The list below provides definitions for common General treatment (Extras) services. For other private health insurance terms see the Glossary.

The list below provides definitions for common General treatment (Extras) services. For other private health insurance terms see the Glossary.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatment involves inserting small needles into various points in the body to stimulate nerve impulses.

Ante-natal/Post-natal classes

Ante-natal classes often include preparation for labour, birth and early parenthood. Post-natal classes may include settling and going home with your baby, breastfeeding and bathing your baby. There are many different types of ante-natal/post-natal classes and the costs of these will vary. Not all General Treatment policies include cover for ante-natal/post-natal classes, and for those that do cover it, the provider must be registered with your insurer for benefits to be paid. To find out if you’re covered, contact your health insurer. 

Audiology

Audiologists specialise in the science and medicine of hearing. An audiologist can assess your hearing, give advice on whether you need hearing aids, provide counselling and teach lip-reading.

Blood glucose monitors

A device to measure the concentration of glucose in the blood. Benefits for blood glucose monitors may be deducted from an overall health aid limit – check with your insurer for details.

Chinese medicine

Chinese medical practice includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise and dietary therapy.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to treat health problems that are related to nerves, skeletons and muscles.

Dietetics/dietary advice

Dietitians specialise in human nutrition based upon a persons medical condition and individual needs.

Endodontic services

Specialised dental treatment relating to dental pulp. This includes treating tooth pain and root canal treatment.See also: General dental, Major dental.

Exercise physiology

An exercise physiologist specialises in the benefits of exercise for good health and the treatment of medical conditions.

Eye therapy (orthoptics)

Orthoptics is the study or treatment of irregularities of the eyes, especially those of the eye muscles that prevent normal binocular vision.

General dental

Treatment for or relating to your teeth provided by a dentist or a dental surgeon. Typically this includes check-ups, cleans, and simple fillings. See also: Major dental.

Health management / Healthy lifestyle

If your general treatment product covers health management/healthy lifestyle benefits, you may be able to claim some of the costs of approved health-related programs e.g. ante-natal and post-natal classes, weight management programs or nicotine replacement therapy. Check with your insurer for details.

Hearing aids

A device to amplify and change sound to assist people with hearing impairments. Benefits for hearing aids may be deducted from an overall health aid limit – check with your insurer for details.

Home nursing

Supportive care provided in the home and assistance to ensure the activities of daily living are met.

Major dental

Significant dental services, such as complex fillings, tooth extractions, crowns and bridges. Whether specific items are classified as general or major dental depends on each insurer’s rules, so check with your insurer for details.

Non-PBS Pharmaceuticals

Includes prescription pharmaceuticals which are not listed on the Australian government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Schemes (PBS). Pharmaceutical benefits usually require a co-payment from you, equivalent to the normal PBS payment, before your insurer will pay benefits. Not all non-PBS pharmaceuticals are eligible for benefits, as insurers may choose not to pay for certain items (for example, compound pharmaceuticals). To find out whether specific items are eligible for benefits, check with your insurer.

Optical

Includes prescription lenses, spectacle frames, and contact lenses. Insurers do not pay benefits for optometrist's consultations as these are generally eligible for Medicare benefits.

Orthodontics

The branch of dentistry that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. This generally involves the use of braces, removable appliances, functional appliances or headgear.

Orthotics (podiatric orthoses)

Specially designed shoe inserts that support the feet and improve foot posture. '1 appliance' generally means one pair of orthotics.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to health that stresses manual readjustments and physical manipulation of muscle tissue and bones. Osteopathy treatment may include individual exercise routines, relaxation techniques, or body awareness sessions.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists treat injury, disease and disorders through physical methods. Physiotherapy uses manual therapies, exercise programs and electrotherapy techniques to improve movement, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase quality of life.

Podiatry

Podiatrists are specialists in foot, ankle and lower limb health.

Psychology

Psychologists deal with people in their everyday lives or within their work environment to help them function better and to prevent the development of problems in mental and physical health. Some general treatment policies provide benefits for psychology - check with health insurers for details.

Remedial massage

Deep massage to treat injuries and speed recovery (for example, strains, sprains, bruising).

Speech pathology

Speech pathology is the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Speech pathologists can help with problems with speech, language, communication, fluency or voice, or problems with swallowing food or drinking safely.

Vaccinations

Some general treatment policies may cover some of the costs of vaccinations. These may be limited to travel vaccinations. Check with your insurer for details.