Medibank

Medibank, private health insurance in Australia

Medibank is a private health insurer operating in Australia, serving 3.7 million members. The company has over 50 years of experience in the sector and offers health, travel, pet and life cover, as well as health support services. Its offering is organised around hospital and extras plans, with specific options for singles, couples, families and single parents.

Health products and complementary covers

Medibank's catalogue includes health insurance with hospital and extras plans, as well as ambulance cover. The company also offers travel insurance, with international, domestic, annual multi-trip, ski and snowboarding, cruise, and moped or scooter options; pet insurance, with policies for dogs and cats; and life and income protection products, covering life insurance, income protection, critical illness cover, total and permanent disability cover and child cover. It also offers Recover Boost, a product providing $10,000 to help with recovery from accidents requiring surgery or specified critical illnesses.

For stays in Australia, the insurer provides health cover for international students (OSHC) and for student, graduating or working, working holiday and visiting visa holders.

Support services and member benefits

Medibank members with health cover have access to 24/7 mental health support via online chat or phone, at no extra cost. The company also offers Accident Cover Boost, which gives access to all clinical categories included in Gold level hospital cover in the event of an accident, regardless of the level of hospital cover held.

Benefits for members with eligible extras include 100% back on up to two dental check-ups per year, including x-rays, at Members' Choice Advantage dentists, and 100% back on optical products at recognised providers, with annual limits. Health members also get 15% off travel insurance and 10% off pet insurance premiums and life insurance products, excluding Recover Boost.

Current offers for new joins

The site indicated a promotion for new joins who maintain eligible Hospital and Extras cover, with up to 10 weeks free and up to $300 in gift cards through Live Better points: 15,000 points ($150) for singles or single parents and 30,000 points ($300) for couples or families, plus waiver of 2 and 6 month waiting periods on Extras. For Extras cover, the advertised promotion included 4 weeks free, a $50 gift card and waiver of 2 and 6 month waiting periods on eligible extras.

Switching insurers and industry recognition

Medibank makes it easy to switch from another insurer: once the previous fund is notified, the company begins closing the previous membership and there is no need to serve waiting periods already completed, provided the new join occurs within two months of leaving. The insurer has received Canstar's Outstanding Value Health Insurance award for 18 consecutive years, according to its own communication, and its travel insurance has been recognised with Mozo Experts Choice awards in 2022 and 2023 and the Mozo People's Choice award in 2024.

Travel cover and customer service

Medibank's travel insurance includes medical or comprehensive plans for overseas travel, domestic cover for unforeseen cancellations, amendments and delays, with up to $10,000 towards any rental car insurance excess for rental car damage or theft, and annual multi-trip options for frequent travellers. The company can be reached on 1300 505 876 and has a network of physical stores.