Frequently asked questions about Health Insurance

Premium increases have been postponed for at least six months. It’s important that you can access essential health services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, without more financial pressure.

You don’t need to contact Suncorp Health Insurance to have your change postponed - it will be done automatically. You’ll  also be contacted directly with more information on how this affects you and to outline other member support options.

To support members, coverage has been expanded for chest, lung, kidney or other treatment related to COVID-19 across all levels of Hospital cover at no additional cost. You'll just need to have served the standard two-month waiting period before requiring treatment.

Along with other health insurers across Australia, any treatment for COVID-19 as an outpatient that is covered by Medicare will not be covered by Suncorp Health Insurance. To review your level of cover, log in to your Suncorp Health Online Services Account or call 13 11 55.

Some temporary changes have been made to the  suspension policy to help members through this difficult time. If you’re experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and are eligible you can suspend your health cover. You won’t be charged premiums while it’s suspended, but you can’t claim during this period. However all members with Hospital cover who suspend during this time will still be able to access cover for COVID-19 related treatment.

The maximum financial hardship suspension period has been extended from three to six months to help eligible members impacted by COVID-19.

You'll be reminded as your resumption date gets closer but your policy will automatically resume at the end of your agreed suspension period. You can also contact Suncorp Health Insurance to resume it sooner, if you wish.

Members normally will need to have been with Suncorp Health Insurance for 12 months or more to request a suspension but, for eligible members, this will be waived to make sure you are better supported during this challenging time.

In order to be eligible for COVID-19 premium suspension, you must have been an active member of Suncorp Health Insurance as at March 26, 2020 before being able to apply for a suspension. Please call 13 11 55 to discuss your options.

Please contact the hospital you’ll be having your surgery at, your medical practitioner, specialist or surgeon for any questions relating to COVID-19 and your upcoming procedure. This includes any questions about changing the date or what your options are in terms of cancellations.

For more information on the Australian Government management of the outbreak, travel restrictions and advice, contact the National Coronavirus Health Line on 1800 020 080. Otherwise, visit their website for more information.

Suncorp Health Insurance is issued by nib health funds limited ABN 83 000 124 381 (nib), a registered private health insurer, and is marketed by Platform CoVentures ABN 82 626 829 623 (PC), a Suncorp Group company. PC is an authorised agent of nib and receives commission from nib.

Pathology tests in an out-patient setting are covered by Medicare, and therefore aren’t covered by Suncorp Health Insurance. It’s best to check with Medicare to determine what tests are covered and whether you’ll experience any out of pocket costs.

If your Hospital cover provides cover for your treatment, you’ve served your waiting period (including waiting periods for pre-existing conditions) and are admitted as inpatient, your test will be covered.

If your Extras cover includes Pharmaceutical Prescriptions, Suncorp Health Insurance will pay benefits towards the cost of medicines (like vaccines) prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. They must be dispensed by either a doctor, pharmacy or licensed Chemist registered with Suncorp Health Insurance in order to be eligible for the benefit.

Suncorp Health Insurance will pay a Pharmaceutical Prescriptions benefit when the medicine is:

• listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG);
• listed with the Poisons Standard; and as 4 or 8
• not subsidised or claimable through the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits.

If you’ve got Extras cover that includes the Pharmaceutical Prescriptions benefit, and the vaccine meets these criteria, then Suncorp Health Insurance will cover the vaccine.

If you have any upcoming appointments with the dentist, physio or other health care providers, please contact them about your COVID-19 related questions.

For more information on the Australian Government management of the outbreak, travel restrictions and advice, contact the National Coronavirus Health Line on 1800 020 080. Otherwise, visit their website for more information.