Ways nib is supporting our members throughout COVID-19

A young couple enjoying breakfast in their kitchen and dining room

Here are just a few of the initiatives we've put in place

10 August 2020 5 minute read

The last year has been tough on all Australians. From health concerns to social isolation, travel restrictions, juggling children at home while working and even job losses; we have all in some way experienced a change in our lives.

nib is continuing to work hard to ensure we're doing everything we can to help our members during this time. Our focus is helping you continue to access healthcare and support when you need it most.

Here are just a few of the initiatives we've put in place throughout COVID-19:

Extended coverage and benefits for members

During COVID-19, it's essential that our members continue to look after their health – to help, we have temporarily expanded cover for coronavirus-related hospital treatment. This is across Basic and Bronze level Hospital cover, where these treatments are currently excluded, at no extra cost. You'll just need to have served the standard two-month waiting period before requiring treatment¹. For more information, head to our dedicated page: Coronavirus and your cover.

Please note that this is a temporary benefit that will only be available until 31 December 2021.

Coverage extended to include telehealth

Throughout the pandemic, many Aussies have been looking for ways to stay at home, but still access the healthcare they use regularly. To help members prioritise their health from the safety of their home, we have permanently expanded our cover to pay benefits towards telehealth appointments, like physiotherapy and psychology, as an alternative to in-clinic consultations.².

Coverage for psychology regardless of your Extras policy

We’re here to support the mental health and wellbeing of our members, especially during difficult times like the current COVID-19 pandemic. Until 30 June 2021, all members with Extras cover will be covered for psychology up to a limit of $300 at no additional cost (claimable as a one-time benefit only)³.

To be eligible, you'll need to be an Australian resident member, currently holding Extras cover and have already served your two-month waiting period. If you currently have psychology cover over $300 or are on a mental health care plan set by Medicare, you’re unable to claim the temporary cover.

More information is available at our dedicated COVID-19 mental health support page.

Giving back to our community

So far, nib together with nib foundation, have donated $1.5 million to charitable and clinical initiatives across the country and to our Kiwi neighbours. We've partnered with Lifeline, Clearhead, NSW Rural Doctors Network, Alfred Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute to provide funding that saw a combination of immediate and urgent support, as well as ongoing assistance to help the community recover from the pandemic. On top of this, nib donated 100,000 face masks which were distributed across the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.

Above all else, our priority remains to help you stay safe and healthy, and offer support to maintain your cover during the pandemic. For more information on the ways we're supporting you, please visit our COVID-19 landing page.

¹ Pre-Existing Conditions have a waiting period of 12 months

² This is subject to availability at chosen clinic, level of Extras cover, policy exclusions, waiting periods & limits. May not be appropriate for all consultations, other T&Cs apply

³ The minimum benefit of $300 for psychology on Extras products is claimable once only by an eligible member. This benefit did not reset with other Extras limits on 1 January 2021.