This was posted 10 months 1 day ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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7 Weeks Free Health Insurance (COVID-19 Benefit, Stacks with Signup Benefit) @ GMHBA

3150
7 Weeks Free Health Insurance (COVID-19 Benefit, Stacks with Signup Benefit) @ GMHBA
Go to Deal
machej on 06/09/2024 - 21:30 gmhba.com.au (10476 clicks)
Last edited 07/10/2024 - 09:48 by 4 other users

An insane deal as it seems to stack so you get the sign up benefit (expires 20/9) + Covid return benefit if signing up before 13th September. Duplicate offer removed from title — Mod.

Here is the Covid deal: https://www.gmhba.com.au/campaigns/returnofsavings

Here is the signup deal which has previously been posted on Ozbargain: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/863079

Could be worth >$1000 of value to some people.

⚠️ Important Notice ⚠️

Terms of the campaign was changed. To qualify for the upcoming return of COVID-19 claims savings, GMHBA members need to hold an active private health insurance policy from 13 September 2024 and remain active on 30 September 2024. See the full terms on their website.

The deal expiry date is updated to reflect 13th Sept as the last day to obtain this offer.

Most eligible members who were active on 1 September 2024 will have had their paid-to date moved forward by 7 weeks on 30 September 2024.
New members who joined GMHBA or reactivated their policy after 1 September 2024, and met the eligibility criteria for the 7-week contribution, will have this applied to their membership in the coming weeks. We will communicate further details with these members once the contribution has been made.

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closed Comments

  • Homr on 07/09/2024 - 11:11

    Does this deal work for Extra covers only or does it have to be hospital aswell?

    • drillvoice on 07/09/2024 - 11:51

      I believe it says combined cover only.

  • ldcan on 07/09/2024 - 11:22

    if i choose the highest tier extras cover, does this mean that I will have to just pay for the first four weeks and get the 13 weeks free after for this highest tier extras cover?

  • maybeamacy on 07/09/2024 - 12:00

    Does anyone know which cover I need to avoid the Medicare levy?

  • kiwicheapie on 07/09/2024 - 12:01

    Can this be stacked with TopCashback's compare the market deal?

    • LollardHeretic on 10/09/2024 - 13:11

      On Compare The Market's website the 'Special Offers' section is empty for GMHBA so I think not.

  • kron on 07/09/2024 - 12:07

    Can anyone tell me about the LHC loading? Does it go up on the 1st of July every year? So, instead of getting PHI now, if I get it on 30 June 2025, will the loading be the same?

    • AaronRain on 07/09/2024 - 15:44

      "If you're an Australian resident, you have until 1 July following your 31st birthday to take out hospital cover otherwise a 2% Lifetime Health Cover loading may be added to your premium for every year you haven't held hospital cover, once you take it out. The maximum loading is 70%.

      Any loading that applies to your premium will be removed after you've held hospital cover continuously for 10 years. However, the loading may be reapplied if you then cease to hold hospital cover and subsequently take it up again."

      • kron on 07/09/2024 - 16:45

        I got that part. But say I already have 2% loading as of today. Will it stay 2% as long as I get PHI cover before 1 July 2024?

        • AaronRain on 09/09/2024 - 10:32

          Depends, if you never have cover before then yes, otherwise it would be how many years it been since you don't have cover, say you end your cover last year on May 2023 then you would need to get it before May 2024 if you don't want another 2%.

  • umyeahokay on 07/09/2024 - 12:08

    Newbie health insurance churner question:

    I'm still within my first 12 month waiting period with NIB, and have passed my 10 weeks free period. If i was to churn to GMHBA, would I still get the 13 weeks free after 4 weeks?

  • Raif on 07/09/2024 - 12:32

    Do GHMBA have providers you to need to use like HCF? Missed thst in my last churn :(

  • cami087 on 07/09/2024 - 13:06
    +1

    Looking at the comments, is it better to sign up to frank instead of this?

  • freedomofspeech on 07/09/2024 - 13:57

    Can we claim gym membership with the 75% extra plan? Anyone experienced this?

    • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 14:59

      Does the policy have health managment/improvmemt

      • freedomofspeech on 07/09/2024 - 15:27

        I cant see it but haven't signd up yet

        • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 15:37
          +1

          If you go with frank more extras , they have gym membership listed as a option, 50% up to a benefit of $400

          Your GP will nees to fill this form.
          High BMI is a satisfactory reason for health funds

          @financialminimalism seems to think no one can get $600+ worth for paying one extra premium of approx $60ish (on top of hospital). Haha

          • freedomofspeech on 08/09/2024 - 00:03
            +1

            @easternculture: But what about this GMHBA offer? I know other health funs do it?

            • financialminimalism on 08/09/2024 - 08:20
              +1

              @freedomofspeech: Exactly. They’re talking about other health funds and saying how they offer good perks but clearly this extras policy doesn’t otherwise they would have pointed to the form for GMHBA. I can’t see $600 of value here for my family. I don’t need sunglasses, there is no gym membership they speaks of. I’m not saying don’t get it if you can see value in it, but I can’t see where they’re getting $600 from, particularly if he’s been churning funds as much as they say - how many sunglasses do they need?

              • easternculture on 08/09/2024 - 10:34
                +5

                @financialminimalism: So i churn every few months but make sure every year i churn to funds thaf renew every calender, financial and anniversary year. That allows me to claim 3 times per year.

                • Optical at least $800 to spend every year which i use for contacts and one pair of glasses per year.
                • Gym membership $450 - $550 per year depending on fund (with churning).
                • Dentist $400 with 2 visits per year and a whitening kit every 6 months ($160).
                • Massage every week. I know a place that doesnt charge me the gap .. thats 52 x $35 = approx $1500.
                  Thats approx $3500 for paying approx 4 to 5 months every year of PHI and getting free weeks + some gift cards/cashback/perks etc
                • padman on 09/09/2024 - 01:35

                  @easternculture: what fund pays for the whitening kit? Won't most class this as cosmetic and not claimable?

                • goodfella on 09/09/2024 - 10:55
                  +3

                  @easternculture: WOW! We need a detailed forum post from you on how to churn PHI "properly". Would be keen to read!

                  • easternculture on 09/09/2024 - 10:57

                    @goodfella: Issue is alot of peopled dont know what and how to claim. But as soon as you know all the ins and outs, PHI is a big saver

                • Wiadro on 09/09/2024 - 22:29

                  @easternculture: write a guide please

              • freedomofspeech on 08/09/2024 - 16:14
                +1

                @financialminimalism: I may contact The health fund to get a clear answer if gym membership is covered in the 75% extras

                • easternculture on 09/09/2024 - 09:03

                  @freedomofspeech: Looked at the policy and appears that its not covered

                  • freedomofspeech on 09/09/2024 - 11:45

                    @easternculture: The alternative Frank offer has it however. Thanks EC

                  • financialminimalism on 09/09/2024 - 21:34
                    +1

                    @easternculture: I'm also interested in a post from easternculture on PHI and extras - seems like you have it worked out and open to learning more tricks from you. From your comments I understand the main trick is to go with a fund that waives the waiting period for extras, smash it hard in a month and then cancel it?

  • rwps on 07/09/2024 - 14:42
    +3

    We have been with GMHBA for many years now.
    Best health insurance, that actually are a member focussed fund. Not profit. It shows through in the value and the service. Love them.

    • dinglejerry on 07/09/2024 - 17:36

      I hear very mixed reviews about them doing some research… but then again same with every health fund I guess.

  • Stahh on 07/09/2024 - 14:57

    How long till you receive an email after signing up. Joined last night still no emails from them? Thanks

    • Hunt is On on 09/09/2024 - 10:30

      Did you get any emails now for bonus weeks and covid weeks?
      I joined today and just got welcome email, no mention of any free weeks

  • XyzzE on 07/09/2024 - 15:03

    I lost my job due to Long COVID 2 years ago, single, 34. Have been mostly living off savings (health is still extremely poor). Recently told I'll need at least 6K in dental work over the next 6-12 months (root canals/crowns). Can anyone help me cut through the brain fog to work out if this offer/which combo would be worthwhile to me? I'm wary of signing up to anything longer term with my financial situation being so volatile + new-found idiot-brain.

    • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 15:52
      -4

      lost my job due to Long COVID 2 years ago

      Funny thing i lost my job for NOT taking the vaccine and never got covid even though i tried my beat to get it so i could get a 6 months exemption. Right up until today, ive been covid free

    • Love a bargain on 08/09/2024 - 07:11
      +1

      Assuming you don't currently have any health insurance.

      There's usually a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Major dental also usually attracts 12-month waiting periods regardless. Can the dental work wait that long?

    • MS Chris on 10/09/2024 - 10:56

      With that much in dental work, I would explore overseas options. Perhaps somewhere in SE Asia. I recently had a dental inlay done in Colombia, $350 versus $1000 in Australia. Was done promptly and professionally, with follow up x-rays and appointments included. Very happy with the result.

      • easternculture on 10/09/2024 - 11:33

        Turkey has some good dentists / orthodentists.

        I know a few who are aussies trained and worked here for a while and went to turkey .

        Or you could go to an african developed country for ivory crowns lol

  • screensaver on 07/09/2024 - 16:56

    I saw this deal but noticed that it said that the 7 weeks free would be applied on sep 30, so I wondered if that would affect the 6 free weeks people are already on. Did anyone check with the fund?

    • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 17:06

      Whatever is applied to your account gets extended 7 weeks

  • xers on 07/09/2024 - 17:29

    My Medibank cover is currently being paid up to 26 September by Live Better points redemption. Will they give me a cash refund if I switch now? I know they would if it was paid normally but not sure about Live Better points.

    • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 17:30
      +1

      Not if paid via Live better points.
      Your better to apply now with a start date of 20 September

      • xers on 07/09/2024 - 17:37

        Yea I thought as much. Thanks, I might do that then.

    • jackofspade on 08/09/2024 - 14:35
      +1

      I assumed that they wouldn't but they sent me a refund cheque for 1 week

  • iaam on 07/09/2024 - 17:38
    +1

    How does GMHBA extras work? I am a bit confused it says set percentage (55%) back. I am with Bupa and with Bupa I get full payment back in dental and my prescription glasses from Specsavers.

    • Robot16 on 09/09/2024 - 21:34

      Yep, that's what made me pause.

    • jenki on 11/09/2024 - 21:22

      The set percentage back means GMHBA will contribute that set percentage towards your bill. E.g. your remedial massage costs $100 and you are on the 55% back plan, they will pay $55 and you pay the remaining $45.
      With dental it's a little more confusing as some categories have a sub-limit e.g. they will contribute a max $X towards crown/bridges so even if the dentist changes you $2k you will get a max $X back.

  • boq on 07/09/2024 - 17:48

    Do wait periods reset say if I stop extras and just keep my hospital cover? I served my 12 months years ago but thinking of saving a bit, haven't used any in I think the last 18 months.

    • ltwo on 07/09/2024 - 18:11

      I think stopping cover will reset your waiting periods. From memory, there's a grace period where you're allowed to go 'uncovered' before it resets.

    • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 22:54

      If you stop extra, only extra will stop. Why don’t you take advantage of this offer? This way you will pay 1 month but get an extra 13 weeks free.

  • xers on 07/09/2024 - 18:36

    How do the free weeks work in terms of government rebate? Say for example my income is at tier 1, meaning I should get 16.405% rebate on premium paid. However I declare to the insurer that my income is higher than that and pay the full premium without any rebate which is then covered by the 13 weeks free. When I lodge my tax return next year can I claim that 16.405% rebate despite not actually paying any premium for those 13 weeks?

    • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 09:11

      It gets done automatically. Also you don’t need to claim it now, you can claim at tax return.

  • frewer on 07/09/2024 - 19:23

    Socan I go to any dentist/doc ? Or I have to go to the one that 'associated' with them?

    • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 09:13
      +1

      Any, but you might be more out if pocket.

      • frewer on 08/09/2024 - 19:29

        Thanks.

        • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 19:59
          +1

          No worries, once signed up take the card around and then see how it'll cost you.

  • Pab23q on 07/09/2024 - 19:54

    Do they automatically send you a members hicaps card or do I have request via members portal?

    • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 22:55

      Usually it’s automatic, or some funds ask you if you want only digital.

      • Pab23q on 09/09/2024 - 06:49

        Sweet thanks mate

  • tomlips on 07/09/2024 - 21:24

    Going to the the https://www.gmhba.com.au/campaigns/returnofsavings there is no signup button. Should i just signup and the stacking will apply after. That looks like to be the case. Sorry, don't want the stacking to not work. Thanks for any help guys.

  • BaeSuzy on 07/09/2024 - 21:43

    To confirm, i can move to them from HCF, and after, move back to HCF? they are just cheaper.

    • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 22:55

      Yes and yes

  • Pingu on 07/09/2024 - 22:27
    +1

    One thing to be aware of. GHMBA pays less than many other health funds to doctors so you might end up with a higher Gap payment for services.

    • dinglejerry on 08/09/2024 - 08:42

      Can just leave after the 13 weeks.

  • egglings on 07/09/2024 - 23:35

    would Hospital only be eligible for the 7 weeks COVID-19 benefit? I’m thinking yes, as it should count as “an active private health insurance policy”?

    • skye89 on 08/09/2024 - 09:34

      It does but you dont get the 6 weeks free

  • jayz on 08/09/2024 - 08:56

    Is it just me or is GHMBA much more expensive than other providers, eg HBF.

    • BaeSuzy on 08/09/2024 - 09:35
      +1

      yeah, it is, but its 13 weeks free, so ill leave and go back to HCF, i recon.

    • alohame on 08/09/2024 - 19:39

      It is. Did calculation, better off staying at HBF if you don't need extras.

    • financialminimalism on 08/09/2024 - 20:59

      Do you mind if I ask which state / family status? For me GMHBA hospitals is cheaper than HBF and most other funds (VIC, Family)

  • T-Quizzle on 08/09/2024 - 09:49
    +1

    Thanks OP - saved me thousands (especially with a cheaper premium too). Gave "the committee" impetuous to actually change providers finally.

  • JAP01 on 08/09/2024 - 13:55
    +2

    We are currently with Bupa and considering the move and spent about an hour comparing the Bupa and GHMBA. Left with confused even more. How the hell you guys compare insurances? It appears Bupa Bronze plus is somewhat similar to GHMBA Bronze plus advantage . However followings items appears to be a plus with Bupa and not clear or exluded on GHMBA (GHMBA is $64 cheaper for our family and wages).Extras become even trickier to compare with sub category limites etc.
    Lung and chest
    sleep studies
    No Excess for kids
    Single Room Guarantee
    Travel and accommodation
    Accommodation for overnight or same day stays
    Operating theatre, intensive care, ward fees

    • Pythagoras on 11/09/2024 - 20:24
      +1

      Agreed. I thought health insurance was meant to be simplified in order to make comparisons but i find it hard to compare HCF coverage to this one.

  • Borgasm on 08/09/2024 - 14:33

    Hoping someone can help me with this:

    I'm currently with Medibank and have been for a few years. My daughter requires an insulin pump which is covered under Bronze Plus with Medibank. Now if I switch to GMHBA, I would have to upgrade to Silver cover, which I know will still cover the insulin pump without having to go through a waiting period again. However, when I want to go back to Medibank (which I will as it's really the only provider I've found that covers insulin pumps under bronze and is subsequently cheaper). Will I still be covered for the insulin pump without having to go through waiting periods again? Since it's a downgrade of cover? Thanks in advance

  • brainactive on 08/09/2024 - 15:47

    Waiting for my free 6 weeks from another insurer. Won't go through until end October. Does this mean I would have to give this deal a miss? Any way around this?

    • screensaver on 08/09/2024 - 17:14

      I cant move either because I have $200 worth of free premium from Medibank to use up.

      • Crowing on 08/09/2024 - 20:33
        +1

        Medibank refunds the unused premium. I was paid up until start of October (redeemed points for 4 weeks free premium) and changed to GMHBA 2 weeks ago and received refund.

        • brainactive on 08/09/2024 - 21:44

          What if the unused premium was part of a 6 week free promo? Would they still "refund" the 6 weeks worth?

        • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 22:59

          Good to know. I’m paid up until 4th of October with Medibank but I’ll move on 20th September. It is part of the fee weeks so I don’t know how much I’ll get (if any)

      • screensaver on 09/09/2024 - 07:16

        The $200 free premium will be from the 25000 Live Better points they gave me, I am still in the 6 week free period so havent used it yet. If I did would take the Frank offer, would never be without lung and chest category

  • RenVilo on 08/09/2024 - 16:39

    I'm looking at signing up and moving from Bupa. Looks a lot like the same what I get now. But I have to pick between a flat extra or 65% back.. The 65% is more expensive and in some cases don't he flat extra you get 100% back so am I wrong in saying its better to get the flat extra?

    • bigbadboogieman on 08/09/2024 - 23:56

      I am contemplating the same. The set extra works well for optical where a full set of glasses or lens get covered with no out of pocket.

      • RenVilo on 09/09/2024 - 00:28

        Yea will compare it more tomorrow. For a remedial massage its like $28 on the fixed. 65% would work out to $52 which is basically double. Will go through the dental stuff and few others then decide.

        • bigbadboogieman on 09/09/2024 - 10:52

          Instant deal breaker for me.

          To be fully covered for Ambulance services, we recommend that you take out an ambulance subscription in your state or territory. You can claim a refund on one ambulance subscription per membership each calendar year under Gold Extras and Silver Extras (excluding TAS/QLD/NSW).

          A transport benefit per trip is payable, however this will result in significant out of pocket costs. Publicly funded ambulance services and State Government Ambulance transport schemes are excluded (TAS/QLD/NSW)

          • RenVilo on 09/09/2024 - 13:08

            @bigbadboogieman: Even with Bupa they only cover 1 or 2 trips a year. With GMHBA I think it is 1. I have an additional ambulance cover already so.

            • bigbadboogieman on 09/09/2024 - 16:15
              +1

              @RenVilo: From Bupa. I don't think it's 1 trip or 2 trips.

              Ambulance Cover for uncapped emergency ambulance transport or on-the-spot treatment by our recognised providers in each state of Australia. If claimable from another source, a benefit won’t be paid by Bupa. For more, see the Important Information Guide. There is a 1 day waiting period for emergency ambulance and on-the-spot treatment.

  • BaeSuzy on 09/09/2024 - 09:35

    Anyone here on HCF Silver plus hospital transferring? Bit confusing with the transfering to the GOLD GMHBA, and wanting to transfer back to HCF silver plus later, as we onyl need the pregnancy and birth.

  • victorheaven on 09/09/2024 - 10:36
    +3

    Am I reading it wrong or they are just bad for emergency ambulance?

    Even the top extra only covers up to $300, there will be some big out of pocket costs if I understand it correctly. I have not used this extra benefit fortunately, but it seems to be something to watch out for?

    • bigbadboogieman on 09/09/2024 - 10:51
      +4

      wow.. good call out. This is an instant deal breaker for me in NSW.

      To be fully covered for Ambulance services, we recommend that you take out an ambulance subscription in your state or territory. You can claim a refund on one ambulance subscription per membership each calendar year under Gold Extras and Silver Extras (excluding TAS/QLD/NSW).

      A transport benefit per trip is payable, however this will result in significant out of pocket costs. Publicly funded ambulance services and State Government Ambulance transport schemes are excluded (TAS/QLD/NSW)

      • goodfella on 09/09/2024 - 14:38
        +1

        Same for me, but is this a deal breaker though? Can organise a separate Ambulance cover for half a year through Medibank for example

      • dinglejerry on 09/09/2024 - 16:07

        Interesting, whereas Frank says "If you have any Frank hospital cover, you are automatically covered for emergency transportation within NSW or ACT. " I'll dig into whether it's the same thing though where they only pay a benefit and you are out of pocket… probably likely

      • dinglejerry on 10/09/2024 - 11:54

        I checked further on this, in NSW they fully cover emergency ambulance (vs non emergency ambulance transport). So it's not really an issue from my POV.

        • Embaloo on 12/09/2024 - 08:33

          Could you share where you got the info from?

  • pikachupw on 09/09/2024 - 11:15
    +1

    After reading the long thread, I'm still a bit confused about the start date of the offer. Can I sign up now but set the start date to September 23rd (I understand the offer will verify active membership on September 25th)? Or do I need to sign up and activate my membership by September 20th to qualify for the 13 weeks free offer?

    • reomyr on 09/09/2024 - 20:35

      Did you get an answer to this? I'd also like to know whether we can signup now and schedule a start date after 20th but before 25th September and be eligible for 6 weeks free and 7 weeks COVID benefit.

  • akhan on 09/09/2024 - 12:06

    I am slightly confused on the 7 weeks calculation thing. Can someone please confirm 7 additional weeks will be applicable no matter which plan you sign up for?
    The FAQ page says that the
    "The 7-week contribution will be calculated on 25 September 2024 and based on the weekly net premium amount for your cover. If there are any changes to your cover after this date, including to rebates, loadings or discounts applied to your membership, then your premium contribution may no longer be precisely 7 weeks."
    To me it seems like you are not automatically awarded 7 additional weeks and might depend on your weekly premium? So not necessary you will get 7 weeks by default. Any help.

    • goodfella on 09/09/2024 - 15:04
      +3

      I read it this way:
      "You'll get your 7 week from 25 September 2024 as a lump sum credit based on the weekly net premium amount for your cover. If later you, say, increase your cover (and your premium will increase respectively), then your original 7 week extension will become less due to increased cover's premiums eating through the extension premium credit faster".

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