COVID-19 information for members

GMHBA is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our members and community at this time. 

COVID-19 support for members

COVID-19 has been an uncertain time for all and GMHBA is doing everything possible to support our members during the pandemic. As a not for profit health fund, we always put members first and we will continue to provide assistance in a range of ways as part of our COVID-19 member support package. 

Telehealth

Telehealth ancillary benefits

Telehealth ancillary benefits are available for a wide range of extras services to support continuity of care at home.

Physio

Kieser Konnect app

All GMHBA members have access to Kieser Konnect, which features video strength and conditioning programs compiled by Kieser’s physiotherapists.

Hospital cover for COVID-19

All members with hospital cover will be covered for COVID-19 related hospitalisations, regardless of your level of cover.

not-for-profi

Children’s COVID-19 vaccines

Everyone over 5 years can now book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for children, including strategies to manage anxiety.

COVID-19 vaccinations

It’s up to all of us to play our role in getting life back to normal. The Australian Government Department of Health has everything you need to know about vaccinations and guidance on making a booking.

Financial hardship assistance

If you’re still experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, you may be eligible to suspend your membership, with the ability to reactivate your cover at any time you need.

COVID-19 and your health cover – frequently asked questions

  • GMHBA has introduced new support measures, which mean existing members with hospital cover will be covered for all COVID-19 related hospital treatments as a private patient, as long as you have served your initial two-month waiting periods.
  • This COVID-19 coverage will be provided until 30 September 2022.
  • We have added wording to hospital eligibility checks to confirm coverage for all of our members with hospital cover so the hospitals are aware that you will be covered. 
  • Coronavirus does not have its own clinical category or MBS item number.
  • If you are admitted into hospital to determine the root cause of the presenting illness, this is covered the same way as it would for any other medical admission, eg. flu/pneumonia.
  • If you are admitted to hospital as a result of a condition developed following contracting coronavirus, the condition will come under the applicable clinical category, eg. Lung and Chest.

 

  • We don't cover outpatient appointments such as GP appointments, blood tests etc.
  • These rules will continue to apply as normal, including for coronavirus.

 

 

  • If you buy health insurance now to be covered for coronavirus, the standard two-month hospital waiting periods will apply before you are able to claim benefits.
  • The rules in relation to pre-existing conditions for hospital cover will not apply.

Yes. You may be able to suspend your cover due to financial hardship if you've had an active GMHBA health insurance policy for at least six months. 

During a suspension period, you won't need to pay your premium, but you also won't be able to claim on services for this period of time.

Additional suspension measures we have put in place for members who may be experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic include:

  • Suspension for up to 12 months.
  • Waiving the minimum suspension period so you can reactivate at any time you need.  

Find out more or talk to one of our customer service representatives about your situation and they can guide you through the things to consider, ensure you have the right level of affordable cover and answer any questions.

As with any other type of suspension, you are not able to claim benefits while your cover is suspended.

  • On 21 April, the Federal Government announced that elective surgery will resume from 27 April.
  • The reintroduction of elective surgeries will be staged, determined by clinicians and include:
    • procedures representing low risk, high value care as determined by specialist societies
    • selection of patients who are at low risk of post-operative deterioration
    • children whose procedures have exceeded clinical wait times
    • assisted reproduction; endoscopic procedures; screening programs; and critical dental procedures.
  • If you have a pre-booked hospital admission or ongoing hospital treatment, we encourage you to regularly check in with your doctor and hospital before your admission for the most up-to-date information.