How long do I need to wait before claiming?
For all new memberships and upgrades of cover (where your new cover has higher benefits, lower excess or more services), including transfers from another fund, the following waiting periods will apply:
two months for all hospital services*, extras services, and home care programs unless specified otherwise
six months for Active Health Bonus, outpatient midwife services and optical (Bronze+ Young Choice, Family Extras, Everyday Extras, Healthy Options Extras and Mid Range Extras only)
twelve months for pre-existing ailments or conditions (excluding palliative care, psychiatric services and rehabilitation), pregnancy and birth, and prostheses
twelve months for major dental, orthodontia, orthotics, hearing aids and mechanical/health appliances
two years for refractive laser eye surgery
If you have transferred from another health fund on a comparable level of cover and have served waiting periods you will be able to claim straight away.
There are no waiting periods for accidents that occur after you join.
Some services do not apply to all levels of cover. See your product guide for details of services available on your level of cover.
*Refer to Lifetime mental health waiting period waiver for details on circumstances where the waiting period for hospital psychiatric services may not apply.
