We look after our own
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to everyone affected by the recent natural disasters, especially the North Queensland floods and the bushfires in Western Victoria. The destruction and long-lasting impacts are devastating.
Defence Health is helping eligible members impacted by these recent events by providing 90 days premium waiver or allowing a 12-month financial hardship suspension.
What support is available?
90 days premium waiver
This option provides you with immediate financial relief, and peace of mind. We will pay your premium for 90 days so that you can maintain your cover.
Am I eligible?
- You must be an active Defence Health member and have held membership since 1 July 2024.
- You need to apply for the premium waiver by 30 September 2025.
- We will need to see evidence that you've been approved for the Australian Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance from Services Australia.
- Full details on how to apply for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment are on the Services Australia website.
Financial hardship suspension
This option allows you to pause between three (3) to 12 months and reflect on your needs, without the worry of having to make payments. It’s important to note that while your policy is suspended, you won’t be able to make a claim.
Am I eligible?
- You must be an active Defence Health member and have held membership since 1 July 2024.
- You need to apply for suspension by 30 September 2025.
- If you would not otherwise be eligible for a financial hardship suspension, we will need to see evidence that you've been approved for the Australian Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance from Services Australia.
- Full details on how to apply for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment are on the Services Australia website.
Who is eligible for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment?
- You’ll find full details on eligibility and how to apply for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment on the Services Australia website.
I’ve been impacted by the floods. But I’m not eligible for the Government Disaster Recovery Payment. Can I receive any support from Defence Health?
We can review your individual circumstances. Please call us on 1800 335 425 to discuss your options.
Application process
How do I apply for premium relief?
The first step is to claim the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment or the Disaster Recovery Allowance. Then email a copy of your confirmation from Centrelink to service@defencehealth.com.au and when we receive the document, we'll contact you to confirm your preferred disaster relief has been put in place.
Is this a limited offer?
Yes, the premium relief offer is available until 30 of September 2025. Eligible members will receive 90 days premium relief or financial hardship suspension from when the application is received. Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2025.
Members can only select one of the support options.
How will I know if my application for premium relief has been successful?
Premium waiver
If you apply for the 90 day premium waiver, we’ll email you to confirm that the waiver has been applied and to advise the new ‘paid to’ date. Your regular payment will automatically resume after three months.
Financial hardship suspension
If you apply for a financial hardship suspension, we’ll email you to confirm that your cover has been suspended. You can call us at any time if your circumstances change.
The period that you are suspended will not count towards your waiting periods or benefit replacement periods and you may have to pay a Medicare Levy Surcharge.
Terms and conditions
Members opting for the 90 day premium waiver: The Australian Government rebate on private health insurance will not be applied for this period. When you receive your Tax Statement, your hospital days will include the waived period however the total premiums paid, and rebate calculated will exclude this period.
Financial hardship suspension is available to eligible members for between three (3) months and 12 months on hospital only or combined hospital and extras policies. Cover and benefits are suspended for all members on the policy for the period of the suspension. This does not count towards your lifetime limit of three financial hardship suspensions.