Insurer to return $40m in healthcare claims to 600,000 Aussies
A lucky 600,000 Australians are about to receive a bump in their bank account by November.
Health insurance company nib is returning $40million in healthcare claims to more than 600,000 Australians.
Customers will see the cash boost in their bank accounts as soon as November after the healthcare service agreed to pay back members who had ‘reduced access of services during Covid’.
The firm put aside funds to cover costs for claims once healthcare services were back up and running post pandemic.
Managing director Mark Fitzgibbon said: “The give back is in recognition of members’ reduced ability to access healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“We saw a significant reduction in hospital and healthcare treatment.
“To date, the volume of catch up in claims has been lower and slower than expected, which is why we're able to return a further $40 million to our members.”
Depending on their level of cover and policy, members will receive the decided payment amount end of November.
Members with Hospital and Extras combined policies will receive an average amount of $71 back, while those with Hospital Only policies will receive $47 and those on Extras Only policies $15.
nib will also increase its investment in target health management programs by $5million, such as support services to manage mental health, cancer treatment, diabetes, cardiovascular and weight loss.
The company aims to deliver better health outcomes for members as part of its Payer to Partner program.
“This was an extraordinary period that had wide reaching impacts across society and nib‘s COVID-19 support package now totals around $145 million,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Further support may be offered in the future should circumstances allow.
“In healthcare, we are hoping for a return to normal, better health and wellbeing for our members, their families, and the communities we serve.”
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