About Health Insurance

At GMHBA we are committed to explaining the ins and outs of health insurance so that you are fully informed about your cover.

In this section of the website we have included information that explains some of the key health insurance terms and principles.

• Private vs Public

  Australian residents are automatically covered for many hospital-related costs under the Government’s Medicare scheme, however many Australians prefer to take out additional cover to give them access to be treated in the private health care system. Many Australians prefer the option of becoming private hospital patients as they may have more control in choosing their doctor and may be able to reduce their waiting time for elective surgery by choosing to be treated in a private hospital. Read More

• Medicare Levy Surcharge

  The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is an additional tax which Australians need to pay if they are without private health insurance hospital cover and are earning over $84,000 as a single or $168,000 as a couple/family. If you do not hold an eligible hospital cover (or if you drop your hospital cover) you will have to pay additional tax on top of the standard Medicare Levy that applies to all Australian taxpayers. Read More

• Lifetime Healthcare Cover Loading

  The Federal Government introduced the Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) initiative on the 1st of July 2000. From this date, anyone who joins a hospital cover of a registered health fund will be given a Certified Age at Entry (CAE) status – which represents their age when they first joined a hospital cover after the 1st of July 2000. Read More

• Switching From Another Fund

  Switching to GMHBA from another health fund may be easier than you think. Not only is it a simple process, but we can help make sure that you aren't left without cover for any period of time, or have to re-serve any waiting periods. Read More

• Australian Government Rebate on Private Health Insurance

  Until recently most Australians with Private Health Insurance received a 30% rebate to help cover the cost of their premiums. From 1 July 2012, your private health insurance rebate became income tested. Read More

• How Claiming Works

  See how easy it is to use your cover. Read More