Going to hospital?
Before heading to hospital, make sure you're fully prepared. Check your procedure is covered, choose the right specialist and hospital and understand any costs upfront.
Log in to the nib App or your online member account and search ‘Going to Hospital’ to plan with confidence.
Arm yourself with the info
Everything you need to know for your hospital stay: understand the basics, know what to expect on the big day, and prepare for your recovery.
Hospital 101
We'll guide you through your options and next steps.
After your hospital visit
Focus on your recovery and read up on bills and claiming.
Hospital 101
We'll guide you through your options and next steps.
After your hospital visit
Focus on your recovery and read up on bills and claiming.
From sore knee to recovery, we're with you
Use this as a guide to find your way - we can help you at every step.
Hospital guide
1. Health concern
2. GP visit
3. Check your cover
4. Specialist visit
5. Check your hospital
6. Prepare for your procedure
8. Bills and claiming
Day hospitals
Did you know that over 60% of admissions to private hospitals in Australia are for same day procedures? 1
This is where treatment in a day hospital can benefit our members.
- What is a day hospital?
- Benefits of a day hospital
What is a day hospital?
A day hospital is a specialised facility where the majority of patients are admitted and discharged on the same day after undergoing medical treatment. They’re designed to perform specific procedures, meaning they can offer experienced and specialised care for patients.
This tailored, expert care can make a real difference, with our members generally rating their experience at a day hospital more highly2.
Because of this specialised environment, the average day stay treatment is only around two to six hours1. Not only does this allow you to recover from the comfort of home if appropriate, but it also helps reduce the risk of complications and infections that can come from prolonged hospital stays1.
Some of the common procedures that our members access at private day hospitals include:
Dialysis
ENT services
Gastrointestinal endoscopy
Gynaecological services
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedics
Skin diseases
Sleep studies
Urology
We’re partnered with more than 250 day hospitals across Australia, giving you more choice around your treatment during your hospital journey.
You can use your initial appointment with your specialist to chat about whether your procedure can be performed at one of these day hospitals.
Our members typically have lower out of pocket costs for same day admissions when using a day stay hospital instead of an overnight hospital3, however your specialist will discuss any fees involved in your procedure during your appointment.
Check your cover and costs
Use the Going to Hospital tool in your member account to see personalised cover and cost information for your procedure (Australian resident members only). Questions about your hospital visit? Call us on 1800 098 783.
1Day Hospitals Australia (June 2020). Patient Information: Why choose a day hospital?
2Based on nib Australian resident and international member survey responses for calendar year 2025. Satisfaction measured using Net Promoter Score (NPS): 43 for day hospitals vs 41 for private facilities.
3Based on nib claims data for calendar year 2025. Average out of pocket cost: $100 (day) vs $148 (overnight).