HIF cuts 20% off rapid antigen tests – will your health fund be next?
A member-owned health fund is offering a decent saving on rapid tests.
Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) is partnering with the Australian Medical Association (WA) to help boost access to rapid antigen tests (RATs) across the country.
From Friday 25 February, members of the Perth-based not-for-profit will be able to buy RATs directly and enjoy a 20% discount. The tests are available in packs of 5 costing $40, plus GST.
HIF – which is Australia's first carbon-neutral health fund – will confirm order details on its website, social media and a newsletter. There'll be a unique link to an AMA (WA) web page where the saving can be used.
Supply will be continuously monitored by AMA (WA), providing ongoing communication for members as stock levels change.
Cheaper rapid tests will soon be available through HIF, but if you're looking to buy RATs in Australia now you can compare online stores on Finder.
Justin James, HIF's chief executive officer, commented: "As COVID-19 case numbers continue to ebb and flow across the country, our goal is to make it as easy as possible for members to access the necessary supplies. The more avenues we can provide, the easier it will be for members to get a hold of these important tests."
James added: "We take a member first approach in all that we do, and that includes finding helpful ways to assist our members in navigating the pandemic with great partners like the AMA (WA)."
In America, insurance companies are required to cover 8 at-home tests per person each month. However, there's no such scheme in Australia. HIF said its program was a "first of its kind" national partnership.
Finder has reached out to 5 leading health funds in Australia to ask if they have plans to offer lower-cost tests through private health cover.
Medibank said it didn't "at this stage". HCF told Finder it wasn't planning to offer member discounts on RATs. "We feel access has improved within the community at a variety of retail stores so we're confident our members should be able to access stock now," a spokesperson added.
HBF said it didn't currently have plans to introduce discounts "but will continue to monitor the situation".
We will update this article as we receive more responses.
Read more about HIF health insurance, which is currently offering 6 weeks free. Plus, its standard 2-month waits on extras are currently being waived. Or, compare health insurance from 30+ funds.
