GMHBA Health Insurance

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Last Updated 11/12/2024
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Written by

Rachel Gregg

Last Updated 11/12/2024

What changed?

Comprehensive changes to content with updated information and stats.
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.

Edited by

Laura Crowden

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

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Long story short

1
Extra health support in Geelong

Living in greater Geelong and over 55? You could be eligible for GMHBA’s care coordination service to help support those with complex medical conditions.

2
Post-hospital care at home

GMHBA’s Hospital in Home (HITH) and Rehabilitation in Home (RITH) programs allow you to continue treatment from the comfort of your own home.

3
Gap free health

GMHBA has a higher number of gap-free health services. 86.7% 1Commonwealth Ombudsman – State of the Health Funds report 2024 – page 19 of their services close the gap between Medicare and you, so you’ll have less to pay.

4
Waiting periods

For some treatments and extras, you’ll need to wait two to 12 months. But if you’ve already completed your waiting periods with another insurer, GMHBA will recognise this.

5
Lower premium perks

GMHBA’s excess options let you lower your premium by sharing part of the hospital costs with your insurer. Single excess starts at $500 with families or couples at $1000.

What makes GMHBA different? 

Being around for nearly a century isn’t the only reason so many GHMBA members stick around. Here’s what keeps their customers coming back: 

Gap free

GMHBA prides itself in offering an average of 86.7%2As above gap-free services across Australia well above the national average. 

Age-based discount

If you’re aged between 18-29, you could be able to score a discount of 2-10% off your GMHBA policy, depending on your age.

60-day money-back guarantee

Sometimes finding the right health insurance fit takes a bit of trial and error. If you aren’t happy with your GMHBA cover within 60 days of joining, you can get a full refund (if you haven’t made any claims).

Community focus

Born and bred in Geelong, GMHBA knows the importance of community support. It’s why they’ve made it their tradition to strengthen their local area through events, health webinars, partnerships and more.

Award-winning service

Winning one award is impressive enough, but in 2023 GMHBA won three five-star awards for their outstanding value for hospital insurance.

What types of policies does GMHBA offer? 

With GMHBA you’ve got plenty of options for your health. Whether it’s hospital, extras or combined cover, they’ve got a policy to fit your needs. 

  • Hospital cover: This covers you as a private patient in a public or private hospital. The level of treatment you’re covered for will vary depending on your policy details.
  • Extras cover: For out-of-hospital care and services not covered by Medicare, like dental, physio or optical, extras cover will sort you out. What exactly you are covered for will depend on your level of coverage and policy.
  • Combined cover: If you want coverage for anything that life might throw at you, combined policies have all bases covered. If you need to take a trip to the hospital or just want to keep on top of your dental checkups, you’ll be sorted.
  • Ambulance cover: You’ll be covered for ambulance services with all GMHBA hospital policies. If you have extras only, it might only cover you for emergency trips or a refund for your state ambulance subscription. Make sure to read through all the details of your policy to know what you’ll be covered for in emergency medical situations.  

What other health services does GMHBA offer? 

GMHBA is all about helping Australians live their best, healthiest lives. They know that taking care of your health is a lifelong journey, which is why they offer educational resources and support for you. 

Post-hospital support programs 

Sometimes a hospital stay is unavoidable, but no one wants to stay longer than they have to. GMHBA offers Hospital in the Home (HITH) and Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) programs to eligible members to get you home quicker. 

Hospital in the home (HITH)

Get continued medical care like nursing, intravenous therapy, allied health, and home support all from the comfort of your own home.  

Rehabilitation in the home (RITH)

Continue rehab at home with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, speech pathology or nursing services to help restore your strength and mobility. 

Care Coordination Service (CCS) 

If you’re in the greater Geelong area and dealing with complicated health problems, GMHBA’s care coordination service can help. It doesn’t matter what level of hospital cover you hold, you can get support, information and access to health services, at no extra cost. 

Chronic Disease Management Program (CDMP) 

GMHBA’s chronic disease management program is here to help members maintain their health. Eligible members can access phone-based coaching, care coordination, and strategies to help you stay out of hospital. 

What waiting periods apply to GMHBA policies? 

All health funds have waiting periods. They pretty much help protect you and your insurer from people joining just to claim and then quickly leave. This means that if you need a treatment or service before your waiting period is up you won’t be able to claim it, even if you submit the claim later.  

Waiting periods apply to all new members, existing members upgrading their coverage or when adding a new member to the policy. But remember if you’ve just switched funds to GMHBA, and you’ve already served waiting periods with your previous insurer, GMHBA will honour them.   

Hospital waiting periods  
Accidents that occur after joining with GMHBA 0 days  
Psychiatric, rehab, palliative care or any other hospital treatment 2 months  
Pregnancy and pre-existing conditions  12 months  
Extras waiting periods  
All extra benefits (except the following outlined below) 2 months 
Optical, home and domestic aids, and medical aids  6 months  
Major dental services and health appliances (blood glucose monitors, hearing aids, prostheses etc) 12 months 

There’s no place like home when it comes to recovering after hospital treatment. This is why GMHBA offers a range of post-hospital support services from the comfort of your couch.  

If you’re in Greater Geelong, you can access their Care Coordination Service, a no-extra cost perk to supporting members with complex or chronic health problems. Not a Geelong local? GMHBA’s Hospital in the Home and Rehabilitation in the Home services are available no matter where you live.  

Frequently asked questions

How do I switch to GMHBA?

Does GMHBA cover travel insurance?

How do I claim with GMHBA?

How does excess work with GMHBA?

How do I pay my GMHBA premiums?

Looking to compare health insurance policies? 

Why settle for a standard policy when you can compare and find a policy that fits you like a glove? With iSelect you can compare health insurance from our range of providers and policies to find a policy that suits you. Start comparing online today or call our friendly team on 1800 784 772

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