What the nib First Choice network is and how it can save you money?
Whether it's a dental check-up, a pair of new glasses, a trip to the physio, looking after your hearing or checking in on your mental health, choosing the right provider matters. This is important not just for managing potential out-of-pocket costs, but also for the quality of care you receive with every visit. That's where nib's First Choice network comes in.
What is the nib First Choice network?
The nib First Choice network is our community of dental practitioners, physiotherapists, optical providers, hearing providers and mental health professionals who have agreed to deliver quality care at agreed rates1 and provide No Gap offers on selected treatments.
What's the value of the First Choice network to nib members?
Providers in our First Choice network have agreed to charge fees that are generally lower than what you might pay elsewhere, known as an agreed rate. This is a set price nib and the provider have agreed on for certain services, giving you a better understanding about what you'll pay and helping your annual Extras limits go further.
Why should I visit a First Choice provider?
As an nib member, you can choose to see any recognised dentist, physio, optical, hearing or mental health provider you like. There's no pressure to switch to a First Choice network provider and your level of cover and annual limits stay the same no matter who you visit. Choosing a First Choice network provider simply means your annual Extras limits could stretch further and eligible members can access a range of No Gap services as part of our First Choice network offers.
What services can I access through the First Choice network?
Dental
For routine dental care, eligible members can get 100% back on preventative check-ups2 from participating No Gap First Choice providers, including examinations, scale and clean, fluoride treatment and diagnostics like bitewing and panoramic x-rays when clinically required. For more complex dental care, such as fillings, root canal therapy and minor dental surgery, you can access agreed rates when you visit a First Choice network dentist.
Physio
Access No Gap initial consultations and agreed rates when you visit a First Choice network physiotherapist.3 If it's for an existing condition you've already seen your First Choice network physio for, you'll still benefit from our agreed rates. Find out more about First Choice physio.
Optical
Simply show your nib card at any First Choice optical provider store to access discounts. If you have nib Extras cover with remaining limits, you can also benefit from our No Gap offers.4 Visit nib First Choice optical for local optometrists across the country who have agreed to deliver quality care at agreed rates.
Hearing
Eligible members can access hearing aids with lower or No Gap offers when combined with the Australian Government's Hearing Services Program, plus member discounts on a range of hearing aids.5 Visit nib First Choice hearing to find an audiologist near you.
Mental health
Eligible members can access up to three No Gap introductory consultations with a My Mirror psychologist to help find the right fit, plus all members are guaranteed agreed rates on subsequent telehealth consultations.6 Visit nib First Choice Mental health to get matched with a psychologist. Or if you're not quite ready to chat to a psychologist, eligible members can also get 100% back on iCBT programs with THIS WAY UP.7
How can I check if my provider is a First Choice provider?
Before your next appointment, it's worth checking whether your dentist, physio, optical or hearing provider is part of the First Choice network using the Find a Provider tool. Simply search by location or provider name to see who's nearby. You can also ask your provider directly if they're part of nib's network at the time of booking. We're adding more First Choice providers all the time, so it's worth checking back if your current provider isn't in the network yet.
Waiting periods, annual limits and other conditions may apply, so it's a good idea to check your level of cover and remaining limits before you go. Head to your member account or use the nib App.
Not an nib member but want to access the First Choice network and more member benefits? Get a quote online in minutes or contact us to discuss cover options to suit you.
1 nib First Choice providers offer competitive fees for many commonly claimed treatments and consultations. These fees are reviewed at least annually and are subject to change. Always check nib.com.au/find-a-provider or the nib App before booking to see if your provider participates or simply ask your provider if they are part of nib's network at the time of booking. Providers occasionally leave the nib First Choice network so it's important to check before booking to avoid disappointment. Annual limits, waiting periods & T&Cs apply.
2 Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. The dental check-up covers an examination or consultation (011 to 015), diagnostics (022, 037) scale and clean (114, 115) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride treatment (121) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. The No Gap offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash and is only available with dentists who have a No Gap First Choice network provider agreement with nib.
3 100% refers to 100% of the maximum First Choice agreed rate. The No Gap offer is only available for an initial consultation (item 500) which refers to the first session provided by the physiotherapy clinic in respect of a new injury, or the first session in a new episode of care for the same injury. This excludes follow-up consultations, long consultations, telehealth consultations and group classes. Payment by nib of physio benefits is subject waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. Nib Fund Rules and Policy booklet terms apply. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. The services will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. It cannot be substituted or redeemed for cash.
4 Claiming optical benefits is subject to your chosen level of Extras cover, relevant waiting periods being served, and sufficient annual limits remaining. Benefits only payable on prescription Optical Appliances. nib Fund Rules and Policy booklet terms apply. Stock and brands are subject to availability and may vary from store to store. Lens upgrades such as tinting, coating or hardening of lenses not included unless specified. Not available in conjunction with any other offer or discount, unless specified. Present your valid health fund card in store to redeem these offers. Offer available to eligible members of nib and health insurance brands underwritten by nib. Offers are not redeemable for cash.
5 Hearing aid benefits are subject to your level of Extras cover, waiting periods and annual limits. Lower or No Gap offers on hearing aids depend on your eligibility for the Australian Government's Hearing Services Program combined with your Extras benefits. Members can claim one pair of hearing aids every five years. Out of pocket costs will vary depending on the hearing devices you choose and your level of Extras cover. nib Fund Rules and Policy Booklet terms apply.
6 Claiming psychology benefits is subject to your level of Extras cover, relevant waiting periods and annual limits. Eligible members can access up to three No Gap introductory consultations with different My Mirror psychologists, aimed at finding a suitably matched practitioner. Subsequent consultations are subject to your remaining Extras limits and level of cover. nib Fund Rules and Policy Booklet terms apply.
7 Members can claim 100% back up to their annual Digital CBT sublimit when accessing digital mental health programs with THIS WAY UP. Programs covered include: Depression, Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Panic, OCD, Anxiety and Depression, Mindfulness-Enhanced CBT, Pregnancy Anxiety and Depression and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression. nib Fund Rules and Policy booklet terms apply. Check your cover in your member account or by calling 13 16 42 or +61 2 9692 4300 (outside Australia).