Company History
Established in 1952, nib is one of Australia's fastest growing health funds.
2019
nib establishes a health services joint venture with Cigna Corporation. The specialist healthcare data science and services company, known as Honeysuckle Health, has the specific purpose of delivering better health outcomes for members and communities generally.
We launch our Clinical Partners program which guarantees arhi members no out-of-pocket expense for knee and hip replacement surgery. In addition, access is provided where appropriate to home rehabilitation services.
For the first time nib holdings limited is included within the ASX100.
We become the first major partner of Richmond’s inaugural AFLW team and extend of our Principal Sponsorship of the nib Newcastle Knights for a further three seasons.
In a first for the Australian health industry we launch nib Skill for Amazon Alexa to better connect members to local health providers and health insurance information.
nib foundation announces a donation of $1 million to help fund programs aimed specifically at ‘closing the gap’ in health and life expectancy outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We complete the purchase of QBE’s travel insurance business (QBE Travel). In addition, our World Nomads Group travel business rebrands to nib Travel to support our growth plans.
2018
nib launches our Going to Hospital tool to help members work out whether they are covered for a specific hospital procedure, how much it might cost and which specialist they should see.
We expand our First Choice Network, which features a growing community of trusted ancillary health professionals, to provide members with peace of mind, lower costs and reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
nib launches the first ever Maori population health initiative with Auckland iwi, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to provide free universal private health insurance as well as wellness programs for their members.
We launch our successful Whitecoat platform in New Zealand.
We announce a partnership with Tasly Holding Group, a large Chinese pharmaceutical company, with plans to sell a critical illness product in China.
nib acquires QBE's travel insurance business, QBE Travel, as part of our World Nomads Group expansion.
2017
GU Health is welcomed into the nib family after our acquisition of the specialist corporate private health insurer.
nib holdings limited enters the S&P/ASX200 meaning we are one of the 200 largest stocks present on the Australian Securities Exchange.
We introduce artificial intelligence technology to assist customers with their enquiries with the launch of the first chatbots for private health insurance in Australia and New Zealand.
We join the Tiger army securing a new three-year joint-major partnership with the Richmond Football Club.
nib holdings limited marks its 10 year anniversary of listing on the ASX.
2016
nib and Suncorp announce distribution alliance offering health insurance under the Suncorp and Apia brands.
We become principal naming rights partners with Newcastle Knights.
nib establishes a whitelabel partnership with The Automobile Association in New Zealand.
We join forces with health insurance companies Bupa and HBF to expand nib's health provider directory, Whitecoat.
2015
nib acquires World Nomad's Group (WNG), Australia's third largest travel insurance provider.
We launch a new whitelabelling partnership with Qantas, called Qantas Assure, which rewards customers with Qantas Points for being active.
nib reaches a significant milestone in the company's history signing our one millionth Australian Residents Health Insurance (arhi) customer.
2014
nib and Apia enter strategic distribution alliance to sell private health insurance under the Apia brand.
We sign on with Super Rugby team the Auckland Blues as major sponsor for a three year period.
nib launches nib Options, a cosmetic surgery and dental service which offers Australian consumers treatment from highly reputable clinical specialists in accredited facilities both in Australia and overseas.
2013
nib launches Whitecoat a search and comparison website that will help Australian consumers make better purchasing decisions.
2012
nib drives expansion into the international market by acquiring TOWER Medical Insurance Limited in New Zealand, forming nib New Zealand.
nib and United Healthcare International join forces with the announcement of a strategic alliance through which nib will support UnitedHealthcare International's customers while in Australia.
nib celebrates its 60 year anniversary.
2011
nib premium revenue reaches $1 billion for the first time in financial year 2011.
We establish a unique partnership with Hunter Sports Group, with a sponsorship agreement with the Newcastle Knights and Newcastle Jets. The pioneering deal is the first of its kind in Australian sport.
nib announces $75 million Capital Return to shareholders.
nib welcomes new Chairman, Steve Crane after long standing predecessor, Keith Lynch retires.
2010
nib enters the International Workers Health Cover market, with the acquisition of IMAN, a specialist provider of health cover for temporary migrant workers in Australia.
nib secures naming rights to Perth's premium sports and entertainment venue, to be known as nib Stadium.
We introduce Australia's first mobile phone claiming service through our first smartphone application that allows customers to comprehensively manage their health cover directly from their mobile phone.
2008
nib foundation is established through a $25 million donation from the demutualisation of nib. The charity organisation aims to provide funding support for programs addressing national health issues.
nib enters into its first NSW Blues sponsorship partnership with our logo appearing on the jersey sleeve.
2007
nib members vote in favour of demutualising and pursuing listing the health fund on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
In November, the demutualisation is completed and nib becomes Australia's first private health insurer to list on the ASX.
nib signs on as an elite partner of AFL team, Geelong Cats.
2006
nib negotiates the sale of Newcastle Private Hospital to Healthscope, Australia's largest operators of private hospitals.
2004
Newcastle Private Hospital, owned and developed by nib health funds, opens its doors in April. The facility complements the existing nib Private Hospital.
2003
nib acquires Victorian based health fund IOOF Health Services.
2000
The Government's introduction of Lifetime Health Cover sees membership increase considerably.
nib introduces MediGap, an incentive that eliminates medical gap payments for nib members undergoing treatment in a private hospital when these services are conducted by participating medical practitioners.
1997
nib's Call Centre officially opens.
1994
nib Private Hospital opens.
1993
nib begins interstate operations in Queensland in April. Victoria, South Australia and ACT follow in December.
1987
The nib Day Hospital opens.
1984
Medicare was introduced and nib membership dropped but quickly recovered through a vigorous advertising campaign.
1982
nib opens its first Sydney branch.
1981
The Store Medical and Hospital Fund amalgamates with nib.
1978
Hunter Medical Benefits Fund amalgamates with nib bringing another 8,000 members.
1977
Newcastle Industrial Benefits officially changed to nib health funds ltd.
1976
Medibank Private came into existence and nib membership virtually tripled.
1975
South Coast Medical Fund amalgamated with nib and membership increased by 10,000 in the Illawarra region.
1953
Newcastle Industrial Benefits Medical Fund established.
1952
Newcastle Industrial Benefits (nib) Hospital Fund established by workers at BHP Steelworks, Mayfield.