Overseas Visitors' Cover
Important Information
Detailed information about MBF Overseas Visitors' Cover is found in the MBF Policy Terms & Conditions. Below, you will find some of the common questions visitors ask when joining MBF with Overseas Visitors' Cover.
When does my cover begin?
- If you apply in Australia, your cover begins 24 hours after your payment and application have been received and accepted, subject to Waiting Periods.
- If your application and payment are received and accepted before you enter Australia, your cover starts from the date you arrive in Australia, subject to Waiting Periods.
What if I'm already ill?
Before you can claim for the cost of treating certain medical conditions, you must have been a customer of MBF Overseas Visitors' Cover for a certain length of time, known as a Waiting Period. There is a 12-month Waiting Period for Pregnancy and Birth Related Services and for any Pre-existing Conditions. However there are no Waiting Periods for Emergency Ambulance Transport, or Hospital Treatment for injuries caused by an Accident in Australia after joining MBF.
What is the MBF Medical Gap Scheme?
Each doctor or medical practitioner involved in your Hospital Treatment can choose to participate in the MBF Medical Gap Scheme. If they choose to take part in the scheme for your Treatment, your MBF Policy will cover 100% of their charges up to your overall limit. If they do not participate in the MBF Medical Gap Scheme, some charges may apply. As all doctors and medical practitioners in Australia are independent of MBF, we cannot guarantee a 'no gap' doctor in every area.
Should I contact MBF before going to hospital?
Yes! If you are planning to have medical Treatment as an in-patient in hospital, ask your doctor for the anticipated Medicare item number for your Treatment. Then call MBF on 131 137 to confirm whether your Treatment is covered and that the hospital or facility of your choice has a current agreement with MBF. This may reduce or eliminate most out-of-pocket expenses.
Do Lifetime Health Cover premium loadings apply?
Being a Policyholder of MBF Overseas Visitors' Cover does not qualify you for Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) purposes, and will not enable you to avoid LHC premium loadings should you join another hospital cover option in the future. However, there are no aged based premium loadings on MBF Overseas Visitors Cover.
What if I extend my stay or become an Australian resident or citizen?
In general, MBF Overseas Visitors' Cover is designed for trips to Australia of less than 12 months.
If you stay longer, depending on your country of origin, you may become eligible for full Medicare cover. Similarly, if you apply for residency or citizenship of Australia and are accepted, or your circumstances otherwise change, then MBF Overseas Visitors' Cover may no longer be suitable for you.
You should let MBF know if your circumstances change so we can ensure you have private health insurance cover that is right for you.
