Standard Overseas cover changes

Our Standard Overseas Visitors cover has changed from 1 January 2023

In a recent review to continue to deliver competitively priced and high value health insurance, changes have been made to our Standard Overseas Product. Read more in the frequently asked questions.

What has changed with HBF's Standard Overseas Visitors health cover?

  • A $500 excess will be payable for hospital admissions
  • Coverage for some services has changed
  • These changes came into effect on 1 January 2023
  • If you are affected by these changes, you would have received an alert on myHBF, and a letter or email with further details

Find answers to some frequently asked questions below.
If you still have questions, you can call us on 1300 550 296 or book a branch visit.

Frequently asked questions

Why has my cover changed?

Our priority is to remain a sustainable, member-focused organisation that continues to provide affordable and valuable health insurance products for all our members.

As the health insurance market changes over time, we need to continuously review and assess the range of products we offer and the coverage they provide. Our recent review has shown that our products need to change in order to make health cover simpler for all our members at a reasonable price.

What do I do if I have an upcoming hospital procedure for an affected service?

If you pre-booked your hospital treatment or had a valid written benefit quote from HBF prior to the 31st of December 2022, your benefits and excess for the booked or quoted treatment won’t change.

If you were undertaking a course of treatment when the changes take effect, your benefits and excess will not be impacted unless the course of treatment continues beyond 30 June 2023.

If you did not pre-book your hospital treatment, receive a valid written benefit quote or commence your course of treatment prior to or on 31 December, your new excess will apply for any treatment on your coverage and benefits will not apply for services that have been removed. 

If I have an emergency admission, will I have to pay an excess?

If you are admitted as an inpatient as a result of emergency treatment after 1 January 2023, a $500 excess will apply. You will not have to pay an excess for any outpatient treatment, such as visiting an emergency department as long as you are not admitted to hospital.

From the 1st of January 2023, you will be required to pay an excess on the first admission per person, per calendar year on the health insurance policy. Excess is not payable for dependants if they are admitted to the hospital.

When will my excess change and can I choose a different level?

From 1 January 2023, your new excess will apply to inpatient hospital admissions. You cannot choose a different level. $500 excess is the only level now available for this product.

If I want to be covered for removed items, what are my options?

If you have any upcoming hospital treatment that is booked by 31 December 2022, or you already have a valid written benefit quote from HBF, your excess and benefits for this treatment won’t change.

If you are undertaking a course of treatment when the change takes effect, your excess will not be impacted unless the course of treatment continues beyond June 30, 2023. Please contact HBF on 1300 550 296 to confirm whether your treatment is covered.

If you are looking for a product that includes services that are suitable for your health needs, you can go online or, visit the Private Health website here to find out more about Overseas Visitor Products.