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^ To be eligible for the waiver, you need to have held hospital cover without a break of more than 2 months. You can only use the Mental Health Waiver once in your lifetime. The waiver only applies to the 2-month waiting period for the higher Included benefits for in-hospital psychiatric services and all other applicable waiting periods will continue to apply.
For 24/7 Mental Health Support, members with health insurance can call 1800 644 325 at no extra cost.~ Find out more here.
Where to go, what to do
The mental health journey is often complex, and finding out where you can go for help can be challenging. When is the right time to seek support for your mental health? And where should you go? We'll help you find the right support, at the right time and explain how health cover can help.
Knowing when to seek support
We’ve all had bad days. But what happens when a bad day turns into something more? What are the warning signs to look out for, and at what point should you seek support?
Using your cover
Whether you have hospital cover, extras, or both, we’ll show you how Medibank health cover can help you access a range of mental health support services.
Where to go for support
Reaching out for support is a big step. But it's not always easy to know where to go. We'll guide you through some options and next steps for better mental health.
Supporting someone you care about
Sometimes it takes a friend or family member to notice someone is struggling. We’ll guide you to a better understanding of what your loved one may be going through, and how best to support them.
Better supported with 24/7 Mental Health Support
Medibank health insurance members can chat to a mental health professional any time of the day or night at no extra cost.~ Watch our Mental Health Support staff talk about how they can help.
Recommended reading
Finding the right mental health professional for you
What's the difference between a psychologist and counsellor? And what should you ask before you commit?
Caring for your child's mental health
Depression and sadness have some things in common, but they're quite different. Here's how to tell the difference between the two.
3 top apps for stress and anxiety
Researchers at Deakin University assessed more than 40 mental health apps and the results are in.
Make the most of your cover
As an eligible Medibank member, you get more than just health insurance. You get extra support when you need it most.
Medibank Better Minds App
Want to manage your mental health on your own terms, in your own time? Medibank’s Better Minds app provides personalised support and follow ups by health professionals for those at risk, all included in your hospital cover.€
No waiting periods on psychology and counselling consultations
No waiting periods for consultations with psychologists, counsellors and mental health social workers on eligible Medibank extras and packaged products.§
Mental Health Waiver
Eligible members^ with hospital cover who have served a waiting period for Restricted hospital psychiatric services on Basic, Bronze or Silver Hospital cover, can choose to upgrade their cover to one with Included hospital psychiatric services, and have the 2-month waiting period for those higher benefits on psychiatric services waived. This waiver applies only once per lifetime.
Looking for more?
Learn more about using your cover and exclusive services to support you and your family. View all services.
Explore more from Better Minds
Things you need to know
~ Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.
€ Not available for members with extras only cover, ambulance only cover, Overseas Student Health Cover or Overseas Workers or Visitors Health Cover.
§ For members with mental health support included in their extras cover. Annual limits apply. Counsellors must be registered with Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, Australian Traditional Medicine Society. Mental Health Social Workers must hold a mental health accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).