This isn't an easy time for any of us. In these challenging times we are doing everything we can to support and care for our members, employees and the community. Wellbeing has been at the heart of our organisation's purpose for 180 years and that is why we are introducing a range of measures to ensure that you receive maximum support from your private health insurance in these uncertain times.
JobSeeker/JobKeeper
If you (or your partner on the policy) are receiving the JobSeeker or JobKeeper allowance you can apply to defer your premium increase. If your application is approved, your premium will not increase between the date of your application and 1 April 2021. You may be asked to provide proof of your JobSeeker payment or JobKeeper allowance to support your application and you’ll need to contact us on 1800 243 954 or customerservice@australianunity.com.au
Cover for COVID-19
To provide peace of mind, if you're an Australian Unity member with hospital or combination cover you'll be covered for hospital admissions, irrespective of your level of cover, if the admission relates to COVID-19. If you take out hospital cover for the first time on or after 1 July 2020, a 2 month general waiting period applies. This measure will stay in place until at least 31 March 2021 and may extend beyond then if required.
Refer to your product Fact Sheet for the details of what it means to be 'covered'. The other terms and conditions of your cover remain unchanged.
Ways to use your Extras Cover
Many health providers have started delivering their services over the phone or using video conferencing. Australian Unity pays benefits towards some Telehealth services, where this type of delivery is deemed appropriate by your health provider. The following treatments are eligible for benefits where the consultation can be appropriately delivered as a telehealth appointment: Dietetics, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Speech Therapy. Terms and conditions apply. To check your eligibility, please review your fact sheet or contact Australian Unity on 1300 706 955.
Our health partner Remedy Healthcare have delivered telehealth services for over 10 years, offering our members mental health support, health coaching and parenting advice, in the safety and comfort of their own homes. Recently, Remedy have developed telehealth physiotherapy and dietetics to meet the growing need for remotely delivered care.
These consultations can help you:
For more information and to make a booking, click here.
COVID-19 Health Advice Hotline
Our members can talk to expert health professionals employed by Remedy Healthcare who can provide information and advice about COVID-19. These clinically trained professionals can help identify support resources in your local area and provide advice on coping with social distancing, self-isolation and staying connected through COVID-19. Please call on 1300 665 780 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm AEST.
COVIDSafe app
The Australian Government has released the COVIDSafe app to speed up the process of contacting people exposed to COVID-19. Australian Unity is encouraging its employees, customers and the community to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by downloading the app. To find out more about the COVIDSafe app and how to download it, visit the Department of Health website.
Access to mental health support
As part of your Hospital cover you may have access to Mindstep®, a confidential, phone-based program, delivered by specially trained mental health coaches designed to support members in adjusting to life’s challenges. Please check your product Fact Sheet to see if you’re covered, then contact the Mindstep team on 1800 322 278 to confirm your eligibility or visit https://www.remedyhealthcare.com.au/welcome-to-mindstep to arrange a call at your preferred time.
Non-urgent elective surgery
To see the latest information in relation to restrictions put in place for non-urgent elective surgery in private and public hospital please refer to these websites:
Our people
We're lucky that the majority of our staff can work from home and continue to deliver for our customers. Importantly, this helps us minimise the risk of infection both for our people and the community more broadly. We are also providing our staff with a range of support services and special leave arrangements if they are impacted by COVID-19.
Need to get in touch?
We know that many people are experiencing long wait times when trying to call us and understand this can be frustrating. For advice on the best way to contact us for specific services and questions please refer to our Contact Us resource page.
Keeping informed
We are closely monitoring advice from the Government and likewise, we advise that you also follow government health updates, as this situation is evolving, and advice is being regularly updated. We've added a COVID-19 section to our website so you can stay up-to-date on what we're doing in response to COVID-19, support options and other information. We'll be updating this page regularly so please continue to check in for the latest information.
This is new to all of us so as the situation changes we will continue to review how we can best help. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we support our customers, staff and our community to stay safe and healthy.