Published 16 Jul 2025
Healthier Heart at GMHBA offers personalised digital program with nurse support to improve heart health and recovery.
Heart disease is Australia’s number one killer1, but GMHBA has launched a new program helping members take control of their recovery and improve access to ongoing care.
In FY23, GMHBA, Australia’s leading not-for-profit regional private health insurer saw:
- More than 6,800 cardiac-related hospital admissions among members
- $83.3 million in cardiac-related claims
- 44% of members readmitted within six months of their initial heart event
- Almost 3,000 members eligible2 for cardiac rehab
GMHBA’s new partnership with Cardihab, will provide eligible3 members on Silver Tier hospital cover or higher and who have been hospitalised for a cardiac event in the past six months, with access to Healthier Heart at GMHBA. The six-week, digital cardiac rehabilitation program is fully funded by GMHBA4 and requires a doctor’s referral.
Cardihab is an Australian digital health company pioneering virtual cardiac rehabilitation and chronic disease management solutions. Founded in 2016 as a spin-out from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Cardihab was established to translate remote cardiac rehabilitation research and technology into clinical practice.
Regardless of where they live, patients recovering from a cardiac event often face significant challenges with travel due to post-incident restrictions. This program overcomes those barriers by delivering expert care and continuous support virtually, making essential cardiac rehabilitation more accessible than ever before. As long as they meet the eligibility criteria, all they require is a referral from their doctor.
The digital program is supported by an experienced cardiac nurse from GMHBA’s care team, providing personalised guidance and support over the phone. The aim is to empower patients to manage their heart health, improve individual outcomes through tailored care, build health literacy, support emotional wellbeing after a cardiac event, reduce the risk of complications and hospital readmission, and enhance quality of life.
GMHBA CEO David Greig said improving members’ access to expert care from home meant geography was no longer a determinant of care.
“Attending even a single session of cardiac rehab can make a meaningful difference to recovery. But the greatest benefits come with ongoing participation,” he said.
“Our goal with this partnership is to make cardiac rehab more accessible and flexible, so more people can complete the care they need and dramatically improve their long term health and wellbeing.”
Delivered via telehealth, and smartphone or tablet, the program includes:
- Personalised recovery plans tailored to each patient
- Education, exercise support, and psychological care led by specialist cardiac nurses
- Remote monitoring and communication tools to keep patients and clinicians connected
The platform is secure, easy to use, and fully compliant with health privacy regulations.
This new offering aligns with GMHBA’s focus on value-based care, ensuring members receive timely, effective support after hospitalisation to prevent relapse and support long-term wellbeing.
St John of God Geelong Director Nursing Matt Young said: “Cardiac disease remains a significant health challenge in Australia, profoundly impacting individuals and their quality of life. A virtual rehabilitation program provides a seamless transition from hospital to home, offering expert care, tailored support, and the flexibility of remote recovery. By leveraging innovation, it enhances accessibility, optimizes patient outcomes, and provides a commitment to holistic, patient-centred care.”
Cardihab CEO Helen Souris said: “Quality cardiac rehabilitation programs improve people’s quality of life after heart events or surgery, can prevent hospital readmissions and even save lives, which is why the guidelines recommend all patients that have had a heart attack or unstable angina should be referred to a program.”
[1] Heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease in Australia: Statistics and facts
[2] Based on their hospital cover, waiting periods served and diagnostic criteria.
[3] www.gmhba.com.au/healthier-heart
[4] To be eligible for GMHBA to fund your participation in the Healthier Heart at GMHBA program you must be 18 years or older, hold an active Silver Tier Hospital policy (or higher), have served all relevant waiting periods, and have had a cardiac related admission in the last six months.
