Plan Details | Westfund Health Insurance

Hospital Cover and Waiting Periods

You're Covered

Westfund will pay towards your theatre fees, hospital accommodation and prosthetics costs when you are admitted to a contracted hospital for procedures that are included under your policy.
While this isn’t a complete list of the procedures covered under your policy, we recommend you contact us prior to any admissions to hospital or refer to your Policy Summary.

You're Partially Covered

The listed procedures have ‘restricted’ cover if you are admitted to a Private Hospital – meaning we will only pay up to the public hospital shared room accommodation rate.
Significant out of pocket expenses may apply for admissions into a Private Hospital.

You're Not Covered

No cover is provided for procedures for which Medicare pays no benefit (non-therapeutic cosmetic surgery), if disallowed by the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 or if listed as an exclusion on the policy.
You can still be treated as a Medicare patient in a Public Hospital for these exclusions.

Rehabilitation

Hospital treatment for physical rehabilitation for a patient related to surgery or illness.
For example: inpatient and admitted day patient rehabilitation, stroke recovery, cardiac rehabilitation.

Hospital psychiatric services

Hospital treatment for the treatment and care of patients with psychiatric, mental, addiction or behavioural disorders. For example: psychoses such as schizophrenia, mood disorders such as depression, eating disorders and addiction therapy.

A Member who has held a Policy with Hospital cover for at least 2 months and upgrades to a Policy which includes psychiatric treatment may elect to waive the 2 month Waiting Period that applies to psychiatric treatment upon upgrade. This waiver can only be accessed once in a Member\'s lifetime.

Palliative care

Hospital treatment for care where the intent is primarily providing quality of life for a patient with a terminal illness, including treatment to alleviate and manage pain.

Brain and nervous system

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the brain, brain-related conditions, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.
For example: stroke, brain or spinal cord tumours, head injuries, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment of spinal column (back bone) conditions is listed separately under Back, neck and spine.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Eye (not cataracts)

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the eye and the contents of the eye socket.
For example: retinal detachment, tear duct conditions, eye infections and medically managed trauma to the eye.
Cataract procedures are listed separately under Cataracts.
Eyelid procedures are listed separately under Plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Ear, nose and throat

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the ear, nose, throat, middle ear, thyroid, parathyroid, larynx, lymph nodes and related areas of the head and neck.
For example: damaged ear drum, sinus surgery, removal of foreign bodies, stapedectomy and throat cancer.
Tonsils, adenoids and grommets are listed separately under Tonsils, adenoids and grommets.
The implantation of a hearing device is listed separately under Implantation of hearing devices.
Orthopaedic neck conditions are listed separately under Back, neck and spine.
Sleep studies are listed separately under Sleep studies.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Tonsils, adenoids and grommets

Hospital treatment of the tonsils, adenoids and insertion or removal of grommets.

Bone, joint and muscle

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
For example: carpal tunnel, fractures, hand surgery, joint fusion, bone spurs, osteomyelitis and bone cancer.
Chest surgery is listed separately under Lung and chest.
Spinal cord conditions are listed separately under Brain and nervous system.
Spinal column conditions are listed separately under Back, neck and spine.
Joint reconstructions are listed separately under Joint reconstructions.
Joint replacements are listed separately under Joint replacements.
Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon).
Management of back pain is listed separately under Pain management. Pain management that requires a device is listed separately under Pain management with device.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Joint reconstructions

Hospital treatment for surgery for joint reconstructions.
For example: torn tendons, rotator cuff tears and damaged ligaments.
Joint replacements are listed separately under Joint replacements.
Bone fractures are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle.
Procedures to the spinal column are listed separately under Back, neck and spine.
Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon).

Kidney and bladder

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the kidney, adrenal gland and bladder.
For example: kidney stones, adrenal gland tumour and incontinence.
Dialysis is listed separately under Dialysis for chronic kidney failure.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Male reproductive system

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the male reproductive system including the prostate.
For example: male sterilisation, circumcision and prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Digestive system

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, liver and bowel.
For example: oesophageal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, gall stones and haemorrhoids.
Endoscopy is listed separately under Gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Hernia and appendicectomy procedures are listed separately under Hernia and appendix.
Bariatric surgery is listed separately under Weight loss surgery.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Hernia and appendix

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of a hernia or appendicitis.
Digestive conditions are listed separately under Digestive system.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy

Hospital treatment for the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of the internal parts of the gastrointestinal system using an endoscope.
For example: colonoscopy, gastroscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Non-endoscopic procedures for the digestive system are listed separately under Digestive system.

Gynaecology

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the female reproductive system.
For example: endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, female sterilisation and cervical cancer.
Fertility treatments are listed separately under Assisted reproductive services.
Pregnancy and birth-related conditions are listed separately under Pregnancy and birth.
Miscarriage or termination of pregnancy is listed separately under Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of a miscarriage or for termination of pregnancy.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for Cancer

Hospital treatment for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer or benign tumours.
Surgical treatment of cancer is listed separately under each body system.

Pain Management

Hospital treatment for pain management that does not require the insertion or surgical management of a device.
For example: treatment of nerve pain and chest pain due to cancer by injection of a nerve block.
Pain management using a device (for example an infusion pump or neurostimulator) is listed separately under Pain management with device.

Skin

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of skin, skin-related conditions and nails. The removal of foreign bodies is also included. Plastic surgery that is medically necessary and relating to the treatment of a skin-related condition is also included.
For example: melanoma, minor wound repair and abscesses.
Removal of excess skin due to weight loss is listed separately under Weight loss surgery.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Breast surgery (medically necessary)

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of breast disorders and associated lymph nodes, and reconstruction and/or reduction following breast surgery or a preventative mastectomy.
For example: breast lesions, breast tumours, asymmetry due to breast cancer surgery, and gynecomastia.
This clinical category does not require benefits to be paid for cosmetic breast surgery that is not medically necessary.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Diabetes Management (excluding insulin pumps)

Hospital treatment for the investigation and management of diabetes.
For example: stabilisation of hypo- or hyper- glycaemia, contour problems due to insulin injections.
Treatment for diabetes-related conditions is listed separately under each body system affected. For example, treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions is listed separately under Eye. Treatment for ulcers is listed separately under Skin.
Provision and replacement of insulin pumps is listed separately under Insulin pumps.

Heart and vascular system

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the heart, heart-related conditions and vascular system.
For example: heart failure and heart attack, monitoring of heart conditions, varicose veins and removal of plaque from arterial walls.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Lung and Chest

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the lungs, lung-related conditions, mediastinum and chest.
For example: lung cancer, respiratory disorders such as asthma, pneumonia, and treatment of trauma to the chest.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Blood

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of blood and blood-related conditions.
For example: blood clotting disorders and bone marrow transplants.
Treatment for cancers of the blood is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Back, neck and spine

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the back, neck and spinal column, including spinal fusion.
For example: sciatica, prolapsed or herniated disc, and spine curvature disorders such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis.
Joint replacements are listed separately under Joint replacements.
Joint fusions are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle.
Spinal cord conditions are listed separately under Brain and nervous system.
Management of back pain is listed separately under Pain management. Pain management that requires a device is listed separately under Pain management with device.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery (medically necessary)

Hospital treatment which is medically necessary for the investigation and treatment of any physical deformity, whether acquired as a result of illness or accident, or congenital.
For example: burns requiring a graft, cleft palate, club foot and angioma.
Plastic surgery that is medically necessary relating to the treatment of a skin-related condition is listed separately under Skin.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.

Dental surgery

Hospital treatment for surgery to the teeth and gums.
For example: surgery to remove wisdom teeth, and dental implant surgery.

Podiatric surgery (provided by an accredited podiatric surgeon)

Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and/or ankle, provided by a registered podiatric surgeon, but limited to cover for:
· accommodation; and
· the cost of a prosthesis as listed in the prostheses list set out in the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules, as in force from time to time.
Note: Insurers are not required to pay for any other benefits for hospital treatment for this clinical category but may choose to do so.

Implantation of hearing devices

Hospital treatment to correct hearing loss, including implantation of a prosthetic hearing device.
Stapedectomy is listed separately under Ear, nose and throat.

Cataracts

Hospital treatment for surgery to remove a cataract and replace with an artificial lens.

Joint replacements

Hospital treatment for surgery for joint replacements, including revisions, resurfacing, partial replacements and removal of prostheses.
For example: replacement of shoulder, wrist, finger, hip, knee, ankle, or toe joint, spinal disc replacement.
Joint fusions are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle.
Spinal fusions are listed separately under Back, neck and spine.
Joint reconstructions are listed separately underJoint reconstructions.
Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon).

Dialysis for chronic kidney failure

Hospital treatment for dialysis treatment for chronic kidney failure.
For example: peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis.

Pregnancy and birth

Hospital treatment for investigation and treatment of conditions associated with pregnancy and child birth.
Treatment for the baby is covered under the clinical category relevant to their condition. For example, respiratory conditions are covered under Lung and chest.
Female reproductive conditions are listed separately under Gynaecology.
Fertility treatments are listed separately under Assisted reproductive services.
Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy is listed separately under Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy.

Assisted reproductive services

Hospital treatment for fertility treatments or procedures.
For example: retrieval of eggs or sperm, In vitro Fertilisation (IVF), and Gamete Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT).
Treatment of the female reproductive system is listed separately under Gynaecology.
Pregnancy and birth-related services are listed separately under Pregnancy and birth.

Weight loss surgery

Hospital treatment for surgery that is designed to reduce a person’s weight, remove excess skin due to weight loss and reversal of a bariatric procedure.
For example: gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy.

Insulin pumps

Hospital treatment for the provision and replacement of insulin pumps for treatment of diabetes.

Pain Management with device

Hospital treatment for the implantation, replacement or other surgical management of a device required for the treatment of pain.
For example: treatment of nerve pain, back pain, and pain caused by coronary heart disease with a device (for example an infusion pump or neurostimulator).
Treatment of pain that does not require a device is listed separately under Pain management.

Sleep studies

Hospital treatment for the investigation of sleep patterns and anomalies.
For example: sleep apnoea and snoring.

When you switch health funds, we will guarantee continuity of cover for the benefits included in your previous cover. This applies only to the benefits you were entitled to under your previous cover, as long as these benefits are included under your new Westfund cover. Benefits are not payable in respect of services provided during a waiting period. The following waiting periods apply to benefits payable for Hospital Treatment.

Hospital Waiting Periods
Accident-related	1 Day
Psychiatric, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care A Member who has held a Policy with Hospital cover for at least 2 months and upgrades to a Policy which includes psychiatric treatment may elect to waive the 2 month Waiting Period that applies to psychiatric treatment upon upgrade. This waiver can only be accessed once in a Member's lifetime.	2 Months
Obstetric-related services	12 months
Treatment of a pre-existing condition	12 Months
All other services	2 Months

The Commonwealth Ombudsman also provides general information about waiting periods.

* A pre-existing condition is an illness or condition for which, in the opinion of a medical practitioner appointed by Westfund, signs or symptoms existed during the 6 months before the date you joined Westfund or upgraded to a higher level of cover. A 12 month waiting period applies to all new Members for hospital costs relating to the treatment of pre-existing conditions.

more about hospital and medical cover

More about Hospital Cover

Westfund has contracts with numerous private hospitals throughout Australia covering theatre fees and hospital accommodation costs for most procedures. Hospital policies do not provide cover for treatment for which Medicare pays no benefit eg. Non-Therapeutic Cosmetic Surgery, or if disallowed by the Private Health Insurance Act 2007. Where no contract exists with a private hospital, benefits are payable at a default rate determined by the Government. In these cases, out of pocket expenses may be incurred. We recommend that members check with us prior to admission to hospital to ensure they are covered.

Find a hospital with a contract with Westfund

As a private patient in a public hospital, you will receive cover for accommodation and your choice of doctor from doctors with a right to practice at that hospital. Westfund will pay benefits for surgically implanted prostheses up to the approved benefits in the Government's Prostheses List and in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

More about Medical Cover

Westfund pays benefits for the fees charged by a doctor, surgeon, other specialist services, including pathology and radiology, while you are in hospital. Medicare pays 75% of the Commonwealth Medical Benefits Schedule (CMBS) fee and Westfund pays the additional 25% up to the CMBS fee. Where the fees charged exceed the CMBS fee, Westfund will pay an additional benefit to reduce or eliminate out of pocket expenses where the doctor or specialist participates in our Access Gap Scheme. Our Access Gap Scheme allows patients with hospital cover to eliminate or reduce out of pocket expenses for medical gap payments for in-patient hospital treatments. Westfund does not pay an amount charged by your doctor above the CMBS fees unless your doctor agrees to participate in the Access Gap Scheme. If a doctor does not use the Access Gap Scheme, patients will be responsible for any additional charges. Doctors are independent of Westfund and each doctor can choose on a case by case basis whether to participate in the Access Gap Scheme. No benefits are paid for non-therapeutic cosmetic surgery.

Silver Hospital