Which two Healthscope hospitals are closing?
Geelong Private Hospital and Cotham Private Hospital.
When will they close?
Based on available information, we expect Geelong Private Hospital and Cotham Private Hospital to close before the end of June 2018. Your doctor should be able to refer you to another hospital.
What should I do if my doctor/specialist refers me to another hospital?
If you doctor refers you to another hospital, its best that you contact us on 132 331 prior to any hospital admission to discuss your options and out-of-pocket fees.
Are there any alternative private hospitals nearby?
There are Member’s Choice private hospital alternatives for all major speciality treatments, listed below. We suggest that you speak to your doctor/specialist about the alternative options.
What if my doctor/specialist recommends treatment at a non-Members’ Choice hospital?
When your doctor refers you to another hospital for treatment, get in touch with us before you agree to any hospital admission. That way:
- We can take you through what is and what isn’t covered by your policy.
- We’ll let you know what questions to ask your health service providers so you’re fully aware of any out-of-pocket expenses up front.
You can call us on 132 331 between 8am–8pm Monday to Friday, or 9am–4pm Saturdays (AEST).
List of nearby Members' Choice hospitals
| Healthscope hospital closing at the end of June 2018 | Nearby Members’ Choice private hospital alternatives (within 10km radius) |
|---|---|
| Geelong Private Hospital | Epworth Geelong |
| St John of God Geelong | |
| Cotham Private Hospital | St Vincent's Private Hospital Kew |
| Epworth Hawthorn | |
| Epworth Richmond | |
| Epworth Freemasons | |
| Warringal Private Hospital | |
| Cabrini Hospital Malvern | |
| Epworth Eastern | |
| The Avenue Hospital | |
| Masada Private Hospital | |
| Bellbird Private Hospital |
We've got your questions covered
There are a number of alternative Members’ Choice private hospitals within 10km of Geelong Private Hospital and Cotham Private Hospital – see above.
Your doctor/specialist may choose to refer you to one of these hospitals.
If your doctor recommends a different hospital, please call us on 132 331 between 8am–8pm Monday to Friday, or 9am–4pm Saturdays (AEST) to check if it is a Members’ Choice hospital.
If you need treatment, or you have an upcoming procedure at Geelong Private Hospital or Cotham Private Hospital, after June 2018 we will help advise you on the private health insurance benefits available at the alternative hospital your doctor has referred you to.
To keep your costs in check, it’s best to get in touch with us before any hospital admission. That way:
- We can take you through what is and what isn’t included in your policy.
- We’ll let you know what questions to ask your doctor/specialist or health service providers so you’re fully aware of any out-of-pocket expenses up front.
You can call us on 132 331 between 8am–8pm Monday to Friday, or 9am–4pm Saturdays (AEST).
Your hospital should always obtain your Informed Financial Consent before treatment.
This means they need to tell you in advance if you might incur any out-of-pocket costs in connection with the treatment you’re about to receive, and the likely amount of those costs.
It is your right to know this, so make sure to ask prior to your treatment.
Non-Members’ Choice private hospitals can choose to charge members additional hospital costs like hospital accommodation.
We have an extensive network of Members’ Choice hospitals that can provide better value.
The hospitals listed above are all Members’ Choice hospitals and are located near to Geelong Private Hospital and Cotham Private Hospital.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch on 132 331 between 8am–8pm Monday to Friday, or 9am–4pm Saturdays (AEST).
We want to give you more confidence and clarity over what your hospital experience will be – what it will cost you, and what you can do to minimise that cost.
For that reason, Medibank has agreements in place with a range of private hospitals (including those listed above), to ensure better value and quality of care.
Medibank is working with Healthscope to confirm upcoming member bookings at Geelong Private Hospital and Cotham Private Hospital.
Medibank intends to contact all affected members (in writing or by phone) to advise them in relation to the hospital closures, any impact it may have on them and what they can do about it.