We've recently changed from Mutual Community to Medibank Private because I could claim a wider range of things (like my new orthotics). A few things are dearer now (like my chiropractor), but overall, I'm happy with Medibank. We pay about $90 a fortnight for extras (intermediate cover) and hospital.

I've chosen to have hospital cover in case I need elective surgery. The public wait list can be months or years long - but privately you can usually get it done within months. Just something to consider.

We've also got ambulance cover with SA Ambulance as the insurance only covers 'life threatening' ambulance call-outs. So if you fall off a ladder and break your leg - you could still get a bill It's $32 a year for the whole family to be covered for ANYTHING. Gives me peace of mind so I wouldn't think twice about calling an ambulance if I thought I needed one.