Managing another member’s policy

Loss of cognitive function or decision-making abilities

If someone close to you can no longer make informed choices, it can be helpful for a trusted love one to have authority of their policy so that decisions can be made in their best interests.

How we can help

A legally authorised representative can be added to manage the member’s policy. This is usually someone who has legal authority to act on a member’s behalf.

As we’re dealing with personal information and finances, we usually require evidence that the person has been appointed as a legally authorised representative. Depending on what state you live in, this might come in the form of an Enduring Power of Attorney or another legally appointed role.

If you have any questions about becoming the legally appointed representative for another member’s policy, please give us a call on 133 423 and we can discuss your options with you.

Adult children with a decision-making disability

If you have a child or dependant on your policy with an intellectual disability, we can help you support them in their transition into adulthood and making their own decisions about their health insurance. We outline below how you can support them in making decisions about their health cover.

How we can help

When your child (dependant) turns 18, they become an adult and are legally entitled to make their own decisions. With HBF, dependants can stay on your policy until the age of 25. After this, depending on their ability to make informed decisions, we can work with them to set them up on their own policy. If they are unable to make decisions in their own best interests, we will require you to appoint a guardian or an administrator to their policy so that they can assist where required.

If you have any questions, please give us a call on 133 423 and we can discuss your options with you.

Helpful resources

If you are the parent or guardian of a child with a decision-making disability, your local government office be able to offer advice or assistance.

• Office of the Public Advocate (WA)
• Office of the Public Advocate (VIC)
• Office of the Public Advocate (SA)
• Office of the Public Guardian (TAS)
• Office of the Public Advocate (QLD)
• Public Advocate (ACT)
• Office of the Public Guardian (NT)