Payment method options
There are a number of ways that you can pay your GMHBA premiums. This way you can choose the method and frequency that best suits your situation. Please note not all payment methods are available on all products.
| Payment method | Details |
| Direct debit | You can save 2% by having your premiums deducted directly from your bank, credit union or building society account. |
| Credit card | Premiums are automatically debited from your MasterCard or Visa credit card each month, quarter, half-year or year – whichever you prefer. Please note that automatic payments from a credit card do not attract the direct debit discount. |
| GMHBA branches | Payments can be made by cheque or EFTPOS. |
| Australia Post | Payments can be made in cash, cheque or EFTPOS when you present your billing notice at any Australia Post office with the Billpay facility. |
| Pay online |
You can make a one off payment via credit card in the member area, or via the BPay facility of your financial institution. |
| Pay by phone | Payments can be made by credit card over the phone using NAB Transact, simply phone 1300 238 959. Alternately you can use the BPay facility of your financial institution. |
| Payments must be made by cheque, money order or credit card. Please do not send cash by mail. |
Claiming method options
There are a number of ways you can claim your extras benefits:
- In most cases, you can swipe your GMHBA membership card at the provider when paying the account, and your provider will bill GMHBA directly (dependent on your provider, some may not have this facility).
- If you need to pay the full account, you can easily claim online through the secure GMHBA member area.
- Visit a GMHBA branch with an itemised receipt and/or account.
- Complete a GMHBA claim form and post to GMHBA along with your itemised receipt and/or account.
- Lodge your claim at a Medicare office who will forward to GMHBA for processing.
Which extras providers can I use?
As long as your provider is registered with the appropriate board for their field, and practising in a private practice, you can claim for their services with GMHBA (provided that you're covered for the relevant service).
To confirm that your provider is listed with GMHBA, contact us, or ask when booking your appointment.
How to claim if you go to hospital
Hospital costs
This is the cost of services provided by the hospital, and typically includes things such as the hospital accommodation, operating theatre fees and dressing and bandages.
If you go to a hospital as a private patient for a procedure that's included on your cover, you will still have to pay your excess upfront and any other out-of-pocket costs relating to your admission.
Which hospitals are on GMHBA's "participating hospital list"?
Check the list of participating private hospitals. This is subject to change, so to be 100% sure, either ask the hospital, or contact us.
Medical costs
Medical costs are processed differently to hospital costs. How they are paid depends upon whether or not your doctor is participating in your health fund's Gap Cover Scheme. You can find out if your doctor is participating by asking them prior to treatment.
| If your doctor is participating with your health insurer | If your doctor is not participating with your health insurer |
|---|---|
| 1. The bill for your medical costs is sent to Medicare and your health insurer. | 1. After you have left the hospital, take your paperwork to Medicare. They'll issue cheques and medical statements. |
| 2. Medicare and your health insurer pay their portion directly to the doctor. | 2. You send the medical statements to your health insurer, and your health insurer will send you cheques for payment. |
| 3. The doctor sends you a bill for whatever is not covered by Medicare or your health insurer (your out-of-pocket expenses). | 3. You send these cheques and the Medicare cheques to your doctor. |
| 4. The doctor sends you a bill for whatever is not covered by Medicare or your health insurer (your out-of-pocket expenses). |
Which doctors are participating with GMHBA?
Doctors can opt to use GMHBA's Gap Cover Scheme on a case by case basis, so it's best to confirm with your doctor directly. If they aren't registered you can ask whether they would be willing to participate in GMHBA's Gap Cover Scheme. You can also contact us to check whether your doctor has previously registered to participate in GMHBA's Gap Cover Scheme.