Budget Direct Health Insurance

Budget Direct offers a range of health insurance policy options to suit people with varying requirements and budgets. With policies underwritten by Auto and General Insurance Company Limited, Budget Direct can provide you with a range of cover options, from basic hospital cover to a comprehensive hospital and extras policy.

What is covered by each of the policies?

• Budget Direct Public Hospital
• Budget Direct Mid Hospital
• Budget Direct Top Hospital
• Budget Direct Extras

What isn't covered?

Budget Direct will not pay your claim if:

• It is for an account that has been altered in any way
• It is for natural remedies or food supplements
• It is for dental procedures carried out by a dental mechanic, other than an advanced dental technician
• It is for a range of same-day dental procedures, such as a filling
• It is for a dental procedure where you have exceeded the limit on the number you can have
• It is for services or treatment for which you have the right to claim damages or compensation from another body
• It is for treatment where you are otherwise eligible for free treatment under any Government Act
• It is for services or treatment obtained more than 12 months previously
• It is for services or treatment given by a practitioner who is not in a private practice or is not recognised by official bodies recognised by Budget Direct
• It is for the hiring of equipment
• It is for services that were not rendered face-to-face
• Your claim is for benefits for lifestyle services that largely take the form of sport, recreation or entertainment
• It is for treatment or services received overseas
• It is for a vaccination not listed on Budget Direct’s Approved Travel Vaccinations list, or if it is for travel vaccinations that are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

How much will a Budget Direct policy cost you?

The following factors can all influence the price you will have to pay to take out cover.

• The level of cover you choose. Top Hospital Cover is obviously going to cost you a lot more than Public Hospital Cover.
• Standalone cover. Choose a standalone hospital or extras cover instead of taking out a combined policy – this will help you save money on the cost of cover.
• The age at which you take out cover. Due to Australia’s Lifetime Health Cover regulations, a loading applies for each year you are without cover from the age of 31.
• What cover you take out. Whether you select a single, couples or family policy.

Cost breakdown of Budget Direct Health Insurance by state

Below is a cost breakdown of the minimum, maximum and average monthly cost of a Budget Direct Health Insurance policy for a single across all Australian states. To get the most accurate pricing, click on Get Quote in the table above.

How much excess will I need to pay?

An excess applies to your Budget Direct Health Insurance policy – and paying an excess entitles you to lower premiums for your health insurance. When you are admitted to hospital as a private patient you will need to pay an excess. The maximum amount you will pay in any calendar year is:

• $450 for singles
• $900 for couples and families
• $0 for child dependants

How to save on your Budget Direct Health Insurance policy

• Choose your extras cover. Budget Direct offers the choice of receiving 55% or 85% back on your extras cover, with the 55% option resulting in lower premiums.
• Choose a lower level of cover. The higher the level of cover you choose, the more you’ll have to pay for it.
• Rebates. People of all ages can take advantage of the government’s private health care rebate scheme.
• Sign up for cover. Due to the Medicare Levy Surcharge for those who don’t have private health insurance, signing up for cover can end up saving you money.

Multi-policy discounts

How can I make a claim?

Budget Direct Health Insurance claims are designed to make paying for treatment as easy as possible. Budget Direct pays Hospital Cover claims direct to the hospital, all you have to do is present your membership card upon admission. In most cases you will not have to contact Budget Direct at all.

For Extras Cover claims, you can use your membership card to claim electronically at many health care providers. You can simply swipe your card and your claim will be processed in seconds. Once it has been authorised, you’ll have to pay the difference between the full fee for the service and the amount covered by Budget Direct.

If electronic claiming is not available, you’ll have to pay the service provider’s full bill and then claim online from Budget Direct.

Still have questions?

• Where can I find a list of Budget Direct’s participating hospitals?

  A. This can be accessed online through the Budget Direct website.

• I’ve received a bill for my stay in hospital – what should I do?

  A. While most hospitals will send their bills to Budget Direct, if you receive a bill simply contact Budget Direct to organise payment.

• Will I be covered for cosmetic procedures?

  A. Budget Direct Health Insurance does not provide cover for cosmetic surgery that isn’t medically necessary.

• Can I sign up for cover if I have a pre-existing condition?

  A. Yes you can, but you will need to sit out a waiting period of 12 months before you will be covered for any hospital benefit.

• Is the cost of ambulance transportation covered under my policy?

  A. As long as you hold a Budget Direct Hospital Cover policy, you will be covered for any clinically necessary emergency ambulance services within Australia.