Going to hospital guide

Understanding your health journey doesn't need to be hard. Learn what to expect from specialists, how to avoid unexpected out of pockets if you go to hospital and the right questions to ask about your care.

Supporting your hospital stay

We've created a step by step guide to support you, if you or a loved one need to go to hospital. You should feel informed and in control of the decisions surrounding your health, so we're here to help with the right questions to ask throughout the process.

Before hospital

  • STEP 1

    Speak with your GP

    Whether you have an ongoing issue or noticed a change that you'd like to investigate, your GP is the place to start if you have concerns about your health. 

     

     

     

  • STEP 2

    Get a referral

    Patients can be referred to a specialist or consultant physician for treatment of their condition. Many people don’t know that a referral can be used for any specialist in the same medical specialty.

  • STEP 3

    Understand your GMHBA policy

    To avoid unexpected out of pocket costs and to help you feel more comfortable about your hospital stay, we encourage you to contact GMHBA as soon as you find out that you may need to go to hospital.

  • STEP 4

    Find the right specialist for you

    Not all specialists charge the same fees, practice at the same hospitals or are available to be seen immediately. Understand questions you can ask and the ways you can select a specialist of your choice.

  • STEP 5

    Meet your preferred specialist

    Once you have selected a specialist, understand what to expect, and what to ask them about any proposed treatments.

  • STEP 6

    Understand your procedure and costs involved

    Surgeons, anaesthetists, excesses, diagnostics, hospital, medical, and pharmacy costs. It is important for you to understand what you are covered for under your policy, the fees doctors and hospitals may charge for their services and which of these can be paid for under your health insurance.

At hospital

  • STEP 7

    Hospital admission - what to expect

    Understand what to expect when you go to hospital, and some helpful hints for your stay.

  • STEP 8

    Understand your rights and responsibilities in hospital

    From medical costs, informed financial consent and trusting family members to make decisions on your behalf.

After hospital

  • STEP 9

    After your treatment

    What to expect after a treatment or surgery can differ depending on your expected outcome. Understand what questions to ask your specialist after your treatment, and learn about rehabilitation and support.