About this document
nib is committed to protecting your privacy and any personal information we collect. nib has implemented measures to comply with its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This section explains how nib may use personal information.
Why does nib collect my personal information?
We collect personal information primarily to enable us to provide health benefits and related services. nib may also use this information to promote or market its current and future health and related services to you or for any other purpose permitted under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). If the information provided to us is not accurate or complete, we may not be able to provide an accurate quote, or provide benefits for the requested health or related services.
What personal information does nib keep?
The personal information nib holds will depend on whether you are a customer or a provider and which services you have used. Information may include:
- Name, address, contact details, date of birth
- Payment details
- Current or past details of private health insurance including level of cover
- Claim details
- Federal Government Rebate registration details
- Medicare number
- Provider Registration details
- Financial Institution account details
- Pension / Health Care card numbers
- Employment details
- Pre-existing condition information
How does nib collect your personal information?
nib may collect personal information directly (in person, by phone, electronically or online) when:
- You apply to become an nib customer or registered provider
- You request information concerning nib's services
- A claim is lodged
- You participate in a health management program
In addition to collecting personal information directly from you, nib may collect personal information from other nib companies or health service providers, private health insurers, government agencies (such as Medicare), private and public hospitals, doctors and medical specialists, state registration boards and professional associations. nib also collects information from other companies, such as market research companies, but only where you have provided your consent to the company to be contacted by third parties.
How does nib use personal information?
nib uses personal information in accordance with the National Privacy Principles. The information we collect is used to:
- provide benefits for health and related services
- determine eligibility to provide or receive an nib health or related service
- promote and market nib's current and future health and related services
- promote and market existing and future other co-branded products and services
- conduct research (including but not limited to customer surveys) concerning nib's current and future health and related services.
If nib uses personal information for direct marketing or research purposes it will do so in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and any correspondence sent to you will give you the opportunity to "opt out" of receiving any further marketing or research correspondence.
Will my personal information be given to anyone else?
In providing you nib's health and related services and using personal information in accordance with this Policy, nib may be required to disclose your personal information to:
- other nib companies
- health service providers including private health insurers, government agencies, private and public hospitals, doctors and medical specialists, state registration boards and professional associations
- nib's contractors and service providers performing services including (but not limited to) marketing, market research, mail-house services, and product development services.
- nib’s existing and future strategic partners in respect of co-branded products and services
nib may also be required to disclose your personal information to other individuals on your nib policy, or to individuals to whom you have granted authority to act on your behalf. At the time of joining nib, the person applying for the nib policy authorises nib to share information with other individuals on the policy. This means we may make the policyholder aware of, for example, the details of all benefits and services claimed on the policy.
nib will not disclose your personal information to anyone, other than as above, unless:
- You authorise nib to do so
- Your safety or the safety of others in the community is at risk, or
- nib is required or permitted by law.
How do I obtain access to my personal information?
You have a right to access your personal information. nib generally makes this information available in standard formats, such as your claims or contributions statements. You can also access your personal information via nib's secure online services. If you're a policyholder you can request details of your personal information by contacting 13 14 63, visiting a Retail Centre or by emailing us.
Is my personal information accurate? Can it be corrected?
The accuracy of your personal information is important to us. nib will take reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is accurate, complete and up to date, but we rely on you to advise us of any changes to your contact details and any other personal information. If you believe that any personal information nib holds about you is not accurate, complete or up to date, please contact us immediately.
Is my personal information secure?
nib takes all reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is kept secure. nib only permits its authorised personnel to access your personal information, and information will only be disclosed to third parties where they have the appropriate authority.
Need more information?
For further information regarding this Privacy Policy or to raise any issued or concerns about the steps nib has taken to protect your personal information or privacy, please contact nib's Privacy Officer by calling 13 14 63 or by email.
Changes to this privacy policy
nib reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy from time to time. This Privacy Policy was last updated August 2010.