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.

Every state and territory will have their own advice and regulations in place, so we recommend calling your health provider to check their COVID-safe practices before an appointment. There may even be a telehealth option for your consultation.

Now is an important time to keep to our health checks and appointments with health professionals to help prevent and manage any ongoing health issues during this difficult and stressful time.

If you are admitted to hospital and treated as a private patient, you may have some out-of-pocket expenses. 

For treatments included under your policy, Medicare and Medibank will jointly cover the cost of each MBS-listed item that was provided in your treatment, up to the MBS fee (the set government fee). 

However, if your treating doctors choose to charge more than the MBS fee, you may have to pay the gap amount as an out-of-pocket cost. Read more about how Medibank’s GapCover scheme can help reduce some of these out-of-pocket costs. 

Also, keep in mind that some private hospitals charge an emergency department facility fee. Because this is generally a fee that the hospital charges an outpatient, it isn’t usually covered by private health hospital insurance. 

And if your policy includes an excess, then this is also payable by you.