The 5 best ways our Rolling Extras health insurance can help with pregnancy

In short With Police Health your pregnancy cover doesn't have to be restricted to hospital admission.

On this page

1. Private health and pregnancy cover 
2. Physiotherapy and your pelvic floor
3. Remedial massage
4. Seeing your dentist 
5. Mental health support
6. Dietitian appointments 

Private health insurance and pregnancy cover 

You're right to think that private health insurance and pregnancy cover is mostly thought of helping with a hospital admission - for which you need appropriate Hospital cover. However, there are many ways the extras cover like Police Health's Rolling Extras can help make your pregnancy journey more comfortable. 

Services included in extras are typically not funded by Medicare, so private health insurance can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. 

Yet there are over 20 different types of services covered, so which ones help the most before, during and after pregnancy? To help, we've listed our top 5. 

Pregnancy and physiotherapy: how private health can help

The pelvic floor muscles play an important role during pregnancy.  – they must be strong enough to support around an extra 11-16kg once you count the placenta, amniotic fluid and extra blood volume.   

The way to support this extra weight is through pelvic floor muscle exercises during pregnancy.  

Research has found that women who do pelvic floor muscle exercises during pregnancy are less likely to develop bladder leakage, both during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. 

Everyone's pelvic floor is different, and that's one of the many reasons why you need to see a Physiotherapist to get this support. 

Depending on where you're at in your pregnancy, they'll help through; 

• Learning how to correctly use your pelvic floor muscles 
• Checking effective pushing technique 
• Perineal massage 
• Pregnancy safe exercises 
• Pain management

Find out how we can support you with physiotherapy

Remedial massage

A remedial massage can be a big help for pregnant mums, especially as your policing  career can put huge pressure on your body. 

With many associated physical and mental health benefits, remedial massage typically addresses back, neck and shoulder pain. There are many other benefits too, including; 

• Improved blood circulation 
• Better sleep 
• Reducing neck, shoulder and joint pain 
• Improved posture to support baby weight

If you're considering it, it's recommended that you speak to a medical professional first and not receive the massage until after the first trimester. 

See how Police Health pays benefit for remedial massage 

Seeing your dentist

It may surprise you to learn that your teeth and gums are at extra risk when you're pregnant. 

Research has found that pregnancy hormones can make gums more sensitive to dental plaque and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. 

Severe gum disease during pregnancy can affect both mothers’ and babies’ health. It’s linked to an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight. 

Public health advice is that it's safe and encouraged to visit your dentist for check-ups and treatment while you're pregnant. 

It's also important to tell them that you are pregnant to ensure you get the right treatment. 

Police Health's dental cover includes General Dental and Major Dental, and to help guide you through seeing your dentist, our dental benefit guide covers; 

• What services Police Health covers
• Dental service explanations 
• Expected costs and how to reduce them

See our helpful tips in our dental benefit guide

Mental health support

It's normal to struggle with mental health during your pregnancy. However, it can still be tricky to talk about it to your family and friends. 

It's not too dissimilar to the many mental health struggles that police face. 

While you're constantly undergoing physical checks for you and your baby's health, there aren't any set markers for checking your mental health. 

There are many reasons why you may find a Psychologist or Counsellor helpful. 

They can help you with a range of issues, including; 

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Relationship difficulties 
• Problems adjusting to motherhood

They may also help with unique mental health challenges that you're facing, and with Police Health you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. 

See which mental health professional is right for you and how we help 

Dietary cover

There are many benefits to seeing a Dietitian while you're pregnant. It can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or pre-eclampsia. 

You may also get help with some of the common pregnancy issues; 

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Changes to bowel habits 
• Food cravings 
• Changes in food preferences 
• Food safety guidelines 
• General nutrition advice

All of this can be tailored to your needs, giving you a better diet which has a positive effect on the health of your future child. 

Police Health pays benefit for Dietitian appointments, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. 

See our health insurance page to see how much we pay 

*All benefits may be subject to Waiting Periods, Limits and other conditions. Rollover applies once you’ve completed your first 12 months membership (2 years for Major Dental). Providers must be recognised by us. Review the cover tables on the Combined, Hospital and Extras pages, and your State Premium and Benefit Guide or contact us for more information.