Suspending Cover
Overseas For More Than Two Months
If you plan to be overseas for more than two months, you have the option of suspending your HBF health membership until you return to Australia. You will retain any length of membership benefits you have earned prior to your departure. The Government has introduced an additional 1% Medicare Levy for people who don't have hospital cover and who earn more than $50,000 per annum as a single or more than $100,000 per annum as a couple or family. If you suspend your Hospital membership, you may become liable for this levy. Please contact one of our Member Service Advisers on 133 423 if you would like to discuss your options further.
If you choose to suspend your HBF membership, it's even more vital that you cover yourself against the cost of medical treatment should you become injured or ill while overseas. Experienced travellers wouldn't leave Australia without the peace of mind of travel insurance. HBF World Wide Travel Insurance is available for whatever period you're overseas and you'll be protected wherever you go in the world. Plus, as an HBF member you're entitled to a 10% discount.
If you are going overseas for two months or more, you may apply in writing to have your health membership suspended while you are away from Australia. Providing the conditions of suspension and resumption are met, you will maintain your age of joining for the purpose of Lifetime Health Cover. The conditions of suspension are:
- (a) The member must complete a Suspension form and return it to HBF before leaving Australia.
(b) The length of absence must be two months or more.
(c) The period of suspension is not included in the length of health membership.
(d) Any outstanding waiting periods must be served on returning to Australia.
(e) No Government Incentive can be claimed while the membership is under suspension.
(f) The Medicare Levy Surcharge may apply during the period of suspension.
(g) No benefits are payable for treatment or services provided during the period of suspension.
(h) Membership must be financial up to the date of suspension.
- (a) The member must complete a Resumption form within 30 days of the date of returning to reside permanently in Australia, otherwise your membership is automatically cancelled.
(b) Resumption of health membership will be effective from the date of return, providing HBF has sighted documentary evidence of the period of absence (ie. boarding pass showing departure and arrival dates).
(c) Membership will not be resumed for persons who return to Australia for brief periods, or for holidays, or to receive treatment where permanent residence in Australia is not resumed. (d) Any premiums held in credit will be applied to the health membership at the current rate applicable on the date of resumption.
For more details call us on 133 423.
