What are waiting periods?
A waiting period is a specific period after a new cover has commenced during which benefits are not payable or benefits are only payable as per the entitlements of a previous cover or policy for treatment received.
When you join without current health cover
If you’re taking out private health cover for the first time or you’ve been without private health cover for 30 days or more, you’ll have waiting periods for all services on your selected level of cover. Most waiting periods are 2 months, but some are longer (e.g. major dental, orthodontics, pregnancy).
Extras waiting periods
After 2 months, you can start claiming benefits for all Extras on your chosen cover, except for:
Service | Waiting Period |
---|
Major Dental | 12 months |
Orthodontics | 12 months |
Aids and Appliances | 12 months |
Not all benefits are available on all covers.
Hospital waiting periods
After 2 months, you can start claiming benefits for all Hospital on your chosen cover, except for:
Service | Waiting Period |
---|
Pre-existing conditions | 12 months |
Pregnancy & birth (obstetrics) | 12 months |
Home nursing & home sleep studies | 12 months |
Replacement insulin pump and replacement implantation of hearing device when done as an outpatient* | 36 months |
Palliative care, rehabilitation and hospital psychiatric services | 2 months |
All other hospital treatments | 2 months |
Accidents+ | 1 day |
* Refer to loyalty benefit for more information
+ Waiting periods do not apply to benefits for treatment provided immediately after and related to an accident. Accidents must not have occurred within 1 day of membership commencement. When an accident has occurred within 1 day of membership commencing the accident rule does not apply and waiting periods apply.
Not all benefits are available on all covers. Terms and Conditions Apply, see below for details.
Accidental Injury
Provided treatment is required immediately after the accident from a registered Medical Practitioner and it’s not related to a pre-existing condition. If an accident has occurred within 1 day of membership commencing, waiting periods apply. Refer to our Member Guide for full conditions.