USE IT OR LOSE IT: 31 HEALTH FUNDS ARE ABOUT TO RESET YOUR EXTRAS COVER
If you pay for private health extras cover, the clock is ticking on the money you have already put in this year.
Comparison site Finder has warned that 31 of Australia's 39 health funds reset their extras limits on January 1, which means any unused benefits simply disappear.
With fewer than eight weeks left in 2026, now is the perfect moment to check your balance and book in those appointments you have been putting off.
Why your extras cover resets
Extras cover gives you a set amount you can claim each year for things like dental, optical and physio.
When your fund's year ticks over, those limits start again from scratch.
As Finder's Ceyda Erem put it in a Finder article published on November 9, "unused benefits you've technically already paid for won't roll over".
So if you have a $500 dental limit and have not used a cent of it by December 31, that $500 will not carry into next year.
For busy women juggling work, kids, ageing parents and everything in between, our own appointments are often the first thing to slide, which makes this a timely nudge.
Which funds reset on January 1
According to Finder, the 31 funds that reset on January 1 include many household names.
Among them are Australian Unity, Bupa, CBHS Health Fund, Frank, GMHBA, HBF, HCF, HIF, Medibank, nib, Qantas Health Insurance, Suncorp, Teachers Health and Westfund.
Smaller funds on the list include ACA, APIA, Doctors' Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Health Care Insurance, Health Partners and Latrobe Health Services.
Also included are Mildura Health Fund, MyOwn Health, Nurses & Midwives Health, Phoenix Health Fund, Police Health, RBHS, RT Health Fund, St.Lukes Health, TUH and UniHealth.
Not every fund follows the calendar year, though.
Finder says ahm, Defence Health and Peoplecare reset on July 1, while Hunter Health and GU Health reset on the anniversary of when your policy started.
What you could still claim on your extras cover
Depending on your policy, there may be quite a few things worth squeezing in before Christmas.
Dental is the big one, whether that is a check-up and clean, a filling or getting started on larger work.
Optical is another easy win, so it could be time for new glasses or a fresh supply of contact lenses.
Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy appointments may also be covered, which is handy if your back or neck has been grumbling.
Podiatry is often included too, sometimes with orthotics, which is welcome news if your feet ache after a long day.
Some policies also include remedial massage, which might be the most enjoyable claim of the lot.
Simple steps to take this week
First, log in to your health fund's app or website and check how much is left in each of your extras limits.
Next, confirm your fund's reset date, because not all funds reset on January 1.
Then book your appointments as soon as possible, as dentists, optometrists and physios tend to fill up quickly in the lead-up to the holidays.
It is a good idea to ask your provider for a quote and check with your fund what you will get back before any bigger treatment.
If you rarely use your extras, Finder suggests it may be worth asking whether your policy still suits your needs.
The government's independent privatehealth.gov.au website lets you compare policies, and your fund can talk you through your options.
For any health concerns behind the appointments, such as ongoing pain, speak to your GP first.
A little organisation now could mean a brighter smile, clearer vision and fewer aches heading into the new year, all from money you have already spent.
