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Insurer

Medibank

Reviewed and updated 3 April 2024

About Medibank

What is Medibank?

Medibank Private (Medibank) is a private health insurer that operates as an open health fund

Background

Established in 1976 by the Australian Government as a not-for-profit health insurer, the Health Insurance Commission initially ran Medibank. 

In 1998, the Australian Government removed Medibank from the control of the Health Insurance Commission, created Medibank Private Limited and made itself the sole shareholder. 

In 2009, Medibank purchased ahm, a Wollongong-based health insurer, and converted into a for-profit entity. During the same year, the Australian Government transferred Health Services Australia to Medibank, which enabled the insurer to expand further into preventative and health management programs.

In 2014, the Australian Government sold Medibank via an initial public offering (IPO). It became a public company and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This marked Medibank’s complete transformation into a for-profit insurer.

Medibank is one of Australia’s largest health funds with over 4.0 million members. 

Who can join Medibank?

Anyone can join Medibank because it is an open health fund.

What products does Medibank offer?

Medibank offers:

Do Medibank policies include Ambulance Cover?

Medibank includes emergency Ambulance Cover with:

  • Hospital Cover
  • Extras Cover
  • Combined Hospital and Extras Cover.

Is Medibank a not-for-profit health insurer?

No. Medibank is a for-profit health insurer.


Does Medibank operate in all Australian states and territories?

Yes. Medibank operates in all Australian states and territories.


How does Medibank Hospital Cover compare with other insurers?

BenchmarksMedibankIndustry average
Member retention for Hospital Cover87.6%88.6%
% hospital-related charges covered90.6%90.6%

Source: Private Health Insurance Ombudsman: State of the Health Funds Report: 2022


Does Medibank have agreements with some private hospitals or day hospitals to provide services at low cost or with no out-of-pocket costs?

Yes. Medibank has agreements with a number of private hospitals that allow it to provide services to its members at low cost or with no out-of-pocket costs:

LocationNumber of private Agreement HospitalsIndustry maximum
ACT56
NSW9298
NT12
QLD5060
SA2023
TAS99
VIC6576
WA2124

Medibank also has agreements with a number of day hospitals so it can provide services at low cost or with no out-of-pocket costs:

LocationNumber of day Agreement HospitalsIndustry maximum
ACT69
NSW77103
NT12
QLD4457
SA2130
TAS68
VIC5379
WA2024

Source: Medibank: performance


How does Medibank Extras Cover compare with other insurers?

BenchmarkMedibankIndustry average
% Extras Cover charges covered53.4%52.0%

Source: Private Health Insurance Ombudsman: State of the Health Funds Report: 2022


How does Medibank compare with other private health insurers?

BenchmarksMedibankIndustry average
Market share27.4%
% services with no gap84.6%88.8%
% services with no gap or where known gap payment made96.6%97.4%
Market share of complaints to the PHIO19.3%
% complaints investigated by the PHIO15.6%
Benefits as a % of contributions83.7%83.1%
Management expenses as a % of contribution income7.5%9.9%
Management expenses per average policy$262$375

Source: Private Health Insurance Ombudsman: State of the Health Funds Report: 2022


Is Medibank a member of any industry organisations?

Medibank is a member of Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), a body that represents 20 registered health insurers and 97% of people covered by private health insurance.


Does Medibank let me claim online or via an app?

Yes. Medibank allows members to make a claim online or via the My Medibank app.


How to contact Medibank

Phone:

Sales and Support: 1300 576 282
Members: 132 331

Website:

https://www.medibank.com.au/

Email:

ask_us@medibank.com.au

Address:

Level 6
720 Bourke Street
DOCKLANDS VIC 3008

Postal address:

GPO Box 9999
MELBOURNE VIC 3001


Compare Medibank with other private health insurers


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