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Published: July 2026 Words by: Angela Tufvesson Regularly reviewing your private health cover can help you make sure it’s meeting your needs and giving you value for money. Private health cover is one of those things many people sign up for and then forget about. But as your life changes, so do your needs – and your cover should keep up. In Australia, there are four private health insurance tiers: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic. It's a good idea to review your health cover every now and then to make sure it still suits your needs, especially if your family, work or health situation has changed. Reviewing (and, if necessary) changing health insurance tiers at the right time can help you get more value. Here are some questions to ask to help you work out whether your current policy is still the right fit for you. Has your household situation changed? Perhaps you’re newly single, moving in with a partner or you’ve recently separated and are co-parenting. Your young adult children might have moved back home or maybe you’ve become part of a blended family. Whatever the change in your household, it’s a good time to take a look at your health cover. If you and your partner are on separate policies, you may want to consider taking out couples cover. The benefits of this include less admin (as there’s one less policy to manage) and a simpler tax return process. If either of you has Lifetime Health Cover loading (LHC), it gets averaged between you both. However, if the two of you have different healthcare needs, sticking to two singles policies could be a better option. If you or your partner has kids, family cover might be a good choice. With RT Health, adult dependants who are studying full-time up to the age of 30 and are dependent on you for maintenance and support can stay covered under their parents’ policy for free. Working kids up to the age of 30, who are not married or in a de facto relationship and are dependent on you for maintenance and support can remain covered for an additional premium (less than the amount they’d pay for an equivalent single person cover), until the age of 31. Are you approaching a major life milestone? Starting a family is an exciting time and it’s helpful to plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. To be covered for pregnancy and birth, you’ll generally need to have Gold cover. And because there’s a 12-month waiting period, you’ll  need to have it for at least three months before you become pregnant. If you’ve recently changed jobs or been promoted, your salary may have increased, and you may need to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (an extra fee at tax time) if you don’t have an appropriate level of private hospital cover. It’s usually cheaper to take out basic hospital cover than to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge, which, if applicable to you, is based on the percentage of days in the financial year you do not hold eligible hospital cover. When did you last use your cover – and what for? It’s worth taking a moment to think about the last time you used your private health cover. Was it for a dental check-up, new glasses, a physio appointment or a hospital stay? Looking back at your claims history can help you work out whether your current policy still matches your needs. You might realise you’re not taking advantage of benefits you’re paying for or that your current policy no longer reflects the services you need the most. Reviewing how often you claim and which services you actually use can help you decide whether it’s time to make changes to your private health insurance. Has your health status changed? If you (or someone included in your policy) has a health condition,  cover that meets your needs can help with out-of-pocket costs, give you more choice of hospitals and doctors, and get you treated sooner. But a policy that worked for you in the past might not suit your needs now. If your health needs have changed, it might be time to upgrade – just keep in mind that some treatments carry a 12-month waiting period. You also don’t need to wait until you’re sick to use your health cover. Some of our programs may be able to help you prevent or manage any health concerns before they start to impact your everyday life. For example, if type 2 diabetes is a concern, exercise and weight management programs can be a great way to stay on top of your health. Eligible RT Health members have access to 12 weeks of free access to the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet*, exercise physios via their extras cover and they may even be able to claim a benefit for their gym membership. Reviewing your cover Your health needs, finances and lifestyle can change over time, so it’s a good idea to review your health insurance regularly to make sure you’re getting good value – ideally once a year or after a major life event. The first step is to check out your Cover Guide or visit online member services.  Before deciding on any cover, make sure to review the full terms and speak with us to discuss your specific needs. Still have questions? For help and more advice on reviewing your private health insurance, our Member Care team are here to help you get more value from your cover. Give them a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch via email at help@rthealth.com.au * 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. As you get older and consider semi- or full retirement, services like dental, optical and hearing become more important. These services are not always fully covered by Medicare and can come with out-of-pocket costs. Having extras cover can save you money on your check-ups and give you peace of mind in case you need additional treatments. This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website. 

Published July 2026 Expert contributor: Michelle Strother, WA Chair of Australian Physiotherapy Association Occupational Health Group Words by Sabrina Rogers Knee pain can affect everything you do. Discover common knee pain causes and how to manage it effectively. Knee injuries are common, and knee pain affects around one quarter of Australian adults. Many assume it’s just a normal part of playing sport, getting older or working on your feet, but pain or injury shouldn’t be ignored. Addressing it early can prevent it from becoming a serious or recurring issue. Knee injuries can increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that gradually causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the knee joint. The Australian Physiotherapy Association says around 50% of people who experience a serious knee injury will develop knee OA within 10 years. So if you’ve ever experienced knee pain when bending, running or just day-to-day, here’s what you need to know about knee pain causes, prevention and treatment. Common knee pain causes There are several possible causes of knee pain. These can be divided into three main categories. Acute injuries An acute injury happens suddenly, usually from a fall, twist or blow to the knee at work or while playing sport. They can include: Hyperextended knee: This happens when your knee is bent backwards beyond its normal range of movement.  Sprained or torn knee ligaments: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are common examples. Torn cartilage: A torn meniscus, which is a pad of cartilage that absorbs shock in the knee, is a common type of knee cartilage injury. Overuse injuries Overuse injuries happen over a longer period of time, usually when you do the same motion too often at work or during physical activity. They can affect your muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments or nerves. Conditions such as runner’s knee (pain around the kneecap – or patella) and jumper’s knee (pain in the tendon below the kneecap) are common among people who overuse their knees. Arthritis There are two main forms of arthritis in the knee: Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of joint disease. It mainly affects people who are older, overweight or who have had previous knee injuries. It used to be believed that osteoarthritis was due to ‘wear and tear’ of the cartilage and that exercise would make it worse. But recent research has shown it’s a disease that affects the whole joint and physical activity can help manage symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis: Causing inflammation in the knee joints, rheumatoid arthritis often affects people at a younger age than osteoarthritis. First aid for knee injuries If you injure yourself and experience pain and swelling at the knee, Michelle Strother, WA Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association Occupational Health Group, recommends the following steps for the first two to three days: Stop work or activities that aggravate the pain. Keep moving gently if comfortable. Use ice to temporarily numb the pain if needed. Apply a firm compression bandage around the knee. See a doctor if pain persists. When should you seek professional help for knee pain? “If your knee is causing you persistent or severe pain, or it’s impacting your ability to work or function, you should seek help,” says Michelle. “See your GP if your knee is very inflamed or very hot, or if you have other symptoms such as a fever. If your symptoms aren’t as severe, you can self-refer to a physiotherapist if you prefer. Physios are exceptionally well trained in assessing knee pain. They’ll redirect you to your GP, if necessary, or give you an immediate knee pain treatment and management plan.” With some RT Health Extras covers, you can access physiotherapy, exercise physiology and other alternative therapies to help manage your knee pain. While it can be tempting to self-diagnose your knee pain by searching for your symptoms online, it’s always best to see a professional to get an accurate diagnosis. How can you prevent knee pain? Try these four evidence-based strategies to help prevent injury and keep knee pain at bay. 1. Exercise regularly “People often avoid exercise because they think it will make their knee pain worse, but as a general rule, movement is protective,” says Michelle. “But it shouldn’t be extremely high-impact or put the knee in awkward positions, and it should be increased slowly and safely over time. “Strength training is particularly useful for building strength in the key muscle groups around the knee, including the smaller stabilising muscles, provided the knee is loaded in a well-aligned position.” Specific exercises for knee pain can help ease discomfort and support your joints. Remember to warm up before exercising and cool down with a few stretches after. 2. Maintain a healthy weight “We tend to put on extra kilos as we age, but carrying excess weight can stress our joints,” says Michelle. “Keeping your weight in the healthy range can help avoid knee problems.” 3. Manage knee load at home or on the job “There are lots of practical workplace interventions you can apply to reduce the load on your knees,” Michelle explains. “You have to look at your movement patterns and positions, and see where you can make changes. “A carpet layer who is often on their knees or in a low squat position can use knee pads or a kneeling mat and take regular movement breaks. Someone who climbs stairs a lot [for example at a train station] might benefit from reducing unnecessary trips, carrying lighter loads or reorganising tasks to limit repetitive stair use.” 4. Wear supportive footwear “If you’re on your feet all day or carrying heavy loads, having the right work shoes or boots with shock absorption and arch support for proper alignment can help protect your knees,” says Michelle. Need help finding the right knee pain treatment? If you're looking for cover to help support your knee health, 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 wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website. 

Published April 2026 Expert contributor: Nicolette Ellis, Chair of Chronic Pain Australia Words by Angela Tufvesson Chronic pain can affect every part of your life. The right support and health cover can help you access treatments and manage your symptoms. Chronic pain isn’t something you can see, but anyone who’s experienced it knows it can have a real impact on your daily life. For the estimated 3.6 million Aussies living with it, chronic pain is a persistent, complex condition that can affect everything from work and relationships to sleep and mental health. While there’s no single solution, a combination of treatments can help manage pain and improve your quality of life. These can include physio, mental health support, yoga, acupuncture and massage. What is chronic pain? We all feel pain sometimes – but how do you tell acute vs chronic pain apart? Usually, when you get sick or injured, your nerves send messages to your brain telling it something’s wrong. Your brain interprets this as pain. Most of the time, the pain goes away when you get better. This is acute pain. Sometimes, the nerves that carry pain signals to your brain don’t behave the way they should, and pain continues even after the body has healed (usually lasting three months or more). This is known as chronic pain. It can range from mild to severe but is generally felt on most days. Nicolette Ellis, Chair of Chronic Pain Australia, says chronic pain “is not just a symptom”. “It reflects fundamental changes in the nervous system and even the immune system, which can amplify and maintain pain signals,” she explains.   “Chronic pain isn’t just about the injury or condition that started it – it’s a persistent, ongoing experience that affects the whole person, in body and mind.” There are three main types of chronic pain: Tissue pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, pelvic pain, unhealed fractures and rheumatoid arthritis. Nerve pain including from shingles (an infection that causes a painful rash), and burning sensations in the feet due to diabetes, sciatica or spinal nerve damage.  Idiopathic pain where there is no evidence of tissue damage. How chronic pain can affect your life Chronic pain can be a very difficult and isolating condition. Some people experience an increase in pain if they sit for too long. For others, moving too much can be a trigger, making it difficult to go about daily life. Many people are unable to work – either full time or part time – and it’s common to retire early, which can contribute to financial strain. Mental health issues affect 74% of people with chronic pain, according to Chronic Pain Australia’s 2025 National Pain Report. The stigma that comes with chronic pain can add to these issues, with 74% of people saying they feel ignored or dismissed. “In general, our culture struggles to truly empathise with and validate people living with chronic pain,” says Nicolette. Chronic pain treatment For most people, the focus is on managing chronic pain, as there is currently no cure, says Nicolette. “It's very hard to cure chronic pain, as it’s a very complex condition.” She explains that a “multidisciplinary approach” that considers physical, emotional and lifestyle factors tends to work best for improving quality of life. Physiotherapy and exercise physiology Exercise and stretching can be one of the most effective methods for managing pain. “This might look like setting small, achievable goals to reintroduce movement into your daily life,” says Nicolette. Depending on your level of cover, RT Health Extras cover can help with the cost of services like physio and exercise physiology. Yoga and Pilates Mind and body therapies like yoga and Pilates can support mental wellbeing and pain management. “The key is finding strategies that work for you and that you actually enjoy,” says Nicolette. Check your Cover Guide to see if you can claim for these services. Acupuncture and massage Muscle tension, stress and fatigue often make chronic pain worse. Acupuncture is believed to be helpful for a range of conditions, including chronic pain. It works by stimulating specific nerves, which may impact how you feel pain. Nicolette explains that treatments like massage can also help provide relief. Depending on your cover, RT Health Extras cover includes alternative therapies like acupuncture, remedial massage and Swedish massage. Mental health support: CBT for chronic pain Chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health, so talking to a psychologist or counsellor can make a real difference. With RT Health Extras cover, you may be able to access benefits for mental health support. Eligible RT Health members* can also claim for online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) courses through THIS WAY UP – they offer a program specifically for people living with chronic pain, teaching practical, evidence-based CBT strategies to help manage it. Hospital care Sometimes chronic pain requires more intensive treatment, especially if your symptoms worsen or further investigations are needed. With RT Health hospital cover, you can choose your own doctor and potentially avoid long waitlists for certain procedures, offering peace of mind when managing a complex, long-term condition. Questions? We’re always here to help. If you need some info on how and what you can claim, just give us a call on 1300 886 123 or send a quick email to help@rthealth.com.au We’ll be happy to help. * 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 wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.