Extras: Try to pick and choose what you need/value. I've no plans to use acupuncture or half the other bullshit that gets crammed into my plan, but general dental and optical are worth it. What I save with 2 free checkups/cleans/xrays per year + an eye test & glasses probably goes halfway to covering my yearly premium.

Hospital: I've found lot of the cheaper plans aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Obviously it depends on your general health and how unlucky you are, but do some research into exactly what each plan covers.. especially when it comes to hospital. There's no point paying for something that leaves you high and dry when something big goes wrong. The basic plans will cover you for an accident or appendectomy, but anything serious and you're on your own.

I had a family member that needed surgery to remove cancer. Having top cover allowed them to have it done almost immediately and with a greater prognosis. Robotic surgery in a matter of weeks vs being put on a waiting list for god knows how long to see a public system surgeon doing things the old fashioned way.

Keep in mind that not everything is covered, they were out of pocket around 18k for a procedure which including all appointments ultimately ended up costing a little over 40k.