‘Paying $60 a month to claim back $42 a year’: Doctor reveals health insurance reality check

Aussies have been urged to “run the numbers” when it comes to health insurance to avoid “paying $60 a month to claim back $42 a year”.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner explores how to stay healthy on a budget.

QUESTION: Dear Dr Zac, I’m a 45-year-old mum with two kids (aged 12 and 8) and a husband, and like many Aussie families right now, we’re doing our best to stay healthy without blowing the budget. Between prescriptions, GP visits, gym memberships and groceries, the costs really add up.

I’ve already started looking for savings – like asking for generic medications, finding a bulk-billing doctor, skipping private health extras and checking out uni clinics for student-led care. I’ve also been trying to cook more from scratch, exercise at home and even wondered whether signing up for clinical trials might help.

But honestly, it still feels overwhelming trying to keep everyone well without overspending.

Do you have any other tips or clever ways to save money on health and wellness – without compromising on quality care? – Susan, 41, Allambie Heights, NSW

ANSWER: Dear Susan, firstly – gold star to you for juggling family life and keeping health a priority.

That’s no small feat in today’s world of rising costs, never-ending grocery bills and kids who eat like they’ve got hollow legs.

Let’s get into how you can keep the fam fit and fabulous without emptying your wallet.

1. Scripts and savings – are generics any good?

Absolutely.

Generic medications are like the Aldi version of your favourite branded meds – same active ingredients, same result, but without the fancy packaging or price tag.

When your GP writes you a script, just ask if there is a generic version.

Pharmacies often default to these, but it’s worth checking.

When your GP writes you a script, just ask if there is a generic version. Picture: iStock

2. Bulk billing – the holy grail

Not all doctors bulk bill, but the ones that do can save you serious cash.

Many clinics bulk bill kids under 16, concession card holders or offer mixed billing (free if you’re lucky, a bit pricey if you’re not).

Use the Healthdirect website to scout out bulk-billers near you – it’s a game-changer.

3. Private health extras – worth it or wasted cash?

Extras cover (think dental, chiro, physio, glasses) sounds great until you realise you’re paying $60 a month to claim back $42 a year.

Run the numbers.

If you’re not using it often, you’re better off saving the premium and paying out of pocket when needed – especially if the kids still think flossing is a dance move.

4. Are some doctors more expensive than others?

Yep. But more expensive doesn’t always mean better.

A good, local GP who listens and bulk bills is worth their weight in gold.

If you’re seeing someone regularly, it pays to find one you trust – not necessarily one with a fancy postcode.

5. Emergency rooms – can I just rock up?

Technically yes, but they’re for actual emergencies – think broken bones, chest pain or anything you’d call an ambulance for.

For colds, coughs or “I-don’t-feel-quite-right”, hit up your GP or call a bulk-billing after-hours doctor service like 13SICK.

Can you just turn up at the emergency department? Picture: iStock

6. Student doctors, dentists and allied health – yay or nay?

Big yay.

Uni clinics offer top-notch care at bargain prices.

These students are closely supervised, keen as mustard and are often more thorough than time-poor professionals.

Think dentistry, physio, psychology, even optometry – all available at a fraction of the usual cost.

7. Mental health support – without the $200/hr price tag

Ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan. You’ll get Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions a year with a registered psychologist.

It’s a brilliant scheme that turns “I can’t afford therapy” into “Hey, I’m actually doing this”.

8. Exercise – no lycra required

Gyms are great but optional.

Walking, cycling, park workouts, YouTube yoga – they’re all free.

Many councils have outdoor gym stations and some local sports clubs offer free classes. Bonus: chasing the kids around the park counts as cardio.

9. Healthy eating – on a budget

Seasonal produce is your best friend. It’s cheaper, tastier and better for you.

Frozen veg is just as nutritious as fresh and sometimes even more so – who knew?

Cook in bulk – think soups, stews, pastas – and freeze extras.

It saves time, money and stops the “what’s for dinner?” panic at 5.45pm.

Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables. Picture: iStock

10. Clinical trials – free healthcare or guinea pig gig?

A little from Column A, a little from Column B.

Some trials offer cutting-edge treatments for free or at a discount, but make sure they’re legit and regulated.

Start with university hospital websites or Australian Clinical Trials.

Read the fine print and ask questions – don’t just sign up because you saw a TikTok about it.

Final thoughts

The key isn’t spending more – it’s getting smarter about where the dollars go.

Health isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency.

Keep doing your best, ask for help when you need it and remember – walking the dog with your kids while eating homemade veggie soup is peak family wellness. No Peloton required.

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Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventive health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.

Originally published as ‘Paying $60 a month to claim back $42 a year’: Doctor reveals health insurance reality check