• Get vaccinated - it’s one of the most important and effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19, and protect our loved ones.

• Get tested if you feel unwell and self-isolate until you’re given the all-clear.

• Keep up good hygiene.

• Wear masks – in line with your state and territory public safety orders.

• If you do have COVID-19 or you’ve been identified as a close contact, make sure you isolate in your home and follow state or territory public health advice.

If you are admitted to a public hospital and treated as a public patient, your treatment is fully covered by Medicare and you don’t have to use your private health insurance. In fact, you may end up paying extra if you do use your private cover (for instance, if your policy includes an excess).

During this time, it’s more important than ever that you feel supported in any decisions involving your health. So please don’t hesitate to call us on 1800 789 414. 

Please note: this is not applicable to Overseas Health Cover policy holders.

These are stressful and uncertain times. Even if you don't feel ill, you may still find it difficult to cope with things like social distancing, lockdowns and any potential financial pressures. 

You may find it worthwhile to visit the Medibank Better Minds website for some helpful advice, guidance and support for your mental health needs.

Determined by a Medibank-appointed Medical Practitioner, a Pre-Existing Condition (PEC) is an ailment, illness or condition that, in the opinion of a Medical Practitioner appointed by Medibank, the signs or symptoms of which existed at any time in the six-month period ending on the day on which the member became insured under the policy or changed their cover.

If you’re a new member, you’ll have to wait 12 months before you can receive benefits for items or services included on your cover that relate to a pre-existing condition.

If you’re changing to a higher level of cover (either within Medibank or from another fund), you may have to wait 12 months to receive the higher benefits, including benefits for services not previously covered.

Elective surgery restrictions will vary from state to state, so we recommend calling your treating specialist or hospital to check if your elective surgery is impacted, if they haven’t contacted you already.

If you have eligible hospital cover and are either going to hospital or you have recently been discharged, our Hospital Assist service is here for you. If you have any concerns about your hospital stay, please don’t wait, you can call us on 1800 789 414.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, fever, loss of taste or smell, please get tested as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about getting tested, call the National COVID-19 Helpline on 1800 020 080 or call your GP. Check the links below for the nearest COVID-19 testing clinic in your state or territory:

ACT — covid19.act.gov.au

QLD — covid19.qld.gov.au

NT — coronavirus.nt.gov.au

NSW — nsw.gov.au/covid-19

SA — covid-19.sa.gov.au

TAS — coronavirus.tas.gov.au

VIC — dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

WA — healthywa.wa.gov.au