Private health insurance during COVID-19

Having private health insurance is more important than ever

COVID-19 does not mean the treatment for other illnesses stops. Treatment is still needed for accidents, injuries and infections. Women are still giving birth. People continue to battle cancer, cardio-related illness, chronic disease and pain. Members still need access to in-hospital mental health treatment.

Members with private health insurance can avoid long public hospital waiting lists, have their surgery performed by a doctor of their choice and have continuity of care.

HAVING PRIVATE HEALTH COVER MEANS:

Private health insurers are working with private hospitals and doctors to give patients access to timely, safe and efficient care.

Allied health services like dental, physio and optical are operating as normal in many states and with COVID-safe measures in place in others.

Funds are also covering new services. Eligible members will now be covered for some vital telehealth services including:

• Psychology
• Physiotherapy
• Speech pathology
• Dietetics
• Exercise physiology

Some health funds are also offering treatment outside of hospital, such as chemotherapy at home.

Does my private health insurance cover treatment for COVID-19?

If you contract COVID-19 and would like to be treated as a private patient you can use your private health insurance.

This includes any in-hospital treatment that may be required as a result of rare adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccinations.

All policies, regardless of whether they are Basic, Bronze, Silver or Gold, cover members for hospitalisation related to COVID-19.

I’ve lost my job and can’t afford my private health insurance. What are my options?

If you need premium relief, contact your health fund directly to discuss your options.

I’m worried about my mental health during COVID-19, how can private health insurance help?

Private health insurers are now covering some vital psychology telehealth services.

Private health insurance continues to cover admissions to hospital for mental health treatment.

If you need access to immediate help always call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Otherwise, ring your health fund who is always willing to help you access support – whether it’s in the form of online resources, coverage for psychology telehealth or covering an in-hospital claim.

Will more changes be made to my private health insurance?

Health funds are working hard behind the scenes to introduce new telehealth services for members, cover more services in the home (like chemotherapy) and provide more financial relief for members.

No health fund is seeking to profit from any temporary suspension of elective surgery and a reduction in allied health care delivery. Health funds will ensure that customers are the beneficiaries of savings from any temporary reduction of these services across the sector.

This is an ongoing process and health funds will be reviewing their financial position (and regulatory/capital requirements) over the coming months to provide as much support as possible to members.

Different funds have chosen to do this in different ways, including but not limited to, rebates, short term premium reductions, extension of benefits and rollover of extras benefits until the next calendar year.

Information on the COVID-19 vaccination program in your state or Territory

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia, even if you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This includes people without a Medicare card, overseas visitors, international students, migrant workers and asylum seekers.

Regardless of which state or Territory in Australia you live in, to find out when and where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book an appointment if you are eligible, or register your interest, please visit the Australian Government’s Vaccine Eligibility Checker Tool. More locations are being added regularly to this centralised website, so check back to find a clinic near you.

For the latest health information, visit health.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. This operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

If you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.

Contact your health fund

If consumers have any questions, they are encouraged to contact their health fund directly.

 

 

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