We continue to support the wellbeing of members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our $300m member support package included postponing premium increases for members back in April 2020 for six months, as well as continuing to offer a support package for hospitalised members and growing our telehealth offering.  This is the next phase in our support package. We are now returning around $105 million in COVID-19 claims savings from the last financial year to members.  

Last financial year, private health insurers were required by the industry regulator to hold funds in order to pay for an anticipated catch up in elective surgeries after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. COVID-19 claims savings is the excess funding we are returning to members by way of free days of cover.

To be eligible for free days of cover you must have been a Medibank member with an active resident hospital and/ or extras policy at any point between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021. This excludes members with Ambulance only cover, Overseas Visitors Cover, Overseas Workers Cover and Overseas Student Health Cover.

This is calculated based on the period of time you were an active member during the last financial year. You don’t need to do anything - we will be applying days of free cover to your policy by extending the date you are paid to. 

It was vitally important for Medibank to support our members throughout COVID-19 from a financial and health aspect.  Medibank introduced a range of support programs in 2020 which continued to be available for members when they need them. More information can be found here.

For most members, you’ll notice you’ll pay less than usual before the end of October over one or two bills, it depends on how often you pay your premium. You don’t have to do anything; your premium will be automatically adjusted. For members who pay quarterly, half yearly or yearly, you’ll see that your next premium will be a little less.

The days of free cover are per policy. 

If you’re eligible, your arrears amount owing will be reduced after we apply your free days of cover to your policy.  

If your policy was active at any point between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021, and you reactivate your policy before 30 June 2022, your first premium payment will be a little less than usual.  

If you held an active resident hospital and/ or extras policy at any point between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021 but your policy has since been closed, and you’re eligible for days of free cover we’ll send you a cheque or direct credit your saving back to you. And remember – we’d love to have you back as part of Medibank again!

If you have already paid your premium (quarterly, half yearly or yearly) and are eligible, your free days of cover will be added to your next premium bill.

As your employer pays for your premium, they will receive the giveback.  

You’ll receive a cheque or direct credit to the value of your free days of cover.