Once you have chosen the cover that best suits your needs you will need to select a payment option and find out how to claim.
Excess
An excess is a way of sharing the cost of your hospital care and reducing your premiums. By selecting an amount you're prepared to pay before claiming, you can significantly reduce your premiums.
So if you don't think you'll be hospitalised, an excess is a great way to save money. There's more information about excesses in the 2010 GMHBA Member Guide.
Private Health Members' Rebate
As long as all people covered on the membership have full Medicare eligibility, you are eligible for the Private Health Members' Rebate. The rebate percentage you receive back is dependent on your age shown in the table below.
| Age |
Rebate Reduction
(% of whole membership) |
| 64 or under |
30% |
| 65-69 |
35% |
| 70 or over |
40% |
As soon as one member on the membership moves to the next age bracket the entire membership will receive either 35% or 40%.
You can claim the rebate as a reduction to your premiums, as a tax rebate when you lodge your annual tax return or as a direct payment from the Government through any Medicare office.
The easiest way for you to claim the rebate is to register with GMHBA. We'll then deduct the rebate from your premiums - and you'll pay less.
Payment method options
Direct debit
You can save 2% by having your premiums deducted directly from your bank, credit union or building society account. Renewal and reminder notices are not sent if you pay by automatic direct debit.
Credit card
When you choose this option, your premiums are automatically debited from your MasterCard or Visa credit card each month, quarter, half-year or year - whichever you prefer. Please note that automatic payments from a credit card do not attract the 2% direct debit discount. Renewal and reminder notices are not sent if you pay by automatic direct debit.
Payroll deduction
You may also be able to save time by having your employer deduct your premiums directly from your salary and sending them to GMHBA.
Call our customer service centre on 1300 4 GMHBA (46422) or visit a branch to find out if this facility is available to you.
Direct to GMHBA
Your premiums can also be paid using any of the following payment method options:
- GMHBA branches - payments can be made in cash, cheque or EFTPOS.
- GMHBA agents - payments can be made in cash or cheque.
- Australia Post - payments can be made in cash, cheque or EFTPOS when you present your renewal notice at any Australia Post office with the Billpay facility. You can pay using your credit card online at postbillpay.com.au.
- Pay by Web - payments can be made through NAB's Secure online payment facility, or alternatively use the BPay facility of your financial institution.
- Phone or internet - payments can be made using the BPay facility of your financial institution.
- Mail - payments must be made by cheque, money order or credit card. Please do not send cash by mail.
When making a direct payment either in person or by mail, you must present your renewal notice. This provides details of your cover and the premiums to be paid. A renewal notice will be sent to you if your premium is paid direct to GMHBA, either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly in advance.
How to claim
There are a number of ways you can claim your benefits including:
- Bulk bill or electronic payment systems direct at your provider (dependent on your provider, some may not have this facility).
- Visit a GMHBA branch with an itemised receipt and/or account.
- Complete a GMHBA claim form and post to GMHBA along with your itemised receipt and/or account.
- Lodge your claim at a Medicare office who will forward to GMHBA for processing.