Supporting our members through COVID-19
Premium changes 1 October 2023
Every year in Australia with government approval, private health funds review the benefits they provide cover for and the premiums they’ll charge to cover the increasing costs of health cover. Our annual premium changes came into effect on 1 October.
We understand that premium increases are never welcomed. We’ve worked hard to keep the increase below inflation, while allowing for the continued rise in healthcare costs.
Learn more.
Telehealth is here to stay
The telehealth services that we introduced during the pandemic to help members access a range of Extras services are here to stay.
Keep connected
We have a range of expert-led resources to help you look after your physical and mental wellbeing, including tips to boost your immunity, improve your fitness and maintain productivity while working from home. We also have expert advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and debunk some of the vaccine's biggest myths.
Telehealth is here to stay
The telehealth services that we introduced during the pandemic to help members access a range of Extras services are here to stay.
Keep connected
We have a range of expert-led resources to help you look after your physical and mental wellbeing, including tips to boost your immunity, improve your fitness and maintain productivity while working from home. We also have expert advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and debunk some of the vaccine's biggest myths.
Giving back to our members
As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to evolve, so has the support we’ve provided to our members and the community. We’re pleased to announce that on top of returning savings to you with a delay to premium changes until 1 November 2022, we’re giving back a further $40 million to our members.
What is the COVID-19 give back?
We were required by our industry regulator to set aside funds to help cover the costs for claims catch-up once restricted healthcare services returned to normal after COVID-19. The expected claims experience has been lower than anticipated, so we’re now able to return further savings to eligible members in the form of a give back.
How much is the give back?
The amount nib members receive will depend on their policy and level of cover as of 30 November 2022. Members with Hospital and Extras combined policies will receive on average about $71, those with Hospital Only policies $47, and those on Extras Only policies $15.
When will the give back be applied?
This payment will be made as a direct deposit into the account you have given us to pay claims into by 30 November. We'll be reaching out to members who don't have a nominated account within their policy to request their banking details. If we're unable to contact a member or their details aren't updated, we will apply their give back payment as a credit against their premium.
Am I eligible for the give back?
We will be in contact with eligible members in the coming weeks to confirm the amount they’ll be receiving. To be eligible for the COVID-19 give back, you need to have held a policy as of 30 November 2022 and that policy needs to be active when the credit is applied.
The COVID-19 give back applies to Australian Residents Health Insurance members and our whitelabel partners. GU Health corporate client's members will receive a premium adjustment at renewal. It excludes nib’s international workers and international student members.
How else are we supporting our members and the community?
So far, we’ve invested approximately $145 million in our COVID-19 support package. Our previous package initiatives, which included expanded coverage for COVID-19 related treatment and an additional psychology benefit on Extras products, has been extended to 31 December 2022.
Our commitment to members during the pandemic
Our commitment to members during the pandemic
To help our members and the community impacted by COVID-19, we introduced an approximately $181 million support package that included:
Returning $15 million in claims savings to eligible members via COVID credit.
Providing $1.5 million in community funding with nib foundation.
Financial relief in the form of premium credits, delayed premium increases, waivers or suspensions.
Permanent telehealth services to help members with Extras cover.
Expanded coverage for COVID-19 related treatment for all members whose cover would otherwise have excluded such treatments, at no extra cost.
A frontline healthcare worker rebate to support their health and wellbeing.
These elements of the support package have now ended, however some elements of the COVID-19 package are being extended, including telehealth services, coronavirus-related hospital treatment and psychology Extras benefits.
We’ll continue to monitor the ongoing situation and are committed to supporting our members where we can.
Community support
To support the health and wellbeing of communities throughout Australia and New Zealand during COVID-19, we donated $1.5 million to charitable and clinical initiatives together with nib foundation. Our funding saw the delivery of both immediate support and ongoing assistance in the recovery from the pandemic.
In Australia, we partnered with Lifeline Australia, NSW Rural Doctors Network, batyr and Hunter Medical Research Institute.
In New Zealand, we supported Lifeline Aotearoa and Clearhead.
Further Information
Further Information
For more on COVID-19, you can visit:
Or contact the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.
If you or a loved one needs support please call Lifeline (24 hours)
on 13 11 14.