions that help you determine your emotional wellbeing.

The high-risk situations are a natural part of work for a police officer, firefighter, paramedic or volunteer. For as long as you’re working, the emergencies will continue. But this shouldn’t be at the cost of your own wellbeing.

Focus on boosting your level of resistance. Explore coping strategies that help you bounce back, stronger than before. Use your line of work as an opportunity to navigate life’s hardest moments… and be stronger for it.

You’ve got a whole other family, Emergency Services Health, looking after you. Learn more about Australia’s only health insurance fund for emergency service workers.

Go on, take a break. You deserve it.

Cover like no other

We understand the demands of front line work more than any other insurer. After all, we've been looking after the health and wellbeing of the police community for more than 85 years. Whether you're already a member or interested in becoming one, call us to find out how to get the most out of our cover and benefits. We're here to help. 

Please note: some articles on this website are compiled from material obtained externally. Although we make every effort to ensure information is correct at the time of publication, we accept no responsibility for its accuracy. Health-related articles are intended for general information only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your doctor. The views expressed in articles are not necessarily those of Emergency Services Health.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 25 to 44 years.[1] It’s a major cause for concern for the greater public, but especially certain high-risk groups. Beyond Blue research shows that a first responder takes his or her life every six weeks.

Pressures on the job compound over the years and can lead to suicidal thoughts. It can be the extension of other mental disorders, such as PTSD, depression or anxiety (all of which, emergency service workers are at risk of experiencing). The pressures of life as a police officer, paramedic or firefighter include night shifts, poor diet, lack of sleep, time away from family, and constant exposure to trauma.

Poor workplace culture and practices are also damaging to a first responder’s mental health. An ABC article reported that four Australian Federal Police officers killed themselves inside their own workplaces in two years.[2]

Environments conducive to openness

One in four officers experience moderate to high psychological distress at any one time, according to Phoenix Australia data. An issue that’s come to light is the individual fear to speak up, and thereby losing career prospects and pay. First responders are afraid to let their guards down.

One ex-firefighter reported being “treated like a liability.” He was diagnosed with PTSD and medically discharged from fire and rescue. He was experiencing nightmares, flashbacks and sleepless nights, after he reached “about 40 fatalities.”[3]

Emergency services is a line of work that attracts people who see themselves as ‘strong.’ This makes it even more challenging to be open and reveal inner struggles. Departments, whether it be police, firefighting or ambulance, must change dynamics in order to create space in which to explore issues as they arise, particularly for men.

The ‘harden up’ culture is taking lives.

The suicide rate of Australian men is three times higher than women.[4] More often than not, it’s a cultural issue, particularly with the ‘she’ll be right’ Australian philosophy.

Treat mental health issues, before they evolve into suicidal thoughts

Nothing can prepare first responders for extreme acts of violence, including suicides and brutal homicides. These are scenes that no person should ever see, but for police officers, it’s part of the job. This level of trauma needs to be processed and self-regulated, on a daily basis, otherwise symptoms continue to escalate. John Marx, in his book ‘Armor Your Self’, calls this process ‘emptying the bucket.’[5]

Suicidal thoughts are usually connected to a mental health disorder – which, for first responders, is often PTSD. Symptoms vary from person-to-person, but can include:

• Intrusive memories, like recurrent distressing visions
• Avoidance, in terms of people or places that might be triggers
• Negative changes in thinking and mood, such as hopelessness about the future
• Different physical and emotional reactions, like being easily startled or always on guard.

It’s best to start this as early as possible into the career, as the effect of traumatic experiences build over time. For first responders, the important part is not to wait until these symptoms escalate. Use Marx’s ‘Bucket’ metaphor to manage your emotional and mental wellbeing. That’s the real kind of strength you need.

Your line of work is like no other, so you deserve health support that’s designed for you. Emergency Services Health is open to emergency service workers (and their families) only. The Extras are there to be used, not just for your yearly check-ups. You have access to services includes psychology, counselling, and pharmaceutical.

You have your first responder family, and us. You’re not alone.

Stress and poor diet are intrinsically linked. The emergency services lifestyle makes maintaining a healthy diet, difficult. Trauma forces coping mechanisms to emerge, one of which is overeating (and comfort foods).

Harvard Health talks about the importance of eating well in your 20s, so you don’t have to ‘make up’ for years of bad eating, later in life – which isn’t an easy feat. As a first responder, a healthy diet is one of the best armours of defence. It’s one of the best things you can do to help save lives… including your own, with good diet linked to better mental and emotional health.

The nature of emergency work is high stress and requires mobility and strength. With it being a physical job, maintaining a good diet is important for performance levels. But the occupational stress and lifestyle of the emergency services worker isn’t conducive to a well-nourished diet.

Police, firefighters and paramedics work shifts, miss home-cooked meals, have sleeping difficulties, and are exposed to tragedy on a daily basis. Overeating can become a coping mechanism and meals are viewed for convenience, more than nutritional density. For first responders in their 20s, they might not have the skills to cook meals their bodies need.

And if they do, there’s the fear of being riddled ‘by the boys’ for bringing in their own lunch. The outdated ‘I’m tough’, ‘men don’t cook’ stereotype within departments can lead to unhealthy food choices. None of this is true and you can be part of the shift in attitude, especially as you’re at the beginning of your career in emergency services.

Plan ahead, with a cooler full of meals

It’s much easier to stay healthy, maintain your weight and save money with meal preparation. Consider some kind of meat and greens on a bed of rice, wraps that are filled with goodness and eaten on the road, healthy bars, and home-made trail mix. Consider proteins and slow-release carbohydrates such as whole grains and lentils for sustained energy and B vitamins. Aim for portable meals that you don’t need to heat up. Wellness is actually very simple and it shouldn’t be mocked.

The Journal of Emergency Medical Services suggest following a Mediterranean diet.[1] Create your meals based on whole grains, beans, pasta, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Less frequent food types should include eggs, yogurt, poultry, and meats.

Of course, avoid fast food and ‘petrol station meals’ at all costs. Improper nutrition is one of the most under-addressed causes of depression. And first responders are on the front line, with the growing mental health crisis.

First responder stress is a real thing and one of the natural remedies you have available to you is good nutrition. It needs to be implemented as early as possible, as studies show that workers over age 40 have a higher 10-year risk of a coronary event (compared to the general public).[2] 72% of females and 43% males have higher cholesterol levels and diastolic blood pressure.

Given that there’s no set schedule for emergency work, it’s critical to maintain level throughout the day or night, in highly stressful situations. The physiological disruption of circadian rhythms also adds to the stress effect.

Keep yourself ‘fit for duty’

Staying healthy is quicker to achieve (and easier to sustain) with wellbeing advocates. Emergency Services Health is your 'cheer squad'. It’s health insurance coverage only for emergency service workers (and their families), with generous Extras that help you get, and stay, fit and healthy. Whether you’re already a member, or interested in becoming one, call us to find out how to get the most out of our cover and benefits.     

The life of the first responder isn’t always easy. But, with Emergency Services Health on your side, you might just find yourself in the best shape of your life.  

Please note: some articles on this website are compiled from material obtained externally. Although we make every effort to ensure information is correct at the time of publication, we accept no responsibility for its accuracy. Health-related articles are intended for general information only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your doctor. The views expressed in articles are not necessarily those of Emergency Services Health.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and one in four people diagnosed are in their 20s. It’s a chronic issue that lasts for life.[1] The lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed, which leads to abdominal pain, malnutrition, and fatigue. It can make daily life difficult, especially for those in emergency services.

The causes of this disease include a compromised immune system, diet, stress, genetics, and the environment. While there’s no direct research between Crohn’s disease and first responder work, it’s these very risk factors that this line of work is exposed to.

Chronic inflammation & poor lifestyle choices

Chronic inflammation is the main characteristic of Crohn’s disease. When it reaches this level, body tissues are at risk of permanent damage. This is why it’s important not to assume that Crohn’s is just a state of discomfort.

One of the causes of inflammation is having a poor immune system. This condition is also connected to eating a high-fat diet, smoking, and being overweight – all of which are common problems for first responders.

One study revealed that 40% of law enforcement use a tobacco product.[2] Further to this, a 10-year study showed that those with Crohn’s disease who smoked were 29% more likely to need surgery.[3]

‘First responder stress’ is also very real, putting emergency service workers at risk for high blood pressure, destructive stress hormones, heart problems, PTSD, and unhealthy coping tools (like binge eating).

Looking at the risk factors alone, those in emergency work need to pay attention to Crohn’s disease, especially the young.

Early symptoms of Crohn’s include frequent cramps, ongoing abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody stools, and unexplained weight loss. But the issues aren’t isolated to ‘that’ area. Further problems that can arise include eye pain, fever, joint inflammation, red rashes, and mouth sores.

These symptoms aren’t easy to explain to coworkers. It can also be an issue out on the road, when interacting with community members. At a formative time like the 20s, this can be extremely traumatic. 

A ‘we don’t talk about that’ culture 

For the male-dominated emergency services workforce, speaking up about Crohn’s disease isn’t easy. Given that it usually starts between the ages of 15 to 25, it’s harder for a young recruit to be open about a condition of this nature. The environment isn’t conducive to open discussions, especially when they relate to more private parts of the body.

But this is a disease that demands your attention and can’t be ignored.

For the police officer, firefighter or paramedic who has to drop everything in emergency situations, Crohn’s disease can become problematic. The persistent need to use the bathroom, abdominal pain and fatigue can impact a worker’s performance. It can also be quickly shrugged off by colleagues as ‘not important’, with responses like “you can hold it mate.”

It’s important to confide in the people you trust, but the great part of Crohn’s disease is it can be managed. Whether it’s medications, self-care through diet, reducing stress or in severe cases, surgery, Crohn’s is a disease that can be handled.  

For Crohn’s sufferers, the quality of health insurance matters

Being an Emergency Services Health member makes this all possible. It’s because the health insurance coverage exists only for those in emergency services (and their families). Emergency Services Health understands the unique health needs of the community, because we’ve been looking after them for over 85 years. Whether you’re already a member, or interested in becoming one, call us to find out how to get the most out of our cover and benefits. We’re here to help.   

Crohn’s or no Crohn’s, you deserve health insurance cover that you can actually use – not just when there’s an emergency.

Blood pressure tests are a routine part of GP visits. But this check-up shouldn’t be taken lightly. Six million Australians have hypertension – an alarming figure that has tripled in the age range of 35 – 44 between 2017 and 2018.

What’s more concerning is the lack of symptoms in people with hypertension. A recent ABS study revealed 73.7% of all adults measured with high blood pressure didn’t report having hypertension.

While the risk of hypertension increases as you age, it affects all age groups. Left unchecked, it can lead to a greater chance of experiencing heart attacks and strokes.

For shift workers, such as police officers, paramedics, nurses, doctors and firefighters, studies have shown an increase risk of cardiovascular and sleep disorders. This is due to circadian rhythm disfunction and poor nutritional choices. Emergency workers are exposed to traumatic events, which increase the likelihood of alcoholism, obesity, depression, and insomnia – all of which are linked to heart troubles.

High blood pressure? A high priority

Smoking, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and consuming a diet high in fat and salt (and low in produce and fibre) can increase the likelihood of hypertension. The stress epidemic is also a major, yet silent, cause of high blood pressure.

While there is blood pressure medication available, the best shield against hypertension is maintaining a healthy lifestyle… body and mind.

There’s nothing that you haven’t heard before. Hypertension prevention requires healthy living, at its more basic level. Lose unnecessary weight, as every kilogram counts. Cut back on alcohol and avoid smoking. Move more, to keep arteries flexible and reduce activity in the sympathetic nervous system. Stay calm and manage stress to reduce the release of hormones that spike blood pressure.

Meditation has a long history of reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A balanced diet is another natural remedy to help your body regulate blood pressure.

Stay away from high amounts of sodium and saturated fat that constrict small blood vessels. Enjoy foods rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium. The DASH diet is specifically designed for people living with high blood pressure – helping sufferers drop the top number of blood pressure readings, between eight to 14 points.

Why emergency workers in their 40s need to take hypertension seriously

Heart Foundation statistics tell us the number of Australians with hypertension doubles in the 35-44 age bracket, compared to the decade before. It jumps again, dramatically, between 45 – 54, and peaks at 75 years.

Early intervention in that first spike period, between age 35 – 44, is the key to prevention and management. Organise regular check-ins with your GP, adopt these healthy lifestyle strategies, and isolate what you need extra, specialist help with.

Living with hypertension

We understand the demands of front line work more than any other insurer. After all, we've been looking after the health and wellbeing of the police community for more than 85 years. Whether you're already a member or interested in becoming one, call us to find out how to get the most out of our cover and benefits. We're here to help. 

Please note: some articles on this website are compiled from material obtained externally. Although we make every effort to ensure information is correct at the time of publication, we accept no responsibility for its accuracy. Health-related articles are intended for general information only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your doctor. The views expressed in articles are not necessarily those of Emergency Services Health.

Sadly, miscarriages are more common than you think. In Australia, it happens to one in four couples. A miscarriage is defined as the loss of a baby before 20 weeks and is heartbreaking for the expectant Mother, especially. So, why do miscarriages happen?

It changes from woman to woman, but some of the common causes include infections, pre-existing health conditions (such as diabetes), hormone problems, immune system responses, and abdominal trauma.

While there’s no data to suggest an obvious link between miscarriages and first responders, this line of work is high-risk for these chronic conditions. Physical trauma is also more likely, given the nature of emergency work. The night shifts and changing rosters might also make it difficult for women to stay in good health.

Adding to that, pregnant first responders may find that they’re around or above 35 (a risk factor), where it takes older women longer to fall pregnant. First responders also deal with daily stress and trauma, which can seep into the personal life and make it challenging to be intimate. There’s also the possibility of sleeping difficulties, not sharing meals together, and opposite schedules.

We know it’s hard, but it’s not your fault.

First responders aren’t strangers to guilt. You witness the carnage from car crashes, fights, burning buildings, drownings, and children’s injuries. It’s a natural reaction to bury guilt.

Whether it’s a tragedy at work or a miscarriage, it is NOT your fault. Please repeat that. Unacknowledged guilt can lead to a barrage of mental and physical issues.

Most of the reasons why women miscarry are from natural causes[1]. This includes

• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Placental problems
• Thrombophilia
• Congenital birth defects
• Infections
• Cervical insufficiency
• Poorly controlled chronic conditions
• Abdominal trauma
• Drug and alcohol abuse.

Expectant mothers with health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and autoimmune problems can also be high-risk pregnancies. Smoking and being overweight exacerbates these risk factors.

We know that diabetes is more prevalent in first responders, especially police officers. For the exhausted, shift-working first responder, vital activities for good health aren’t easy to maintain.

Police experience an elevated adrenal cortical, sympathetic stress response, causing the liver to release glucose. The pancreas responds by secreting insulin to allow glucose to enter cells.[2]

High blood pressure is also found to be higher in shift workers – police officers, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and firefighters. This is due to circadian rhythm disfunction and poor nutritional choices. Emergency workers are exposed to traumatic events, which increase the likelihood of alcoholism, obesity, depression, and insomnia – all of which are linked to heart troubles.[3]

Female first responders also deal with physical trauma, more than the everyday woman. Whether it’s a call-out to a domestic abuse case, calming someone down after witnessing the loss of a loved one, running after a home invader or any other emergency situation, responders aren’t safe from abdominal trauma. Mild contact to that area can cause damage to a developing baby.

Routine activities do not cause a miscarriage. But, for first responders, there’s nothing ‘routine’ about broader aspects of this career. Focus on managing any previous health conditions, seek regular prenatal care, and do what you can to alleviate the risk factors that come with the first responder lifestyle.

Cover yourself, with first responder health insurance.

Yes, that’s right. Health insurance that’s just for you, and your family. Emergency Services  Health has three levels of cover, based on your needs. You’ll love the extras, which roll over every year (subject to waiting periods and other conditions), so they’ll never go unused. Enjoy exercise physiology, acupuncture, complementary therapies, dietary support, psychology and extensive hospital cover.

Starting a family has enough challenges. Fighting for adequate healthcare shouldn’t be one of them. It’s all here, with Emergency Services Health.

While depression isn’t an illness isolated to the 40s, it’s a decade to invest in your mental health. In fact, women between the ages 45 and 64 are the greatest risk group for developing depression.

Depression isn’t a static illness. It varies in severity and depends greatly on environment, life stage, and support circle. Topping the list of causes and risk factors is experiencing stressful events.

From health problems and marriage issues to financial challenges and exposure to trauma, a wide sweep of situations can trigger depression – many of which, are common in the everyday life of an emergency service worker.

The hidden ‘bad guys’

Author and ex-policeman John Marx introduces the acronym, PMES, in his book, Armor Your Self. PMES stands for Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual health, and are the things that “attack our personalities.”

Marx touches on the accumulation of memories that can lead to depression, PTSD, substance abuse, over-eating – and, in the worst instance, suicide. He calls this the “dangers that don’t kill you.”

You can’t see it, touch it and, most times, even describe it. But it attacks first responders every day. Often, it’s dismissed as signs of burnout, bad moods and anger. When, in reality, it’s masked deep, unresolved depression. 

Marx encourages officers to move past the old paradigm of ‘physical fitness solves everything’, ‘If I’m sad, I’m weak’ mentality. And that, like the muscles in our bodies, resilience needs to be built (and maintained), through psychological support.

This is especially true for public workers juggling transitions, like a mid-40s woman with perimenopause (the most at-risk group) or a man going through a divorce, fighting for custody.

11% of Australian emergency workers have PTSD, compared to 4% of the general population. The physically demanding nature of work, witnessing death and trauma, the shift work and missing special events with loved ones all compound, unless managed. Alcohol, drugs and food become toxic coping tools to ‘switch off.’

Know the warning signs

Depression affects people in different ways. Look out for these symptoms, whether it’s you in uniform or a loved one

Symptoms include: 

• Feeling extremely sad, flat or numb
• Disturbances to normal sleep patterns
• Loss of interest and motivation
• Constant guilt or feeling worthless
• Less pleasure in activities
• Anxiety and worry
• Changes in appetite or weight
• No sexual desire
• Physical aches and pains
• Impaired thinking or concentration

Depression is much like any health illness. It requires ongoing treatment and new, lifelong habits that’ll keep the illness at bay. It is treatable and for officers and emergency workers, absolutely imperative to work on. Yes, even if you’re not feeling blue.

Become mentally fit, to manage psychological stresses

To live a healthy life, it’s important to follow Marx’s PMES approach to cover Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual support.

Cover like no other

We understand the demands of front line work more than any other insurer. After all, we've been looking after the health and wellbeing of the police community for more than 85 years. Whether you’re already a member, or interested in becoming one, call us to find out how to get the most out of our cover and benefits. We’re here to help.  

Please note: some articles on this website are compiled from material obtained externally. Although we make every effort to ensure information is correct at the time of publication, we accept no responsibility for its accuracy. Health-related articles are intended for general information only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your doctor. The views expressed in articles are not necessarily those of Emergency Services Health.

24 January 2020

Many of us associate value with cost – but when it comes to health insurance, the saying is true: you get what you pay for!

You may have caught yourself saying exactly that the last time a bargain tool you purchased second-hand malfunctions after the first use. After all, the chance to be thrifty is always there. But there are times when value and quality should definitely be the front runner over price alone. Like when you want your purchase to last, to fit you and your family’s changing needs, to be so useful it essentially ‘pays for itself’ over time, and, perhaps most importantly, when the reason you want it in the first place is to look after something as important as the health of your family – as should be the case with your health insurance.

Unfortunately when shopping for insurance, a lot of people don’t look beyond the surface, because – let’s be honest – it can be complicated for the average person to understand the finer details of a policy. Most just note the tick next to dental, the thumbs-up beside physio, check the monthly premium and say ‘that seems good’, when, in reality, the details around benefits and Annual Maximums need to be looked at more closely to find an appropriate match.

Over the past five years, more than 2 million Aussie’s have ditched their private health insurance, citing reasons around premium costs, lack of value for money and not believing in private health insurance¹. Looking at the broader picture and patterns, it’s evident that much of this departure is a result of people being paired with policies that don’t suit.

It’s a scary trend, given that only 760,000 of 890,000 patients who were added to the public hospital elective surgery waiting list during 2018-2019 were admitted for surgery in the same period.²

Now isn’t the time to ditch health insurance. It’s the time to review and understand your policy.

The value of health insurance is often misunderstood simply because people are uncertain about what they’re actually covered for, and to what extent. So dissect your policy. Get to know it. If there’s a component you don’t understand – contact your fund and ask. You stand to benefit greatly simply by being informed.

As a starting point, use these tips when reviewing/comparing policies:

1. Educate yourself – know what everyday things you can claim on.
   
   Extras are great for preventative health. They help keep you fit and well. Does your policy include physiotherapy, remedial massage services, braces, hearing aids or orthotics?  If you’re unsure what a particular health service includes – look it up. If you’re paying to be insured for benefits use them!
    
2. Look beyond the lowest price.
   
   Analyse the benefits included in a policy alongside the premium and see if the maths adds up. What will you get back on a standard physio, psychologist or podiatrist consult, and what’s the annual maximum set at? Is it more cost effective to pay a higher premium knowing your money will stay in your pocket when you visit your health provider? 
    
3. Get over the “why should I pay for pregnancy when I don’t use it?” mentality.
   
   There are four hospital product tiers; Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic. To be a classified as Gold the policy must provide cover for all 38 mandated clinical categories, including ‘Pregnancy and birth related services’. That doesn’t mean you’re paying extra for pregnancy, you’re paying for comprehensive Gold tier insurance, with no exclusions – ultimate peace of mind.
   
   Given that exclusions can catch you without cover when you need it, and the fact that some ‘Silver Plus’ policies are priced very similarly to ‘Gold’ policies (yet have a number of exclusions) – it’s fair to say ‘buyer beware’.
    
4. Beware of applying an excess.
   
   Most people don’t realise that excesses can become a barrier to treatment when other unexpected and uncontrollable out of pocket costs hit – such as gap payments for doctors and anaesthesiologists. These unexpected costs often hit patients at the same time that they’re dealing with a loss of income, so removing excess from the equation helps protect you from the unforeseen – as good insurance should.
   __________

¹ https://www.savings.com.au/savings-accounts/two-million-aussies-dump-private-health-insurance-as-prices-soar

² The Australian: Hospital System Stretched to the Limit, by Natasha Robinson, 8 January 2020