Telehealth for GMHBA members

Telehealth benefits for some extras services that were introduced as part of our COVID-19 support package (in line with the level of cover you hold) are now permanent.

Telehealth consultations are safe, effective and provide our members with continuity of care from their homes.

Telehealth services available

In line with your level of cover, GMHBA members with extras cover can access benefits for telehealth consultations for:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Psychology
  • Exercise physiology 
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Dietetics
  • Antenatal and postnatal classes
  • Diabetes education consultations
  • Approved quit smoking programs
  • Weight management programs

 

Electronic claiming for telehealth services

GMHBA members are able to claim for telehealth services at the end of your consultation through electronic claiming. To do this, you will need to advise your provider of your 19-digit GMHBA member card number.

To have your member card number on hand before your consultation, you can access this information in the online member area, or you can contact us prior to your telehealth consultation. 

The member card number is essential for your provider to be able to key your private health insurance details into their electronic claiming machine.

Telehealth frequently asked questions

GMHBA will pay benefits towards the following services for telehealth consultations:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Psychology
  • Dietetics
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy with a speech pathologist
  • Exercise physiology
  • Antenatal and postnatal classes
  • Weight management programs
  • Approved quit smoking programs
  • Diabetes education consultations
  • To be eligible for telehealth benefits, your extras cover must include the relevant treatment type, you must have satisfied any relevant waiting periods and you must not have reached your annual limit for the relevant treatment type.
  • You can check which services you’re covered for by logging into the GMHBA app or your online member area.
  • Benefits for telehealth treatments are the same as the benefits you would ordinarily be entitled to for face-to-face treatment, as such out-of-pocket costs may apply.
  • A telehealth consultation will only be provided where it is safe and clinically appropriate, so please check with your provider to see if this is something they're able to do.

You can claim electronically for telehealth services at the end of your consultation. To do this, you will need to advise your provider of your 19-digit GMHBA member card number.

To have your member card number on hand before your consultation, you can access the member card number in the online member area, or you can contact us prior to your telehealth consultation.

Another option is to pay for the service upfront and then lodge your claim for benefits to be paid back into your nominated bank account. You can lodge your claim:

  • via the GMHBA app – Take a photo of your receipt and upload in the app to make a claim. To download visit the App Store or Google Play.
  • via the online member areaLog in to your secure online member area to make a claim. This is the fastest way to receive your benefits if you need to manually claim. Benefits will be put directly into your nominated bank account.
  • In a branch – Visit your local branch to make a claim. 
  • By postComplete a claim form and submit by post.

All other extras claiming rules still apply as they would for standard extras claims.

Yes, it is up to the provider to determine the appropriate method for delivering telehealth services, and GMHBA will pay benefits towards services provided by both videoconference and telephone.

If you’ve already been seeing a particular health service provider regularly, check with them first to see whether they’re able to offer a telehealth consultation for your next appointment.

If you’re looking for a new health service provider offering telehealth consultations, use one of the search tools below to help connect you with telehealth providers across the country

  • The cost should not be more than what you normally pay, but ask your health care provider about fees and charges for telehealth services.
  • Benefits for telehealth treatments are the same as the benefits you would ordinarily be entitled to for face-to-face treatment, as such out-of-pocket costs may apply.

After you’ve reached your annual limits for a particular extras service on your policy, you will no longer be able to claim benefits for that service.