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1 April 2018 Changes to Private Health Insurance

From 1 April 2018, the Australian Government will start to make changes to private health insurance. This is a positive step towards better mental health.

Upgrade your level of private health insurance cover

If you are admitted for mental health services, and you don’t have hospital cover as part of your private health insurance, you have the option to upgrade your level of cover. For patients will low-level insurance, upgrading to a higher level of cover could avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

You can choose to be fully covered for your hospital accommodation without serving a waiting period with your insurer. This means you can access our mental health treatments and programs when you need to.

This is a once-only option and can be used at any time from taking out your private health insurance.

Access as many treatments and programs as you need 

Previous limits on the number of mental health programs or treatments you could claim have been removed. This means you can access our full range of services to get well and manage your mental health. Our specialised team will work with you to decide the best possible mental health care for you.

More simplified insurance policies

Private health insurers will have to simplify their insurance policies so you know exactly what’s included and what you might need to pay extra for.

From 1 April 2019, your private health insurance policy must be categorised into one of four hospital products - Gold, Silver, Bronze or Basic. You’ll be able to compare your policy with other insurers and see the level of cover you have.

Some private health insurance policies had a Benefit Limitation Period for mental health services. This meant you could only claim full benefits after a period of time had elapsed. There will be no more Benefit Limitation Periods for mental health services as part of this government initiative.

Mental health services for regional and rural Australia

From 1 April 2019, patients living in regional and rural Australia can access our mental health services. Ask your insurer about travel and accommodation benefits. Talk to your doctor or treating specialist about travelling to Perth to access our mental health treatments and programs.

Contact us

For more information, contact your health fund provider or our Admissions and Assessment team on 1800 540 388.