PHI is it really worth it?

**1BabyMama** · 21-05-2012 10:48

I'm pregnant with my 3rd and final child and will have him/her privately. Once I've had the baby I'm seriously considering cancelling my PHI. It's so expensive, I'm currently paying $60.00 a week!!! I think if I open an account and put away a bit of money each week to cover dental and a few other things I will still be saving money. Has anyone else done this? Did it save you money in the long term?

What are your thoughts on PHI, do you really think it's worth it?

**LittleDove** · 21-05-2012 10:51

I often wonder the same thing! I'd say it's worth keeping the very basic hospital cover but not top cover, it seems crazy expensive and the public system is just as good. I worked out i loose money with my 'extras' even if I use all my allowance, I still end up paying more with it than without

**Mrs P** · 21-05-2012 11:03

I'm on my 15th day in hospital. At min 500 a day I'm sure as hell getting my money worth!

We use everything so it's worthwhile forus

**Bluest Blue Box** · 21-05-2012 11:22

I don't have PHI. Just never got around to it and since DS came along we don't have the spare money for it. I will get it once we are in a financial position to do so.
I think it's worth it when you need surgery you can pick your own surgeon and not be on a long waiting list, especially for orthopaedic surgery as an example.
I think you get great care in public hospitals, it's just waiting that's a problem.
When my FIL had cancer the surgeon recommended he go to a public hospital because he'd get better care there.
I'd keep just basic hospital cover and get rid of the extras.

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**Anjalee** · 21-05-2012 11:41

I have been wondering this too, but I just keep thinking if something were to ever go wrong, I'd be so thankful we have it. Plus, we all wear glasses, we make sure we use our free dental checkups and I use it for massage too hehe so it's kind of worth it for us.

**Janesmum123** · 21-05-2012 12:02

Someone on here once said we insure our cars, homes and belongings but we fail to see the need to insure the most important thing which is ourselves and our kids.
Its a good point.

**RmumR** · 21-05-2012 12:03

we wouldnt be without it.

DH alone has had 6 operations in the last 4yrs (football related)

i had one operation plus lots of hospy admittances when preg with DD2.

DD1 has had grommets and DD2 will prob be getting some soon too.

we like the convienience and the speed at which we get in to have medical things done rather than going on a waiting list.

**Kimberleygal1** · 21-05-2012 12:07

I had both boys in a private hospital, prescription glasses for us both and contacts for me, phsyio, my dh having had 3 ops in a private hosp and visits to the private skin specialist, ds1 having laser treatment etc so yes it's been worth having the cover. But regardless I just wouldn't feel comfortable not having it.

**Mahjong** · 21-05-2012 12:09

We have basic cover, my op bills in the last 3 yrs have been well over 30k , the boys at least 10k each too! We pay roughly 100 a fortnight. No extras but its just worth it for our family.

**just her chameleon** · 21-05-2012 12:23

For us it's essential. The hospital here has quite possibly the worst reputation in Australia and the times I've had to go there for me and/or the kids it's lived up to its reputation bar twice.

It also means that wait lists are often not needed and surgery can happen quite quickly whereas with the public system you just have to wait. We wouldn't be without it,