About pre-existing conditions
It's standard practice in the private health insurance industry to apply a waiting period of 12 months before benefits are payable for a pre-existing condition.
What's a pre-existing condition?
By pre-existing condition, we mean an ailment, illness or condition where signs or symptoms existed at any time during the 6 months before you either took out your new cover, or transferred to a higher level of cover.
We'll appoint a medical or health practitioner to determine whether, in their opinion, you have a pre-existing condition, based on information provided by the practitioner(s) treating you.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
If you're a new member, you'll have to wait 12 months before you can receive benefits for items or services provided in-hospital related 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.