We offer a range of claiming methods that are fast, easy-to-use and, if you choose, even paperless.

// CLAIMING

Lodging a Claim is easy!

HCi extras cover helps cover your health expenses away from hospital.

Once you have used a service, you simply let us know via a completed claim form or the HCi App.

// CLAIMING EXTRAS

HCi App

The HCi claiming app allows you to easily claim via your smart phone.

When it’s time to claim, simply take a photo of the receipts and submit!

Get the HCi claiming ap from Google Play button » HCi      The HCi claiming app is available on the App Store button » HCi

HCi claiming app open on a mobile phone in a woman's hand » HCi

// CLAIMING EXTRAS

Electronic claiming 

HCi members have access to a simple and convenient way to claim benefits.

Electronic claiming systems let you claim your extras benefit on the spot, after the consultation with health service providers such as dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and podiatrists.

With one swipe of your HCi membership card through an EFTPOS style terminal, your health service provider can have the cost of your consultation assessed electronically. Based on your level of cover, entitlements will be authorised immediately. You will need to pay the difference (if any) between your Extras cover, which HCi pays directly to the practitioner, and the fee charged.

If your claims are not processed at the point of treatment through an electronic swipe card system, you can forward your claims to us by:

HCi App

Download from your favourite app store

Mail

PO Box 931, Burnie, TAS 7320

In person

25 Cattley Street, Burnie
 

Extras claims are usually processed the day they are received, assuming they include all the necessary information.

// CLAIM PAYMENTS

Receiving payments

Direct Credit

If you have paid the account, your benefit can be paid electronically into your nominated bank account. You will receive separate notification as to the payment details.

Cheque

If you have paid the account, a cheque will be made payable to you, or if you have not paid the account, a cheque will be made payable to the practitioner who provided the treatment.

// WHEN CLAIMING FROM HCi

 

It’s important to remember:

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All accounts and receipts must include the appropriate item number and a full description of the services / products being claimed and must be accompanied with a completed claim form.

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All services / products must be provided by practitioners who are operating in private practice and who are approved by HCi. Unless our CEO gave prior approval, HCi will not pay claims for services or goods provided by a family member.

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Claims must be lodged within 2 years of the date of service.
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Benefit payments are calculated on the date services/products are provided.

// WHEN CLAIMING PRODUCTS FROM HCi

You need to provide a doctor or specialist letter with a claim for:

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Medical appliances including CPAPs, Blood Pressure Monitors, Blood Glucose Monitors, Circulation Boosters, Tens machines, and Nebulisers

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Medical botox or medicinal cannabis

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Contraceptive medication used to treat medical conditions when supported by a doctors letter (we do not cover contraception).

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Non-surgical prostheses such as breast prostheses, surgical bras, and surgical stockings

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Custom made and/or fitted Medical braces such as Cam walkers, wrist/knee/Ankle brace, or a post-surgical brace

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Custom made and/or fitted wigs

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Custom made and/or fitted surgical footwear

//Claiming questions

Here are answers to some common claiming questions we are asked:

How do I lodge a claim?

If your claims are not processed at the point of treatment through an electronic swipe card system such as HICAPS, you can complete our simple claims form and return it via:

  • Mail to PO Box 931 Burnie, TAS 7320
  • Fax to 1800 643 969
  • In person at 25 Cattley Street, Burnie
  • Email to enquiries@hciltd.com.au

Or download the HCi App to make it even easier and quicked!

In most cases extras claims are processed on the day they are received, assuming they include all the necessary information.

How do I make a medical claim?

If you receive bills from your doctor for medical treatment you received whilst in hospital, you must lodge your medical claims at a Medicare office first, before submitting with us. Please note you cannot claim your out-of-pocket expenses.

What are my waiting periods?

First-time health cover

If you are taking out private health insurance for the first time, you have to serve full waiting periods before any claims can be paid.

Transferring (switching) from another health fund (portability)

If you already have health cover with another health fund, you can switch to HCi at any time. If you join within 2 months of your previous cover ending, you will not have to serve any new waiting periods for the same or lower level of HCi cover.

HCi’s normal waiting periods will be applied, including the pre-existing ailments rule, to benefits not covered by your previous fund cover. Under the Federal Government’s Lifetime Health Cover scheme, your “certified age at entry” with your previous fund will be recognised by HCi if you join immediately after ending your previous cover.

Can I make a claim if the service was provided by a family member?

Unless our CEO gave prior approval, HCi will not pay claims for services or goods provided by a family member.

What to do if I have out-of-pocket expenses?

You cannot claim out of pocket expenses. HCi pays towards treatment provided to you by a doctor whilst you are a patient in hospital. As a private patient in a public or private hospital, Medicare pays 75% of the Commonwealth Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee and HCi pays 25% of the MBS fee.

If your doctor chooses to charge above the MBS fee, you may have to pay the gap.

However, if your doctor chooses to use HCi’s Access Gap Cover, you will have either no out-of-pocket expenses or, before receiving treatment, the doctor will give you an estimate of the costs you will have to meet.

Your doctor can choose whether they treat and charge you under Access Gap Cover.

To search for doctors who have agreed to participate in the Access Gap Scheme, click here.

What pharmacy items can I claim?

Our pharmacy claims fact sheet provides more information on these claims. But, in simple terms, you can claim some prescription medications not on the PBS.

For a benefit to be paid, the Non-PBS item must be equivalent to an S4 item or above, not listed on the PBS, and only be obtained with a prescription.

Having HCi extras cover can help offset the cost of Non-PBS medications. HCi has a co-payment* per prescription and pays 100% over and above this amount up to $100.00, depending on the cover you have.

*The Federal Government sets and applies the co-payment amount annually. As of 1 January 2024, the co-payment amount is $31.60.

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