How to get the most out of your nib health cover
Did you know that most Aussies spend about 5 hours and 27 minutes of their day having free time? Think watching TV, exercising with a pal, reading a book or scrolling through social media. Unsurprisingly, managing your private health cover wasn’t on the list. While health insurance might not be your favourite thing to talk about, knowing how to get the most out of your cover is one of ours.
At nib, we like to think of ourselves as your partner in health. We want to help you be at your healthiest and guide you through the health system when you need it.
So, to make sure you’re getting the most out of your cover, we’ve put together a few tips and tricks.
Get the right plan for yourself or your family
As you get older, chances are your health insurance needs will change. This is why we recommend reviewing your policy each year to make sure it lines up with what you need. Here’s a short list of what you can think about when reviewing your policy:
Know what you're covered for
The easiest way to check exactly what you’re covered for is to log in to your member account or the nib App. But to clarify some basics, let’s break down your cover options:
nib Hospital cover helps pay towards the costs if you need to go to hospital. Before your visit, check your policy to see if it includes the treatment you need and if there’s a waiting period. You can then head to our Going to Hospital page to help you get ready for your hospital visit. Plus, you can also find Medigap specialists and nib Agreement Hospitals to reduce any extra costs you might need to pay. Eligible members can also participate in our Health Management programs at no extra cost.1
nib Extras covers can help pay the cost of those everyday appointments you might book to stay healthy. All our Extras covers include general dental and physio. But if you need extra support, some of our premium options include psychology, dietary advice and chiro. Annual limits and waiting periods apply.
Related: How well do you know your cover?
Meet the nib First Choice Network
The first thing we encourage all our members to do is book in your health checks that you’ve been putting off. If you’re ready to book, but not sure where to start, visit our nib First Choice network. This network of health providers can give nib members quality healthcare at an affordable price.2 Not only does this network include dentists and optometrists, but it also includes physios!
Learn how to claim your private health insurance
When you’re with nib, making a claim is easy. You can:
Use the nib App on your phone or tablet
Log in to your member account online
Swipe your digital nib card when you’re at your appointment to claim instantly.
Know how your limits work and when they reset
At nib, we keep things simple by resetting your annual limits each year on 1 January. Your annual limit is the maximum you can claim back on extras. And the higher your level of cover, the higher your limits.
Because our limits reset each year, you can rebook your regular appointments and start fresh in the new year.
If you reach your limit for a service, then you’ll have to pay out of pocket costs. For example, if you get your eyes checked and need new glasses, your health insurance might pay the first $250 and if you want an extra pair of specs then that will come out of your pocket.
Discover nib’s tools to help you stay healthy and save
We offer a range of discounts through nib Rewards to help our members save. We’ve partnered with activewear brands, restaurants, cinemas and supermarkets to help you get the best bang for your buck.3
You can also access a collection of recipes by nutritionists and dietitians, so you can cook up a healthy storm.
Explore our health programs so you can thrive
When you need to go to hospital, you’ll have access to our Clinical Partners program.4 This program is a network of orthopaedic surgeons who can perform hip and knee joint replacement surgery with no out of pocket costs. You'll only have to pay your hospital excess. The Clinical Partners program is available at participating hospitals across Australia. You can search our network of Clinical Partners to find one closest to you.
Our members can also access our free Health Management Programs if they’re eligible. These programs can support you if you have, or are at risk of, certain chronic health conditions. You can sign up to targeted health programs for your specific condition or receive hospital treatment from the comfort of your home.
Ready to chat health insurance?
If you’re looking for extra guidance about your health insurance, then get in touch with one of our experts. They can give you advice on your health cover and discuss your options when it comes to going to hospital. You can give us a call on 13 16 42 or chat with nibby, our online chat.
1Available to eligible nib members who’ve held Hospital Cover for 12 months and served their relevant waiting periods. Additional criteria vary according to each program. Contact us for more information and to confirm your eligibility for a program.
2nib 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.
3T&Cs apply. Some offers may vary or be available for a limited time. Payments for eGift cards made by debit/credit card incur a 1% processing fee. nib Rewards are available to new members after 30 days of active membership, provided premium payments are up to date. For more information on member rewards, visit www.nib.com.au/member-benefits/rewards.
4Available to members with hospital cover that covers joint replacement surgery who have served applicable waiting period.