You can pause your cover if all members on the policy are overseas for a minimum of 30 days. Your cover will be paused from the date the last member on the policy leaves Australia, and reactivated on the date the first member on the policy returns. For more information or to pause your cover, log in to your account.
Some important information about pausing your cover while overseas:
While your policy is paused
You can’t claim any benefits while your cover is paused so we recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical emergencies while you’re overseas.
Pausing your cover may also mean you have to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). If you’re unsure about this or need more information, you should speak to your accountant or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). If this does affect you, call us within the next 7 days to let us know that you won’t be proceeding with pausing your cover.
Reactivating your policy
It’s important we reactivate your health insurance on the date you arrive back in Australia. If you or anyone on your policy returns to Australia before the date you originally advised, you must contact us within 30 days of returning and provide proof of the new return date.
Pausing your cover for over 2 years
Your cover can be paused for up to 2 years. If you’re overseas and need to extend your return date beyond this, please get in touch.
Waiting periods
Paused cover periods do not count towards waiting periods. The balance of any waiting periods you haven’t served will still need to be served when your cover restarts.
Evidence
You are required to keep a copy of your airline ticket or itinerary confirming your departure and arrival dates for auditing purposes. You will need to retain this documentation for 12 months