Health insurance premium relief: a helping hand for our farmers

Australia is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in recent history. All of New South Wales is now drought-declared and approximately two-thirds of Queensland is also officially in drought.

We believe it's vitally important that farmers maintain their health cover during these testing times so we're giving affected members a helping hand with a health insurance premium waiver.

If you're an eligible farmer and nib member, the health insurance premium waiver means you and your family will effectively get free health insurance for six months.

It's a small gesture in a difficult time but we hope it helps our members that live in drought-affected communities to continue managing their health and wellbeing.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

You could be eligible for our health insurance premium relief package if you meet the below three criteria:

• You're an existing nib member with an active policy as at 17 August 2018. Members who have had to cancel or downgrade their private health insurance from 1 June 2018 due to the financial impact of the drought will also be eligible for assistance;

• You are currently receiving the Federal Government's Farm Household Allowance, opens in a new tab; and

• You live in a drought-declared area.

We will also be contacting eligible members directly to advise them of the health insurance premium relief package and how to apply.

Members on nib's whitelabel products from Suncorp and Qantas will also be eligible for the health insurance premium relief waiver.

How do I apply?

Send an email to droughtrelief@nib.com.au with:

• Your nib policyholder number

• Your residential address

• A copy of your Federal Government Farm Household Allowance approval

You can also post this information to: nib health funds, Reply Paid 62208, Locked Bag 2010, Newcastle, NSW, 2300

If you have any questions, please call us on 13 16 42 or visit one of our nib Retail Centres, opens in a new tab.

When is the health insurance premium relief waiver available?

Members can apply for the assistance package from 1 September until 31 March 2019.

After this time we will review the ongoing needs of our members and make a decision as to whether the period will be extended.

I don't receive the Federal Government's Farm Household Allowance; can I still apply?

Unfortunately, the health insurance premium relief waiver is only available to members who receive the Federal Government's Farm Household Allowance.

However, we'd like to discuss your options with you to see if we can assist with any concerns you may have about maintaining your nib health cover. Please call us on 13 16 42 or visit one of our nib Retail Centres, opens in a new tab.

Can I upgrade my cover and still receive the health insurance premium relief waiver?

Yes. You can upgrade to a higher level of cover and still receive the health insurance premium relief waiver. You'll simply need to pay the difference between your current level of cover and the new health cover premium.

Other support

For more information about support available to affected farmers, visit:

• Federal Government assistance, opens in a new tab

• NSW State Government assistance, opens in a new tab

• QLD State Government assistance, opens in a new tab

• ATO assistance, opens in a new tab