Since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we have all had to change the way we go about our everyday activities to help prevent the spread of the virus. With restrictions affecting the health industry during this time, you may be asking, ‘Why should I keep my private health insurance? We’ve put together some of the benefits of keeping your health insurance during this time.
Health insurance with COVID-19 coverage
We’ve temporarily expanded coverage for chest, lung, kidney or other treatment related to COVID-19 until 31 June 2021 for existing members (as at 26 March 2020). This is across Basic and Bronze level Hospital cover, where these treatments are usually excluded, at no extra cost. You'll just need to have served the standard two-month waiting period before requiring treatment.
Additional psychology benefit for Extras cover
We’ve extended Extras cover to include a minimum benefit of $300 for psychology (please note, this benefit was/is claimable once only by an eligible member. This benefit did not reset on 1 January 2021 with all other Extras limits). This benefit will be ending on 30 June 2021.
Elective surgery benefits
Qantas Health Insurance members will continue to have the option to use their private health Hospital cover to avoid public hospital waiting lists and have the choice of their own doctor.
We continue to fund treatments and surgeries for many other things like pregnancy, cancer, cardiac and in-patient mental health and if you need to access these service.
Telehealth services
Telehealth is here to stay. Our policyholders can continue to use their cover to claim on telehealth appointments (like video calls or Skype appointments) for services including psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics, speech pathology and occupational therapy. A service will only be provided by telehealth where it is safe and clinically appropriate, so not all providers will be able to make it available.
Waiting periods
If you keep your private health insurance policy, then there will be no impact to the waiting periods that you’ve already served. A waiting period is the time-frame you have to wait before you can start claiming benefits on your cover, and it applies to both Hospital and Extras cover. However if you cancel your policy and then start a new one in the future, you may be required to re-serve your waiting periods.
Accidental injury
Although public hospitals provide free health treatment in the emergency department, if you need further treatment after your initial admission, the costs (and the waiting times) can add up quickly. That’s why we offer Accidental Injury Benefit on all our Hospital covers. This benefit provides you with the peace of mind that you have extra protection if you do receive an injury as a result of an accident. To access this benefit, you just need to seek treatment with a medical practitioner or attend a hospital emergency department within 72 hours of an accident. You’ll then receive benefits in line with our top (Gold) Hospital cover for the following 90 days if you are then admitted to hospital including admission to a private hospital, or as a private patient in a public hospital.
Qantas Wellbeing App
At Qantas Insurance, we want you to be at your healthiest all the time, but with various restrictions, we understand it has been tough. We encourage our members to download and use the Qantas Wellbeing App . With the Wellbeing App you can start earning Qantas Points for everyday activities like walking, running and even sleeping. You can even boost your motivation - and your points - by inviting friends and family and setting up challenges. Plus if you hold a Qantas Health Insurance policy, you can increase your earning potential with up to 20,000 Qantas Points per year in the App for each member covered under the policy .
Active kids program
We understand many sporting activities have been impacted by the government restrictions. As these restrictions are eased, you’ll be able to claim for the Active Kids program. This program offers 1,000 Qantas Points per child per sport each year (up to two sports per child) – that’s 2,000 Qantas Points per child covered on eligible policies . To claim the benefit, you just need to register via the Qantas Wellbeing App by selecting the “Offers” tab, tap “Active kids rewards” and follow the prompts to register your child.
Financial hardship
If you’re an existing member and experiencing ongoing financial hardship, or for more information about these services and how we may be able to support you please call us on 13 49 60.
Earn Qantas Points
You’ll continue to earn Qantas Points on the premium you pay - meaning you continue to earn now for when you’re ready to fly later. If you’re still not sure whether keeping your private health insurance is the right decision for you and your family or if you’re looking for ways to reduce the cost of your premium, call us on 13 49 60 to discuss your options.
