At CBHS we help you manage your health challenges. We believe in offering you the services, support and tools you need to live your best life.
Our Better Living Programs are available to support eligible members towards a healthier lifestyle. Each Better Living Program is subject to its own eligibility criteria.
Contact us for more information and to confirm your eligibility for a program.
Key Hospital benefits
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Accident-related treatment and medical emergencies after joining
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Tonsils, adenoids and grommets
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Joint reconstructions
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Hernia and appendix
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Hospital Substitute Treatment and Better Living programs
Hospital
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Emergency ambulance transport
Plus Included Additional services covered above the minimum requirements.
Emergency ambulance transport means an ambulance service that consists of transporting a seriously ill person to a Hospital by a State Government Ambulance Service or an ambulance service recognised by CBHS in order to receive urgently needed treatment. This includes transportation from the scene of an Accident or the scene of a medical event such as a heart attack or stroke but does not include transportation to Hospital for the routine management of an ongoing medical condition or transportation between hospitals. -
Accident related treatment and medical emergencies after joining
Plus Included Additional services covered above the minimum requirements.
Accident related treatment means treatment provided in relation to an Accident that occurs after a Member joins the Fund and the Member provides documented evidence of seeking treatment from a Health Care Provider within 7 days of the Accident occurring. If Hospital Treatment is required, the Member must be admitted to a Hospital within 180 days of the Accident occurring. Any additional Hospital Treatment (after the initial 180 days) will be paid as per the level of Benefits payable on the Member’s chosen level of cover (if applicable). -
Tonsils, adenoids and grommets
Plus Included Additional services covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment of the tonsils, adenoids and insertion or removal of grommets. -
Joint reconstructions
Plus Included Additional services covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for surgery for joint reconstructions. For example: torn tendons, rotator cuff tears and damaged ligaments. Joint replacements are listed separately under Joint replacements. Bone fractures are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle. Procedures to the spinal column are listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon). -
Hernia and appendix
Plus Included Additional services covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of a hernia or appendicitis. Digestive conditions are listed separately under Digestive system. -
Dental surgery
Plus Included Additional services covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for surgery to the teeth and gums. For example: surgery to remove wisdom teeth, and dental implant surgery. -
Bone, joint and muscle
Plus Included Additional services covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. For example: carpal tunnel, fractures, hand surgery, joint fusion, bone spurs, osteomyelitis and bone cancer. Chest surgery is listed separately under Lung and chest. Spinal cord conditions are listed separately under Brain and nervous system. Spinal column conditions are listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Joint reconstructions are listed separately under Joint reconstructions. Joint replacements are listed separately under Joint replacements. Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon). Management of back pain is listed separately under Pain management. Pain management that requires a device is listed separately under Pain management with device. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Brain and nervous system
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the brain, brain-related conditions, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. For example: stroke, brain or spinal cord tumours, head injuries, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Treatment of spinal column (back bone) conditions is listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Ear, nose and throat
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the ear, nose, throat, middle ear, thyroid, parathyroid, larynx, lymph nodes and related areas of the head and neck. For example: damaged ear drum, sinus surgery, removal of foreign bodies, stapedectomy and throat cancer. Tonsils, adenoids and grommets are listed separately under Tonsils, adenoids and grommets. The implantation of a hearing device is listed separately under Implantation of hearing devices. Orthopaedic neck conditions are listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Sleep studies are listed separately under Sleep studies. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Kidney and bladder
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the kidney, adrenal gland and bladder. For example: kidney stones, adrenal gland tumour and incontinence. Dialysis is listed separately under Dialysis for chronic kidney failure. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Digestive system
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, liver and bowel. For example: oesophageal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, gall stones and haemorrhoids. Endoscopy is listed separately under Gastrointestinal endoscopy. Hernia and appendicectomy procedures are listed separately under Hernia and appendix. Bariatric surgery is listed separately under Weight loss surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Gastrointestinal endoscopy
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of the internal parts of the gastrointestinal system using an endoscope. For example: colonoscopy, gastroscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Non-endoscopic procedures for the digestive system are listed separately under Digestive system. -
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer or benign tumours. Surgical treatment of cancer is listed separately under each body system. -
Skin
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of skin, skin-related conditions and nails. The removal of foreign bodies is also included. Plastic surgery that is medically necessary and relating to the treatment of a skin-related condition is also included. For example: melanoma, minor wound repair and abscesses. Removal of excess skin due to weight loss is listed separately under Weight loss surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Breast surgery (medically necessary)
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of breast disorders and associated lymph nodes, and reconstruction and/or reduction following breast surgery or a preventative mastectomy. For example: breast lesions, breast tumours, asymmetry due to breast cancer surgery, and gynecomastia. This clinical category does not require benefits to be paid for cosmetic breast surgery that is not medically necessary. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Diabetes management (excluding insulin pumps)
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and management of diabetes. For example: stabilisation of hypo- or hyper- glycaemia, contour problems due to insulin injections. Treatment for diabetes-related conditions is listed separately under each body system affected. For example, treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions is listed separately under Eye. Treatment for ulcers is listed separately under Skin. Provision and replacement of insulin pumps is listed separately under Insulin pumps. -
Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of a miscarriage or for termination of pregnancy. -
Gynaecology
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the female reproductive system. For example: endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, female sterilisation and cervical cancer. Fertility treatments are listed separately under Assisted reproductive services. Pregnancy and birth-related conditions are listed separately under Pregnancy and birth. Miscarriage or termination of pregnancy is listed separately under Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Male reproductive system
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the male reproductive system including the prostate. For example: male sterilisation, circumcision and prostate cancer. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Eye (not cataracts)
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the eye and the contents of the eye socket. For example: retinal detachment, tear duct conditions, eye infections and medically managed trauma to the eye. Cataract procedures are listed separately under Cataracts. Eyelid procedures are listed separately under Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Blood
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of blood and blood-related conditions. For example: blood clotting disorders and bone marrow transplants. Treatment for cancers of the blood is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Back, neck and spine
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the back, neck and spinal column, including spinal fusion. For example: sciatica, prolapsed or herniated disc, spinal disc replacement, and spine curvature disorders such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis. Joint replacements are listed separately under Joint replacements. Joint fusions are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle. Spinal cord conditions are listed separately under Brain and nervous system. Management of back pain is listed separately under Pain management. Pain management that requires a device is listed separately under Pain management with device. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Implantation of hearing devices
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment to correct hearing loss, including implantation of a prosthetic hearing device. Stapedectomy is listed separately under Ear, nose and throat. -
Dialysis for chronic kidney failure
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for dialysis treatment for chronic kidney failure. For example: peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis. -
Insulin pumps
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the provision and replacement of insulin pumps for treatment of diabetes. -
Pain management
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for pain management that does not require the insertion or surgical management of a device. For example: treatment of nerve pain and chest pain due to cancer by injection of a nerve block. Pain management using a device (for example an infusion pump or neurostimulator) is listed separately under Pain management with device. -
Pain management with device
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the implantation, replacement or other surgical management of a device required for the treatment of pain. For example: treatment of nerve pain, back pain, and pain caused by coronary heart disease with a device (for example an infusion pump or neurostimulator). Treatment of pain that does not require a device is listed separately under Pain management. -
Sleep studies
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation of sleep patterns and anomalies. For example: sleep apnoea and snoring. -
Cataracts
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for surgery to remove a cataract and replace with an artificial lens. -
Heart and vascular system
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the heart, heart-related conditions and vascular system. For example: heart failure and heart attack, monitoring of heart conditions, varicose veins and removal of plaque from arterial walls. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Lung and chest
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the lungs, lung-related conditions, mediastinum and chest. For example: lung cancer, respiratory disorders such as asthma, pneumonia, and treatment of trauma to the chest. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Plastic and reconstructive surgery (medically necessary)
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment which is medically necessary for the investigation and treatment of any physical deformity, whether acquired as a result of illness or accident, or congenital. For example: burns requiring a graft, cleft palate, club foot and angioma. Plastic surgery that is medically necessary relating to the treatment of a skin-related condition is listed separately under Skin. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. -
Rehabilitation
Restricted Restricted benefits
Hospital treatment for physical rehabilitation for a patient related to surgery or illness. For example: inpatient and admitted day patient rehabilitation, stroke recovery, cardiac rehabilitation. -
Hospital psychiatric services
Restricted Restricted benefits
Hospital treatment for the treatment and care of patients with psychiatric, mental, addiction or behavioural disorders. For example: psychoses such as schizophrenia, mood disorders such as depression, eating disorders and addiction therapy. -
Palliative care
Restricted Restricted benefits
Hospital treatment for care where the intent is primarily providing quality of life for a patient with a terminal illness, including treatment to alleviate and manage pain. -
Pregnancy and birth
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for investigation and treatment of conditions associated with pregnancy and child birth. Treatment for the baby is covered under the clinical category relevant to their condition. For example, respiratory conditions are covered under Lung and chest. Female reproductive conditions are listed separately under Gynaecology. Fertility treatments are listed separately under Assisted reproductive services. Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy is listed separately under Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy. -
Assisted reproductive services
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for fertility treatments or procedures. For example: retrieval of eggs or sperm, In vitro Fertilisation (IVF), and Gamete Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT). Treatment of the female reproductive system is listed separately under Gynaecology. Pregnancy and birth-related services are listed separately under Pregnancy and birth. -
Joint replacements
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for surgery for joint replacements, including revisions, resurfacing, partial replacements and removal of prostheses. For example: replacement of shoulder, wrist, finger, hip, knee, ankle, or toe joint. Joint fusions are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle. Spinal fusions are listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Joint reconstructions are listed separately under Joint reconstructions. Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon). -
Weight loss surgery
Plus Restricted Additional restricted benefits covered above the minimum requirements.
Hospital treatment for surgery that is designed to reduce a person’s weight, remove excess skin due to weight loss and reversal of a bariatric procedure. For example: gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy. -
Hospital Substitute Treatment
Included
This program is aimed at reducing the time you spend in hospital, often cutting it out altogether. Care is delivered in the comfort of our own home by health care professionals. -
Better Living programs
Included
The Better Living Programs help you take control of your health by providing tailored guidance, advice and practical solutions from health care professionals -
Choice of doctor
Included
You can choose your doctor and when you’re treated with private Hospital cover. -
Access Gap Cover
Included
(AGC) is a billing scheme that aims to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses to members for doctor and specialist services received in hospital.
Hospital
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Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon)
Excluded Exclusion (not covered)
Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and/or ankle, provided by a registered podiatric surgeon, but limited to cover for: - accommodation; and - the cost of a prosthesis as listed in the prostheses list set out in the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules, as in force from time to time. Note: Insurers are not required to pay for any other benefits for hospital treatment for this clinical category but may choose to do so. -
Cosmetic services
Excluded Exclusion (not covered)
Cosmetic service means an operation, procedure or treatment undertaken for the dominant purpose of improving appearance or improving psychological wellbeing. -
Services for which a Medicare benefit is NOT payable
Excluded Exclusion (not covered)
These are services that do not attract any benefits from Medicare. Examples of such services include cosmetic services, podiatric surgery and laser eye surgery. -
Access to Best Doctors
Excluded Exclusion (not covered)
Best Doctors is available for members on Prestige (Gold) only. Best Doctors offer specialist medical advice that assists members experiencing a medical condition by providing access to a unique global network of 50,000 leading medical specialists. -
Gap Assist
Excluded Exclusion (not covered)
A medical gap benefit to assist with any out-of-pocket expenses which may incur as a result of a hospitalisation. CBHS Prestige (Gold) offers a Gap Assist benefit of $200 per person, per calendar year and the StepUp (Bronze Plus) Package Cover offers a Gap Assist benefit of $100 per person, per calendar year.
Key Extras benefits
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We pay 100% of the cost up to the per service benefit on most Extras items
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Unlimited preventative dental
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General dental
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Optical
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Physio and chiro
Extras
| Description | Yearly limit per person |
|---|---|
|
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Unlimited |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
$230 |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
$250 |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
$100 |
|
|
$100 |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
$200 |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
Not covered |
|
|
$100 |
|
|
$100 |
|
|
$115 |
|
|
$675 |
|
|
$250 |
|
|
$200 |
- ^ Benefits are not payable for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) dentistry including whitening kits, aligners and occlusal splints. Please contact us to confirm whether a benefit is payable.
- 1 Benefit period over any 5 years
- 2 Lifetime benefit
- 3 Benefit per membership per year. Travel is only payable for a patient who requires essential medical and dental treatment, where it is not available at a facility within a 160km round trip of the member’s home. In order to claim travel a patient must be visiting a specialist and will require a referral letter. Excludes Ronald McDonald house.
- 4 Benefit period over any 3 years. Calendar year for StepUp (Bronze Plus).
- 5 Benefits are 90% of the cost up to maximum category limit
- # CBHS provides benefits towards scans, screenings and tests, where members take a pro-active way to manage their health, but only where these do not attract a benefit from Medicare. We are only able to pay a benefit for selected scans, screenings and tests when they are NOT covered by Medicare. Your GP or provider will be able to advise you if your scan, screen or test, meets Medicare’s criteria for benefits.
Hospital cover explained
Here’s what you can expect to be covered for under your KickStart (Basic Plus) policy:
- Private or public hospital accommodation and services includes overnight, same day, intensive care and theatre fees. You’re covered for a private or shared room in a private or public hospital for the following services:
- Accident related treatment after joining
- Tonsils, adenoids and grommets
- Joint reconstructions
- Hernia and appendix
- Dental surgery
- Bone, joint and muscle
All other services in any hospital are only eligible for the minimum benefits set out by law. These are called restricted services. Check the What we don’t fully cover tab for more details on restricted services.
- Medical expenses related to providers for services while you’re a hospital inpatient. You’re covered for all services that Medicare pays benefits for, and CBHS will cover the difference between the Medicare benefit and the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for services provided as an admitted patient to a hospital. Examples include fees from doctors, surgeons, anaesthetists, pathology, imaging etc. You can choose your doctor/surgeon in a public or private hospital.
- Access Gap Cover with providers (e.g. doctor or surgeon) who choose to participate in CBHS’ Access Gap Cover scheme. The amount over and above the MBS fee is known as a ‘gap’. CBHS covers up to 100% of an agreed amount in excess of the MBS fee, which reduces or eliminates your out-of-pocket medical expenses (i.e. surgeons, anaesthetists, pathology, imaging fees etc).
- Surgically implanted prostheses which are on the Australian Government’s Prostheses List are covered to at least the specified minimum benefit. Medical prostheses include heart valve stents, joint replacement devices, and pacemakers.
- Pharmacy benefit covers most drugs related to the reason for your admission in agreement with private hospitals.
- Emergency ambulance transport for an accident or medical emergency by your state’s approved ambulance providers.
- Boarder accommodation covers 100%, up to $160 per admission, if not included in hospital agreement. This applies to a member assisting with the care of another member on the same membership.
- Better Living programs to help you manage your health and wellness.
- Hospital Substitute Treatment to help get you back into your own bed earlier. There is no extra charge if the services are an appropriate substitute for treatment that would have been fully covered in hospital.
KickStart (Basic Plus) will not cover you for:
- Hospital services you receive before you have served waiting periods.
- Nursing home type patient contribution, respite care or nursing home fees.
- Take home/discharge drugs (for non-PBS drugs, you may be eligible for benefits under your Extras cover).
- Healthcare aids e.g. walkers not covered in a hospital agreement (you may be able benefits for these under your Extras cover).
- Services you claim for 24 months after the service date.
- Services provided in countries outside of Australia.
- Prostheses used for excluded services.
- Ambulance transfers between hospitals (for residents in VIC, SA and NT).
- Fees raised by public hospitals that exceed Minimum Default Benefits set by the Department of Health for shared room accommodation.
Exclusions
For treatment listed as an exclusion we do not pay benefits, and members may or will likely incur significant out-of-pocket expense for these services. Please review the exclusions on this cover and always check with CBHS to see if you are covered before receiving treatment. The following services are excluded from this cover:
- Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon)
- Cosmetic services
- Services for which Medicare does not pay a benefit
Non-agreement private hospital rates
If you’re admitted into a non-agreement private hospital, CBHS will only pay benefits at the minimum rate specified by law. These benefits may be similar to a public hospital shared room rate. This may not be enough to cover your admissions in a non-agreement private hospital, and that means you would be liable for a gap.
Before going to hospital, it’s best to check to see whether CBHS has an agreement with that hospital. We can help you to locate CBHS agreement hospitals in your area.
Some services are not fully covered under KickStart (Basic Plus). These are called restricted services.
Restricted services, when provided in a private hospital, are only eligible for the minimum benefits set out by law. These benefits relate to hospital bed charges and are unlikely to cover the private hospital admission fees. That means there may be a large out-of-pocket (gap) expense for both the bed charge and any theatre fees.
Restricted services are covered for a shared room in a public hospital. Understanding which services are restricted in your cover can help you plan more effectively for a hospital stay or medical treatment.
Check out the Hospital services table above to understand which services are restricted under KickStart package.
This section covers options which might help you reduce the cost of your premiums.
These include:
- Daily hospital co-payment
- Age-based discounts
- Australian Government Rebate
Understanding your co-payment
KickStart (Basic Plus) package includes a daily co-payment of $70 to help reduce the cost of your premiums. This means that when you go into hospital (as a day patient or overnight) you pay the daily co-payment for each day that you are in hospital up to a maximum of six (6) days per person or 12 days per couple/family per calendar year. So, if you are admitted to hospital for two days, you will pay a co-payment of $140.
Age-based discounts
Age-based discounts are an Australian Government initiative designed to help make Hospital cover more affordable for young Australians. If you’re aged between 18 and 29, you are eligible for a discount of up to 10% off your premiums. CBHS is proud to be a fund which supports age-based discounts − it’s not mandatory for funds to make this discount available.
Read more about age-based discounts and see what you’re eligible for.
Australian Government Rebate
The Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance (Rebate) is a means-tested Rebate which you may be eligible for. The percentage of Rebate is determined depending on your age and income. Most people choose to claim this Rebate as a reduction in their premiums. You can also choose to claim it as a tax offset when you lodge your annual tax return.
See if you’re eligible for the Rebate.We get that one of the most important questions you have about your cover is “When can I start using it?” Waiting periods are designed to make health insurance fair for all.
I’m new to health insurance
Waiting periods apply to all those who are new to private health insurance. These are set out in the table bellow.
| Cover for | Waiting period |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing conditions* (except for hospital psychiatric services, rehabilitation and palliative care) | 12 months |
| Pregnancy and birth | 12 months |
| Hospital psychiatric services**, rehabilitation and palliative care | 2 months |
| Accidents***, emergency ambulance transport | 1 day |
| All other treatments | 2 months |
I’m transferring from another fund or upgrading my CBHS cover
If you already have cover with another fund, and choose to switch to CBHS, you won’t need to re-start your waiting periods.
If you served part of your waiting periods within one health fund, you can complete these with CBHS.
If you upgrade your level of cover, waiting periods will apply to benefits not previously included within your original cover.
Learn more about waiting periods.
* If you have a pre-existing condition, a waiting period of 12 months will apply before we will pay hospital or medical benefits towards any treatment for that condition.
**Once you have served the two-month waiting period, you can choose to upgrade your cover (once in a lifetime) and access the higher benefits for hospital psychiatric treatment associated with that cover, without serving an additional waiting period. For more details, contact us on 1300 654 123 or email help@cbhs.com.au.
***Accident means an unexpected or unforeseen event caused by an external force or object resulting in an injury to the body which requires treatment by a medical practitioner, hospital or dentist (as the context requires) but excludes pregnancy.
KickStart (Basic Plus)
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2301_CBHS_KickStart_BasicPlus-Apr23Hospital cover explained
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