Payment method options
There are a number of ways that you can pay your GMHBA premiums. This way you can choose the method and frequency that best suits your situation. Please note not all payment methods are available on all products.
| Payment method | Details |
| Direct debit | You can save 2% by having your premiums deducted directly from your bank, credit union or building society account. |
| Credit card | 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 direct debit discount. |
| 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. Contact us to find out if this facility is available to you. |
| GMHBA branches | Payments can be made by cheque or EFTPOS. |
| Australia Post | Payments can be made in cash, cheque or EFTPOS when you present your billing notice at any Australia Post office with the Billpay facility. |
| Pay online | Payments can be made by credit card through NAB’s Secure online payment facility. Alternately you can use the BPay facility of your financial institution. |
| Pay by phone | Payments can be made by credit card over the phone using NAB Transact, simply phone 1300 238 959. Alternately you can use the BPay facility of your financial institution. |
| Payments must be made by cheque, money order or credit card. Please do not send cash by mail. |
Claiming method options
There are a number of ways you can claim your extras benefits:
- In most cases, you can swipe your GMHBA membership card at the provider when paying the account, and your provider will bill GMHBA directly (dependent on your provider, some may not have this facility).
- If you need to pay the full account, you can easily claim online through the secure GMHBA member area.
- 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.
Which extras providers can I use?
As long as your provider is registered with the appropriate board for their field, and practising in a private practice, you can claim for their services with GMHBA (provided that you're covered for the relevant service).
To confirm that your provider is listed with GMHBA, contact us, or ask when booking your appointment.
How to claim if you go to hospital
Hospital costs (Private hospitals)
In a private hospital with health insurance - provided that the hospital you have chosen is on the health fund’s participating hospital list and your membership does not exclude this procedure, the only amount that you have to pay for hospital costs is your excess and co-payments (if applicable) if you have one. All other agreed costs are billed to the health insurer after you’ve gone home.
If you chose to have no excess or co-payments on your hospital cover, there will be nothing to pay.
Hospital costs (Public hospitals)
In a public hospital with health insurance - referred to as 'private patient in a public hospital' - provided your membership does not exclude the procedure the only amount that you will have to pay for hospital costs is your excess if you have one. All other costs are billed to health insurer after you've gone home.
Which hospitals are on GMHBA's "participating hospital list"?
Check the list of participating private hospitals. This is subject to change, so to be 100% sure, either ask the hospital, or contact us.
Medical costs
Medical costs are processed differently to hospital costs. How they are paid depends upon whether or not your doctor is participating in your health fund's Gap Cover Scheme. You can find out if your doctor is participating by asking them prior to treatment.
| If your doctor is participating with your health insurer | If your doctor is not participating with your health insurer |
|---|---|
| 1. The bill for your medical costs is sent to Medicare and your health insurer. | 1. After you have left the hospital, take your paperwork to Medicare. They'll issue cheques and medical statements. |
| 2. Medicare and your health insurer pay their portion directly to the doctor. | 2. You send the medical statements to your health insurer, and your health insurer will send you cheques for payment. |
| 3. The doctor sends you a bill for whatever is not covered by Medicare or your health insurer (your out-of-pocket expenses). | 3. You send these cheques and the Medicare cheques to your doctor. |
| 4. The doctor sends you a bill for whatever is not covered by Medicare or your health insurer (your out-of-pocket expenses). |
Which doctors are participating with GMHBA?
Doctors can opt to use GMHBA's Gap Cover Scheme on a case by case basis, so it's best to confirm with your doctor directly. If they aren't registered you can ask whether they would be willing to participate in GMHBA's Gap Cover Scheme. You can also contact us to check whether your doctor has previously registered to participate in GMHBA's Gap Cover Scheme.