What's the difference between hospital and extras cover?

A woman holds a baby and a dentist treats a patient

In short 

Hospital cover helps with the cost of being treated in hospital, while Extras cover helps with everyday services like dental, optical and physio.  

On this page

What's the difference between hospital and extras cover? 

The simplest way to think about it is in hospital versus out of hospital. 

Hospital cover helps with the cost of being treated as an admitted patient in hospital. Extras cover helps with the everyday health services you use outside hospital that Medicare and hospital cover don't pay for. 

They cover different things, and many people choose to hold both. 

New to how it all fits together? Our guide on what Police Health insurance is is a good place to start. 

What is hospital cover? 

Hospital cover helps pay for treatment when you're admitted to hospital as a patient. 

This can include your accommodation, theatre fees, and some of the costs of your doctor and anesthetist.. 

Police Health's Gold Hospital is top-level cover, which means it includes*: 

  • All 38 clinical categories
  • No excess and no co-payments
  • No exclusions
  • Unlimited ambulance cover Australia-wide
  • The freedom to choose your own doctor and hospital 

What is extras cover? 

Extras cover helps with everyday health services that Medicare and hospital cover don't pay for. 

Think dental check-ups, new glasses, physio, and visits to the psychologist. Extras Cover doesn't include GP visits or Specialist Doctor consults outside of Hospital, as these are covered through Medicare. 

Police Health's Rolling Extras* gives you: 

  • Up to 80% back on most Extras
  • Rollover of unused annual limits into the next year (see how it works in our guide)
  • The freedom to choose your own provider 

Hospital vs Extras cover at a glance



 Hospital cover Extras cover
What it's for Being treated in hospital Everyday out-of-hospital services
Examples Surgery, accommodation, theatre fees Dental, optical, physio, psychology
Police Health product Gold Hospital Rolling Extras
Key benefit All 38 clinical categories, no excess Up to 80% back, Rollover*

 

Ready to get health cover? Get a quote now

Do you need both? 

That depends on what you want covered. 

Hospital cover protects you against the big, unexpected costs of going to hospital. Extras cover helps with the smaller, regular costs of staying well. 

If you'd like both, Gold Combined brings Gold Hospital and Rolling Extras together under one membership, at a reduced premium compared with taking each separately.* 

A simple example 

Say you need knee surgery. That's where Hospital cover helps, with your hospital stay and the medical fees involved.* 

On the other hand, if you're playing sport and have sore back you'll need to see a physio.

This is where Extras cover helps with the cost of initial and follow up physio appointments. 

With Gold Combined, you're covered for both. 

Which cover is right for you? 

If you mainly want protection against hospital costs, Hospital cover may be enough on its own. 

If you regularly use services like dental, optical or physio, Extras cover helps manage those everyday costs. 

For most families who want both covered, Gold Combined is the simplest option.  

Because Police Health is built specifically for the policing community, the cover is designed around the services members actually use. 

Not sure if you're eligible? Have a look at who can join. 

Frequently asked questions 

Can I have extras cover without hospital cover? 

Yes. You can hold Rolling Extras on its own, or pair it with Hospital cover through Gold Combined. 

Is hospital or extras cover better? 

Neither is better, they simply do different jobs. Hospital cover is for being treated in hospital, and Extras cover is for everyday services. Many members hold both. 

What is Gold Combined? 

Gold Combined brings Gold Hospital and Rolling Extras together under one membership, at a reduced premium compared with taking each separately. 

Does hospital cover include ambulance? 

Police Health's Gold Hospital, Rolling Extras and Gold Combined includes unlimited ambulance cover Australia-wide. 

Ready to get health cover? Get a quote now

*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.