Top deal or no deal?

SMARTPHONE users have caught a break, with telcos introducing 36- month terms for paying off handsets, instead of the traditional 24 months.

The latest iPhone X costs $ 1579, while the Samsung S9+ 64GB devices start from $ 1349, which customers can now repay in smaller increments.

Vodafone and Woolworths are among those offering longer deals, but telco comparison website WhistleOut’s spokesman Kenny McGilvary said there are pros and cons.

“If you want to have a lower monthly payment and are happy to stick with the same handset then, yes, they are a good plan because you can manage your cashflow better,’’ he said.

“But if you are someone who likes having a newer phone in your hands then it locks you in.”

Vodafone’s consumer business unit director Ben McIntosh said the telco has “ripped up” old- fashioned 24- month contracts in favour of flexible term options and month- by- month usage deals.

“For 30 years it’s been sign your life away for two years and you can’t change plans, if one of the big boys brings out a new plan you can’t switch to that because you are stuck,’’ he said.

“With us you take your smartphone of choice and pay for it interest free over 12, 24 or 36 months.”

Mr McIntosh said customers can pick a month- to- month plan to marry up with their handset and if they do decide to switch carriers they pay out the remainder owing on their device without being stung with early payment fees.

Supermarket giant Woolworths, which uses the Telstra network, also allows customers to pay off devices such as Samsung, Motorola or Oppo phones over three years, starting from $ 32 per month.

Its head of mobile James McMurrough said the 36- month deals started late last year because customers were holding on to the phones for longer than two years without wanting an upgrade. HEALTH insurance members have just six days left to decide if they want to switch or ditch their cover before the next premium hike hits. Here’s some last minute tips on how to secure yourself the right policy and reduce your hip pocket pain. CHECK YOUR COVER Financial comparison website iSelect’s spokeswoman Natalie Pennisi is urging Australians to take action this week “to avoid having to pay more for your health insurance”. “Before you think about ditching, think about switching to a provider and cover that’s right for you,’’ she said. Work out your inclusions and exclusions and then work out what you need in the next 12 months. EXTRAS This can sometimes be a waste of money so ask your insurer for a copy of all your extras claims in the past year and also the cost of having extras cover. Then do the maths. If your money back on extras claims doesn’t exceed the cost of having excess cover, give it the flick. HUNT FOR POLICIES Be aware when using financial comparison websites they don’t include every insurer and policy on the market, so to get a full snapshot go to privatehealth. gov. au. INCENTIVES Insurers are using plenty of bait to entice new business, so if you sign up before April 1 chances are you’ll get a little sweetener for doing so.

From a short period of free cover, gift vouchers, movie tickets, Flybuys points or free Lycra, insurers are doing much to snare new customers. Some offer corporate discounts – check with your employer.

To get a full snapshot of all providers and policies use the privatehealth. gov. au to compare.

As to how frequently you should do this, NIB’s group executive Rhod McKensey said customers should do it “every two years.”

Mother- of- two Sarah Dunn, 32, said she is on the lookout for a new insurer after being with the same provider most of her life.

“We thought we were covered for obstetrics with our second child and we weren’t which was disappointing,’’ she said. “We’re on a tight budget so we have to find the best value for us.” AVOID THE PRICE HIKE Premiums are set to jump by an average of 3.95 per cent on April 1 – the lowest level since 2001.

Research by consumer group Choice shows the latest hikes will cost a single- person an extra $ 90 per year and families about $ 158 with top hospital cover.

Walsh suggests paying 12 months of your premium before next month. “As rates can go up from April 1, paying your annual premium prior allows you to lock in your current rate for another year,’’ he said.