What is authority?
Some members may wish to allow someone else to act on their behalf when dealing with Medibank.
There are two types of authority that can be granted:
- Claims consent – allows someone to view your personal information, including claim details.
- Account authority – allows someone to manage aspects of your policy, but not see personal details unless given claims consent.
Types of authority
Use the tabs below to learn more about each type of authority and how to set them up.
What is account authority?
Account authority allows a nominated person (known as an authorised person) to manage a Medibank policy on behalf of the policyholder. Only the policyholder can appoint an authorised person.
What can an authorised person do?
An authorised person can manage the policy as the policyholder would, including:
- Updating contact details for the policy.
- Changing policy participants (excluding the policyholder).
- Adding or removing dependants, partners, or premium payers.
- Changing the level of cover or suspending the policy.
- Closing the policy.
However, they cannot:
- Appoint or remove another authorised person.
- Access personal information about other policy members unless given claims consent.
What is claims consent?
Claims consent allows a nominated person to view certain personal details, including claim history. Any member on a policy can provide claims consent to another person.
What can someone with claims consent do?
A person with claims consent can:
- View and update your name and contact details.
- See your membership history and correspondence.
- Access claim details, including the services claimed, provider, cost, and date.
This consent applies across all policies you are insured under.
How to grant authority
You can grant either account authority or claims consent by:
- Calling us on 132 331.
- Completing the Authority form and returning it:
- In person at a Medibank store.
- By email at Ask_Us@medibank.com.au.
- By post to Medibank GPO Box 9999 in your capital city.
- Providing a valid Power of Attorney that authorises someone to act on your behalf.
Managing or removing authority
Authority can be granted indefinitely or for a set period. You can revoke it at any time by calling us or visiting a store. We will always verify a person’s identity and authority before allowing them to act on your behalf.