Health cover that supports women's health at every age and stage
Published March 2026
Expert contributor: Patricia Kennedy Smythe, Senior Operations Manager, RT Health
Words by Angela Tufvesson
The right health cover supports women’s health at every stage, from maternity care and chronic conditions to preventive services that matter most.
From fertility and pregnancy to perimenopause, menopause and beyond, women’s healthcare needs shift over time. They also tend to access some health services more often than men. In the 2024 to 2025 financial year, women were more likely to see GPs and specialists, receive urgent or after-hours care from a GP, and be admitted to hospital.
Private health cover can play a key role in supporting women’s health. It can help with fertility and pregnancy care, ongoing management of chronic conditions like endometriosis, and provide support for mental, heart and bone health. It can also promote healthier lifestyles and ageing.
“With private health insurance, you have freedom to choose your doctor, and you can avoid long waitlists for elective treatment in hospital,” says Patricia from RT Health. This can give women greater control and peace of mind during an uncertain time.
With RT Health hospital and extras cover, women can access services and benefits that support their health at every stage of life.
Hospital cover that supports women’s wellbeing
RT Health offers a range of private hospital cover options to suit different health needs and life stages, including a variety of services for women.
If you’re planning to start a family, RT Health’s Gold Optimal Hospital cover includes pregnancy, birth and assisted reproductive services to help with fertility and maternity care.
“You’re covered when you go into hospital and give birth or if you need hospitalisation for assisted reproductive services,” Patricia says. She adds that doctors’ appointments before you go to hospital aren’t covered because they’re outpatient services.
Depending on your level of hospital cover, it may include treatment for chronic conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis; joint replacement surgery (most commonly needed for osteoarthritis, which affects women more than men); as well as medically necessary breast surgery and hysterectomy.
“It's important that we get our breast screening checks. If there’s an issue, having private health cover can get us into hospital sooner than if we had to go through the public system,” Patricia explains. “Eligible members may also be covered for medically necessary reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy.”
Not sure what your hospital cover includes or need help finding the product for your needs? Check out our product guides or call us on 1300 886 123.
Extras cover for everyday health
Extras cover can make it easier to stay on top of your everyday health. Routine services like dental and eye check-ups, physio, chiro and dietetics can help spot small issues before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems.
Patricia explains that physiotherapy can be particularly valuable for women, as it can support recovery after pregnancy, help manage chronic pain, strengthen muscles and relieve joint discomfort. “Physiotherapy, including seeing a women’s health physio, is usually covered by your extras,” Patricia explains.
Eligible members can also access a range of evidence-based online mental health treatment programs through digital service THIS WAY UP*. “There are programs for perinatal anxiety and depression, health anxiety and depression,” she says.
Other benefits for women’s long-term wellness
With RT Health, you also have access to a range of additional benefits designed to support long-term wellbeing.
If your extras cover includes a gym membership and you’ve served any waiting periods, you’ll be able to claim a benefit for your membership to help you stay fit and active. Regular physical activity and weight-bearing exercise are especially important for maintaining bone health in women – on average, women lose up to 10% of their bone density in the first five years after menopause.
For nutrition and weight management support, eligible RT Health members^ can take advantage of the evidence-based CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet. You’ll get 12 weeks’ access to the online program, along with delicious, simple meal plans, at-home exercise plans and more.
Private health cover that evolves with you
As your health needs evolve, Patricia recommends regularly reviewing your cover, especially if you’re planning a family, managing a new diagnosis or moving into a different life stage.
If you’re unsure if your cover still meets your needs, we can walk you through your options and help you find a policy that supports your wellbeing. “We can talk to you about what’s important to you and what your needs are, and make sure you’re on the best level of cover for you,” Patricia explains.
Want to chat about your options?
If you need some advice or want to know more, we’re here with you every step of the way to help you get more value from your cover. Our Member Care team can answer any questions you have. Give them a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch via email to help@rthealth.com.au
* THIS WAY UP is available to RT Health members with Deluxe Extras, Top Extras and Smart Extras cover, up to their annual limit of $120 per person, paid under Psychology benefits. The benefit payable will depend on the program you choose.
^ This offer is available to RT Health members with hospital cover, who also:
- are aged 18 or over
- have a Body Mass Index of 28 or above
- have multiple lifestyle risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity and poor nutrition.
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