Going to hospital?

If you have an injury or health concern and need to go to hospital, find out what options you have as a member to get the most out of your health cover, opens in a new tab.

Next steps:

• Log in, opens in a new tab to check what your cover includes

• Make an appointment with your GP

Unless you arrive at the hospital in an ambulance, you'll probably talk to your GP first about any concerns. They'll assess your condition and refer you to a specialist for further treatment if necessary.

Next steps:

• Compare the benefits of surgery with other options

• Ask about alternative treatments, tests, and risks

• Discuss your specialist options

You should check what your cover includes, that it’s up to date, and if you have any waiting periods before you see your specialist.

Tips

• Choose a specialist

• Check your details are the same on your nib policy and with Medicare, opens in a new tab (if you're an Australian resident)

Use your initial appointment with your specialist to make sure you feel comfortable with your proposed treatment plan. It’s important to discuss their fees and any other costs involved in your procedure including fees of other specialists involved (e.g. an anaesthetist).

Tips

• Ask about potential risks, complications and what to expect as you recover

• Ask your specialist for a written estimation of fees

• Ask if they're willing to participate in nib MediGap

• If you’re interested in nib Healthcare @ Home, ask if your specialist is willing to refer you.

Often your specialist will select a hospital for you based on where they operate. You’ll need to check if it's an nib Agreement Hospital to minimise your out of pocket expenses. If it turns out that the hospital is not on our list, you can ask your specialist to select one that is.

Tips

• Check what excess you may need to pay the hospital and when it is due

• Complete any pre-admission paperwork

It's common to be nervous before your procedure. Knowing what to expect before you go can help ease the stress and let you focus on your recovery.

Tips

• Make arrangements for your pets and childcare if required

• Organise a lift to and from the hospital

• Pack your hospital bag

• Pay your hospital excess if applicable

• Understand and follow your pre-surgery instructions

You may have a short or long recovery ahead of you, so it's important to take care of yourself and focus on your health.

Tips

• Check with your surgeon what to expect from your recovery and who you can contact about any concerns

• Follow your post-surgery instructions

• Eligible members can also access Health Management Programs, opens in a new tab for extra support at no additional cost.

You may not receive additional bills, but if you do get one from your specialist, anaesthetist or other medical service involved with your admission, we can explain how to claim.

Tips

• Take any bills to Medicare first (OSHC and OVHC members should send all bills directly to us)

• Depending on the bill, you may be able to claim through us as well