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Australian Unity Health Insurance
Megan Fraser Updated: 05 July 2021
AHM
AIA Health Insurance
Australian Unity Health
HCF
HIF
NIBAustralian Unity Health Insurance has provided health coverage to Australian citizens for over 179 years. Whether you’re looking for your first policy or you’d like to switch health insurers, this company could be your ideal choice. However, it’s typically a good idea to compare all of your options to determine whether they meet all of your requirements.
About the company
The Australian Unity insurance company is a for-profit fund situated in Melbourne. The insurer has partnered with more than 500 hospitals across the country and serves over one million Australian citizens. In the year 2020, the insurance company paid 519,166 claims and provided for 260 000 members, bringing their total membership to 700 000 customers.
What are the pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No-Gap Dental Program through Australian unity dental allows you to receive up to 100% back for preventative dental care. | Generally, if you are on the Basic Plus Extras option you won’t have access to the No-Gap Dental Program |
| Usually, no excess payment is required if you are hospitalised due to an accident. | Ambulance only cover is not available. |
| Usually, there is no excess payable for kids and they can generally remain on your policy until age 23. | Pre-packaged options can’t be purchased as separate policies. |
| Access to an array of programs and services designed to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. | You’re required to wait 12 months before you can claim a benefit if you have pre-existing conditions. |
| You can receive a minimum of 15% off dental treatments when visiting a smile.com.au dentist. | |
| Get up to 100% back on prescription glasses and contact lenses | |
| Health insurance members receive free access to Wellplan rewards which can save you up to 9% on groceries, petrol and movie tickets. | |
| Receive a $100 gift card if referred someone and they become a member of Australian Unity. |
Waiting periods
- Ambulance: No waiting period.
- Palliative care: 2 months.
- Pre-existing conditions: 12 months.
- Pregnancy: 12 months.
- General dental: 2 months.
- Major dental: 12 months.
- Optical: 6 months.
- Physiotherapy: 2 months.
Hospital cover
The company offers six different Hospital plans from which to choose. Each policy has its own monthly price, benefits, and monthly/annual limits.
| Plan | Price (per month) | Benefits | Restricted Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plus (Simple Hospital) | $107.70 |
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| Bronze Plus (Standard Hospital) | $131.75 |
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| Silver Plus (Intermediate Hospital) | $168.15 |
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| Silver Plus (Advanced Hospital) | $235.95 |
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| Gold (ultimate Hospital) | $263.70 |
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Source: PrivateHealth.gov.au (May 2021)
Extras Cover
The company offers six different Extras plans from which to choose. Each policy has its own monthly price, benefits, and monthly/annual limits.
| Plan | Price (per month) | Waiting Period | Annual Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Extras | $33.35 |
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| Standard Extras | $49.40 |
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| Intermediate Extras | $72.80 |
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| Classic Extras | $89.90 |
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| Advanced 80% Extras | $188.50 |
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Source: PrivateHealth.gov.au (May 2021)
Rewards and discounts for members
As a member of the health insurance company, you can receive a wide range of benefit and rewards. To claim for rewards, you need to be an active member and part of a medical plan. You’ll have access to rewards and benefits when logging into the website or utilising the app.
- Health Support Programs.
- Preventative Health Services.
- Support for new and expectant parents.
- Nursing, physiotherapy and other allied health services.
- Get up to 100% back on selected dental treatments, up to your yearly limit.
- Save a minimum of 15% on all dental treatments.
- Get up to 100% back on prescription glasses and contact lenses, up to your yearly limit.
- Enjoy a range of savings through the company’s retail partners.
- The Wellplan Rewards helps you save money on everyday things like groceries, petrol and movie tickets.
- You’ll receive a $100 gift card every time a friend you refer joins Australian Unity and takes out Hospital, Combined Hospital and Extras, or Overseas Visitors Cover.
How to join
There are a few ways to join this health insurance company. You can either visit the Australian Unity website, download and then submit an application form, or call them on 1300 060 625 to speak to an agent who will guide you through the application process. You can also request a quote when completing the quote form.
How to claim from Australian Unity
There are several ways to claim back from the insurance company. You can swipe your Australian Unity card at your providers’ HICAPS or CSC machine, claim online through their website, or send your claim via email. You can also phone the helpline for further guidance.
When being admitted to the hospital, you usually will only need to pay your excess amount, while the bill will be sent directly to the Australian Unity Health Fund.
It’s recommended that you contact your health fund before going to the hospital so you can get pre-approval and ensure that your procedure will be covered.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Who owns Australian Unity?
Australian Unity is a for-profit company that has a 175-year history. It is a publicly owned company held by various subsidiaries that maintain the operations of the company and is part of the Members Own Health Funds, consisting of 15 mutual health fund alliances.How much does Australian Unity health insurance cost?
Plans and health policies from this health insurance company all differ in price depending on the level of coverage they offer. For example, a basic hospital plan can cost you $107.70, whereas a gold hospital plan can cost $263.70. Some Extras policies differ in price, such as an advance extras policy which is $188.50 a month, or a basics extras plan which is $33.35 a month.Is Australian Unity a profit or non-profit health fund?
The health insurance company is publically owned with many closely held subsidiaries that help run the operations. The company is therefore a for-profit health fund. But a certain percentage of the profits are returned to members in the form of benefits and rewards.Does Australian Unity provide ambulance cover
Yes. When you purchase a membership or hospital plan, you’ll usually receive emergency ambulance transportation. However, it’s important to note that the company does not provide stand-alone ambulance coverage.When does Australian Unity Extras reset?
The annual limits for the Extras plan resets on the first of January every year. The benefit and rewards system also resets at this time. You, therefore, receive a clean slate at the beginning of every year when purchasing an Extras plan or policy.Does Australian Unity cover gym memberships?
Yes, if you are an active member of the company and have purchased a plan through them, you can receive attractive discounts on various health and lifestyle services and products. This includes gym memberships, supplements, fitness equipment, and healthy food.Can you switch from another health fund to Australian Unity?
Yes, you can easily switch insurance policies from one health fund to Australian Unity at any point in time. You even have the option of changing your lever of coverage within the health fund. Remember that you can receive cover when transferring within 30 days of leaving your previous fund.Does Australian Unity cover cataract surgery?
Yes, the health fund does cover for cataract surgery, and various other eye-related health services. However, this depends on your level of coverage and which policy you have purchased. Remember to review your plan and cover before booking your surgery to ensure you’re covered.Does Australian Unity provide cover for overseas visitors?
Yes, the company does cater for overseas visitors but only when purchasing the Overseas Visitors Cover plan. The policy covers doctor fees, ambulance services, hospital and theatre fees and accommodation, and day surgeries and procedures.
