PHONE CALL

You can save a stack of money by following our simple script when calling for a deal, writes

BEFORE CALLING Preparation is vital. Know what your policy costs you every month and how it compares with other health insurance companies. There are several comparison websites that can help with this, or visit independent site privatehealth.gov.au for health cover. THE SCRIPT

YOU Hi. I’ve been researching my policy details and costs and am thinking about switching to another insurance company to get a better deal.

INSURER Oh? Perhaps we can do something to help you. (At this point, they will most likely transfer your call to their designated customer retention team, whose members have more ability to give discounts and other incentives.)

YOU How much cheaper can you make my insurance? There are better deals in the market.

INSURER Well, there are a range of ways we could do this. (This may include removing some parts of your cover — such as pregnancy — or increasing your excess, which means you pay more when you claim.)

YOU No, I don’t want to lose any benefits at all. I want you to beat your competitors. Another insurance company will offer me exactly the same cover for $20/$40/$60 per month less. (This is where your research comes into play.)

INSURER OK, let’s see what we can do.

YOU Thank you (and don’t hang up until you’re satisfied). If your insurer cannot do better than other available deals, be prepared to walk. Health insurance is community rated, which means companies cannot charge you more based on your risk. Cost and benefits are all they have to play with.