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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 (10386 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

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

          Just not sure about claiming discounts according to your tax brackets? Do you get multiple government rebate? I wouldn’t think so, but maybe I’m wrong.

          • easternculture on 08/09/2024 - 10:25
            +1

            @fozzie: Yes you do. I get the rebate on both policies

            • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 10:34

              @easternculture: That’s cool. do you think I could start this cover and still have Medibank running until what is paid up to? (4th October as part of free 6 weeks)
              I would have both combined hospital &extra on both.

              • easternculture on 08/09/2024 - 10:42
                +1

                @fozzie: Not really. Because you have to submit your transfer certificate for them to roll over waiting periods /benefits used from previous fund.

                My second AHM policy (extras only) i dont report it to new funds as i only signed up to it in june 30th to get the roll over of unused limits to new financial year, free 6 weeks, $100 cashback and CTM cashback so basically about 5 months for free.

                Already claimed on the AHM policy $200+$200 optical, $250 +$250 gym, $200 on dentist. So over $1000 worth for free and ill probabaly cancel it in November or churn to another fund with good extras that renew limits in January.

  • yoquierotaco on 06/09/2024 - 22:59
    +1

    How does the extras work? For example with dental, there is 1k limit and $300 sub-limit for preventative dental (what does this mean really?). If the cover for scaling is 55%, does that mean the fund will pay for 55% of it regardless of the dental location?

    • financialminimalism on 07/09/2024 - 07:23

      Don’t buy extras. It’s an unregulated product and where all their profit comes from

      • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 08:07

        Why?
        You dont go to the dentist? They pay approx $200 for scale/clean, examination and fluoride which is generous.
        Do you wear sunnies? Thats another $250 to claim plus a bonus $150 if you use their optical centres.
        Do you go to the gym? Get your GP to fill the form and say your over recommended BMI and claim some of the cost on health management.

        Thats over $600 worth for one month extra premium of approx $60

        • financialminimalism on 07/09/2024 - 09:59

          I’ve run the numbers several times and it’s not worth it for my family.
          Let me ask you this… How do you think they fund the product? Where does the surplus / profit of the product come from if you’re getting more value from it than you’re paying for it?
          I get a small percentage of users can try hard to squeeze it, but as general advice for people, they ain’t making their money back, let alone getting a benefit for it.

        • financialminimalism on 07/09/2024 - 10:40

          Are you seriously suggesting you can do $600 benefit for $60 premium every month? I think you need to check your math, or check the policy and read about caps.

          • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 10:52

            @financialminimalism: With this deal yes, as you are paying one month "extra's" premium for total 15 weeks and you are getting no waiting period on usual 2/6 months.

            Ive been churning for years so pretty much know all the ins,outs,loopholes and shortcuts

        • whtsthenews on 07/09/2024 - 13:25

          Sorry a noob question, how do you claim sunnies $250 and Optical $150 together?

          • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 13:52
            +1

            @whtsthenews: In the product sheet optical is $250 + (bonus $150 at partner).

            Some optical shops will let you claim sunnies as spectacles and run it through hicaps so YMMV

            • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 09:11
              +1

              @easternculture: Yes, I usually just go to specsavers. We don’t have high prescription readings so we don’t need any special features. Most of special lenses would need to be paid extra.

        • nad007 on 10/09/2024 - 15:17

          What level of extras cover I should be to get Gym covered? I don't see its mentioned under the includes

      • wearytraveller on 07/09/2024 - 08:55

        I agree with this logic if you're in your 20s and rarely get sick. For the rest of us oldies, just do the maths to see if it's worth it.

        • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 09:08

          You still go to the dentist, wear sunnies and have massages in your 20s lol.

          Even if you are young, if your active in sport, have at least bronze cover so you are covered for joint reconstruction for possible ACL/MCL injuries that is common with young athletes/power lifters. Otherwise you will be on the public waiting list for 2 years compared to having the issue fixed immediatly and recovering within 6 months

      • bargainboy88 on 07/09/2024 - 12:51

        To get the 13 weeks, you need to sign up to combined hospital + extras too according to the deal

  • RenVilo on 06/09/2024 - 23:02
    +1

    I moved to Aus 6 years ago. Single dad with 2 kids and with Bupa since I moved here. Is it worth moving around or should I just stay with them for $350pm?

    • machej on 06/09/2024 - 23:05
      +1

      There's nothing stopping you from moving around. If you move with the same cover you'll have the same cover without reserving waiting periods. GMHBA is rated as a much better health insurer than Bupa which is worth considering as well.

      • RenVilo on 06/09/2024 - 23:08

        Tx for this. Is there a source to why GMHBA is better?

        Also, do i just sign up and they sort it out or do I have to get certificates from Bupa or something so I don't go without cover?

        • machej on 06/09/2024 - 23:15
          +1

          Clearance certificates will automatically be transferred, they'll take care of it.

          As for the reviews there are many ways to consider it. For example online review sites (maybe biased) or even govt pay out ratios. Also worth noting GMHBA is a not-for-profit.
          https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/bupa-health-insura…
          https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/gmhba-health-insur…

          • bob19 on 07/09/2024 - 00:24

            @machej: If I have already served 12 months wait with AHM for some dental extras and allowed to spend $2K, will I lose this 12 months wait and the money if churn to GMHB?

            • machej on 07/09/2024 - 01:02
              +1

              @bob19: If you've already served them and go to the same cover or higher you'll get your waiting waived with the clearance certificate transfer after transfer.

              • bob19 on 07/09/2024 - 02:31

                @machej: Thank you for your reply

                • sh4hp on 07/09/2024 - 07:41

                  @bob19: Let's say AHM covers $2900 for orthodontics, and the new cover covers $2900 or lower, you don't have to wait it out.

                  However, if the new cover is only $2000, and you want to go back to AHM for example that has the $2900 limit, you will need to wait for that 12 months again for the extra $900.

                  Same thing also applies if the new cover has a higher limit, i.e. $3500 instead of $2900. You'll need to wait 12 months for the extra $600.

    • sh4hp on 07/09/2024 - 07:46

      I would actually see what your current cover is vs the new cover.

      For example, the new Bronze plus does not cover back, neck and spine, replacing it with sleep study and something else.

      I know some older covers had lots more coverage compared to the new ones, so I would say compare the two just in case.

    • hazzad on 07/09/2024 - 16:31
      +2

      I've been churning private health, gas, electricity and internet for last 2 years. Saved thousands with 6 month internet deals, cash rewards/shop back econnex sign ups, weeks free with health insurance and sign up credits with utilities. Best thing you can do. No disadvantages. Just takes your time to keep on top of when to swap.

  • realaccount627465746 on 06/09/2024 - 23:02

    link is just to the covid thing not to a 6 weeks free offer?

    • machej on 06/09/2024 - 23:03

      Sign up offer is 6 weeks after paying 4 weeks, Covid is 7 weeks. Here is the original Ozbargain offer: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/863079

      • realaccount627465746 on 06/09/2024 - 23:14
        +1

        yeah i worked it out after commenting lol.

        found linking to the covid deal as the "deal" as well as linking to it again in the body of the deal confusing

  • EyyBanane on 06/09/2024 - 23:07

    Thanks OP. Any link to the member service providers? Both bupa and Medibank have a publicly accessible list of their member providers, but can’t find a similar list of service providers for GMHBA.

    • machej on 06/09/2024 - 23:08

      GMHBA doesn't subscribe to the whole allied healthcare stuff. They give either fixed amounts on extras or a % back at the provider of your choice.

      • RenVilo on 07/09/2024 - 02:15

        Currently i have free dental cleans with Bupa. Fo about 4 a year and don't pay for anything. So with GMHBA extra this is a set amount I will get or a certain % that is covered?

        • BargainShopaholic on 07/09/2024 - 09:31

          GMHBA extra has different covers, one that pays you a set amount, another that pays a certain %. Give yourself a quote and you’ll see.

  • Sharp on 06/09/2024 - 23:08
    +1

    I've just paid my monthly fee to Bupa. Does anybody know if Bupa gives partial refund if I churn now or do I have to wait until the month end.

    I guess I have to call to cancel and ask for refund?

    • machej on 06/09/2024 - 23:09
      +5

      Yes, all health insurance has to give a prorata refund from the day you leave. Some refund without you having to even ask.

    • dyjw on 06/09/2024 - 23:11

      Am in the same boat as you and I’m keen to know as well!

      • nomekop on 06/09/2024 - 23:26

        c get full refund pro rata always. And if it's a new policy, and you haven't made claims, there is usually cooling-off period

  • MaxHashrate on 06/09/2024 - 23:09

    My 60 days with Qantas ends on 25 sept . Reckon I should sign up and let both run till my points land?

    Only thing is I can't declare I'm switching funds as they would close my Qantas one

  • kjb1 on 06/09/2024 - 23:34

    Ripper deal.
    Churned from HCF.

  • StupidConsumer on 06/09/2024 - 23:35

    Probably a stupid question - I'm with medibank and how do I leave them? Call them up?

    • machej on 06/09/2024 - 23:36
      +4

      No need to call anyone. Just sign up to this and give the details of your previous fund and the transfer happens automatically.

    • kjb1 on 06/09/2024 - 23:37
      +1

      You don't need to do anything. New fund will do it for you when you sign up.
      Medibank have 14 days to send through your clearance certificate too them and refund you the unused portion of your current membership.

  • twodollah on 06/09/2024 - 23:36

    Noooo, just churned to Medibank private on 1 September…

  • Homr on 06/09/2024 - 23:44

    I've been with Medibank for over 12yrs, is this better??

    • bio on 07/09/2024 - 00:05
      +1

      My understanding is anything is better than sticking to the same health fund for more than a year. I'm happy to be corrected, though.

    • nomekop on 07/09/2024 - 00:26
      +2

      If you have been for 12 years, you might have a better policy than the new ones. So be careful to cancel as current policies offers might not be as good as the one you have

      • HardQuiz on 07/09/2024 - 00:34

        From experience, most health funds will send you a notice informing you what’s changed/covered by the policy.

  • oblivianz on 06/09/2024 - 23:45

    I was with Frank Health Insurance which is part of GMHBA about a year ago. Anyone know if I'd still be eligible for the offer as I may not technically be a "new customer"?

    • nomekop on 07/09/2024 - 00:26

      this is for current costumers as well. So yes

  • mkh1991 on 06/09/2024 - 23:47

    When switching health funds, does the waiting periods reset for hospital cover or carry forward ? 3 more months to go for a 12 months waiting period on tonsillectomy

    • pauly85 on 06/09/2024 - 23:55
      +1

      They get a certificate from your previous fund with how long of your waiting period has been served and carry it on from there.

    • U30004 on 06/09/2024 - 23:59

      Carry forward

  • Tyrx on 06/09/2024 - 23:52

    I wouldn't recommend staying with GMHBA if you're interested in extras - the product sheet for those products comes with the most dodgy caveats I've ever seen…

    • zappy32 on 07/09/2024 - 00:10

      Is this just in the product fact sheet or are there other caveats?

    • nomekop on 07/09/2024 - 00:25

      any recommendation for extras cover?

  • Stahh on 06/09/2024 - 23:57
    -8

    Doesnt it say To have been eligible for a payment, members must have held an active resident policy for a minimum of 3 months between 1 April 2020 and 30 November 2022.

    • Stahh on 06/09/2024 - 23:59

      Happy to be corrected.

    • bio on 07/09/2024 - 00:02
      +3

      You are reading the "Who was eligible for the return of COVID-19 claims savings in 2022?" section. The current one is as follows:

      Who is eligible for the 7-week contribution payment in 2024?
      To qualify for the upcoming return of COVID-19 claims savings, GMHBA members need to hold an active private health insurance policy on 25 September 2024 and remain active on 30 September 2024.

  • victorheaven on 07/09/2024 - 00:24
    +3

    Damn, this is tempting. I'm with Medibank and they are doing something similar, but only at the end of September. Any genius plan to get both? ;P

    "
    By the end of September 2024, we’re giving back a minimum of $100 to everyone who’s an eligible Medibank member*.
    "

    • hashtagbargain on 07/09/2024 - 00:49
      +1

      Yeah same thought. Wish this deal was valid for next month

    • machej on 07/09/2024 - 01:00
      +4

      "Medibank members who held a resident hospital and/or extras policy on 30 June 2024 will be eligible for the cash back." If you were with them before and churned to this now it would work fine.

      • victorheaven on 07/09/2024 - 01:02

        I was with them on June 24 and still with them now. You recon if I leave Medibank now and churn to this I would still be paid at the end of the month even though I won't be an active member?

        • machej on 07/09/2024 - 01:04
          +2

          Given their T&Cs it sure seems like you would. Maybe contact them to clarify but it seems the payout is in September but the eligibility period was holding through 30th June.

          • victorheaven on 07/09/2024 - 01:04
            +1

            @machej: Good idea I would contact them on Monday. Thanks!

            • mmehta on 07/09/2024 - 02:01

              @victorheaven: I would be keen to know as well, if you can drop a message, thanks mate!

              • victorheaven on 09/09/2024 - 09:45
                +1

                @mmehta: Medibank confirmed with me that we will still receive the cash back as long as we hold an eligible cover as of 30 June.

            • ilovefullprice on 07/09/2024 - 12:34
              +1

              @victorheaven: If you are calling them, another thing you can try that has worked for me in the past is tell them about offers like these and that you want to leave Medibank, then they will transfer you to a retention team and they will try to give you the best offer to try to keep you. I had previously gotten free months.

            • melodrake on 07/09/2024 - 12:55

              @victorheaven: Would also be keen to know this! I completely forgot about the $100 from Medibank.

              • victorheaven on 09/09/2024 - 09:46
                +1

                @melodrake: Medibank confirmed with me that we will still receive the cash back as long as we hold an eligible cover as of 30 June.

          • Aerith-Waifu on 07/09/2024 - 02:22

            @machej: Same I want to know as well

            • victorheaven on 09/09/2024 - 09:46
              +1

              @Aerith-Waifu: Medibank confirmed with me that we will still receive the cash back as long as we hold an eligible cover as of 30 June.

    • abhiz on 07/09/2024 - 07:36

      I am pretty sure, Medibank will pro rata and send via cheque.
      I got a cheque 2 years ago when I was in a similar situation.

    • Buwwy on 07/09/2024 - 09:26
      +1

      Might be worthwhile to check your bank accounts. I just received my $100 yesterday

    • Wildesy on 07/09/2024 - 10:13

      Shir, I forgot about this and churned last night. $100 vs. 7 weeks free though, ah well.

      • victorheaven on 09/09/2024 - 09:47

        I think you will still receive it.

        Medibank confirmed with me that we will still receive the cash back as long as we hold an eligible cover as of 30 June.

  • PeeDee on 07/09/2024 - 01:38

    To confirm, after the 13 weeks you can cancel?
    and also, you can finally get your braces done =.)

    • fozzie on 07/09/2024 - 06:16
      +1

      Yes of course you can leave. Braces usually require a year waiting time, so I don’t think so.

  • zacsg1 on 07/09/2024 - 01:49

    Question can I go for the cheapest hospital and top extras? Or do I have to go for the most expensive for both?
    I don't currently have health insurance but could definitely use the extras!

    • freedomofspeech on 07/09/2024 - 01:58
      +2

      Usually they allow Mix and match

  • freedomofspeech on 07/09/2024 - 01:59

    When do their limits reset? 1 Jan or 1 July

    • jmc787 on 07/09/2024 - 02:11

      GMHBA is calendar year, not FY

  • PeeDee on 07/09/2024 - 02:07

    What the hell are people going to use it for?? Just curious.

    • fozzie on 07/09/2024 - 06:17
      +2

      If you are a higher tax payer it makes sense to have hospital cover. For extras free dental check ups, maybe glasses etc

    • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 07:03

      If you visit the dentist twice yearly, wear contacts or glasses, have a gym membership and have weekly massages, you already have broken even 3 times your premium

    • Bignudge on 07/09/2024 - 08:56
      +1

      To be more exact, it can help to avoid/reduce the 1-1.5% Medicare Levi surcharge if you're making over $194,000PA as a family or $97,000PA if single.

      Also some people might want to be in the private health system. And since the 2 and 6 month waiting periods are waived… in this case you could pay for the 4 weeks… and instantly be able to claim hundreds on glasses/sunnies, teeth descaling, remedial massages, etc.

      E.g… If I were to choose just the 2nd highest "extras" tier… it'll be $155.80 for 4 weeks (+13 free weeks). I could get teeth examination, scale and clean and floride treatment worth ~$190 already. Plus $250 for glasses/sunnies… $350 for massages.

      Good deal if you use those things!

      • hothot on 09/09/2024 - 13:36

        Do you get massages free? As far as I know, you only get few % back as rebate of what you pay for remedial massages.
        I hardly use any benefits from my health fund except yearly dental clean up and free sunglasses every year. The major benefit is saving medicare levy surcharge.

        I am seriously thinking to switch to hospital cover only to save medicare levy and cancel extras
        I can pay dentist out of pocket around $200 once a year and buy glasses when needed, but not sure if this is good option.

        • RenVilo on 09/09/2024 - 13:57

          With Bupa a remedial is like $80 where I go. They pay around $30. Depending on the plan with GMHBA you get a discount as well. The 2 plans (fixed and percentage) seem to be $28 for a massage or 65% which is $52.

  • watwatwat on 07/09/2024 - 02:23

    I only pay for hospital cover but I might go for this deal.

    Funnily enough I overpaid my account with nib by 5 months and I just found this in their terms and conditions: "We may in Our discretion refund any Excess Premiums when a Policy is cancelled if requested to do so by the Policy Holder in writing or by the Policy Holder calling Us.".

    So it's not enough that they make free interest on my overpayments, they also reserve the right to just forfeit my cash at their discretion, after not offering any service [if i was to churn]? Heh.

    Plan:

    Move to this provider with the cheapest possible "Basic Extras Set Benefits" extras? Pay for 4 weeks, then wait for bonus weeks, then re-evaluate which provider has the cheapest hospital-only insurance. FYI: I only have this insurance for tax purposes and would never actually use it.

    • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 07:02

      By law, give authority in application for new fund to cancel previous one and the old fund will have to refund any payments made after joining date of new fund

    • Sharp on 07/09/2024 - 10:10

      Doesn't it make more sense to sign up to the most expensive extras and use it to the full extent for 4+13 weeks and then downgrade or churn?

  • zacsg1 on 07/09/2024 - 02:28

    Just signed up and can't see anything about the extras being waved… Might call on Monday and check before I go and book anything.

    • easternculture on 07/09/2024 - 07:00
      +1

      6 weeks free*
      plus no 2 & 6 month waits on extras when joining on combined cover
      *For new members only joining direct on hospital and extras cover, paying by direct debit. Must pay first months premium to receive discount. 12 month waits, annual and sub limits apply. Offer ends 20 September 2024

    • financialminimalism on 07/09/2024 - 07:25

      Good question. Looks like extras should be waived

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