Understanding your Hospital cover

We've put together a few hints and tips to help you get the most out of your Hospital cover... Preparing for time in hospital Getting more from your membership

Preparing for time in hospital

Going to hospital can be very confusing. At ahm we'd like to make sure your hospitalisation is as stress-free as possible. We can help you prepare by assisting you with your health cover before your stay. This checklist will help simplify what you need to know and do.

• Check if you are covered by your policy for the treatment/procedure you will be receiving. Don't hesitate to contact our Customer Services Centre to make sure you're covered.
• If you've taken out or changed your Hospital cover within the last 12 months, it is important to understand your waiting periods. Contact our friendly Customer Service Officers on 134 246 to discuss them or refer to your policy document for more detail.
• When choosing a hospital, call us or use our online hospital search to check if it's an ahm partner hospital before your visit. It's important to check this prior to going to hospital. If you choose to use a private hospital that isn't an ahm partner hospital, you will only be paid the default (minimum) benefit and you may be significantly out-of-pocket.
• Before admission, it's your right to understand your treatment and the costs involved. Ask your doctor if he/she will participate in ahm's GapCover Scheme and request an Estimate of Medical Fees.
• If you're taken to hospital by ambulance, you'll be taken to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department. If you need to be admitted, you can choose your hospital. On ahm Hospital covers you're covered in full for medically necessary ambulance transportation.
• When being admitted into a public or private hospital or day surgery as a private patient, you'll need to pay your co-payment or excess if you have one with your cover. You'll also be given information about any additional charges not covered by ahm.
• If you're expecting a baby, we can assist you with any queries you may have about providing cover for your new baby, and if you're on Family Hospital Level 5 or Top Hospital cover we offer a Pregnancy Support Program at no cost to you. Waiting periods apply.

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We're always a phone call away if you need help. You can also read your policy document for more information.

Our experienced Customer Service Officers are available on 134 246 to help you get the most out of your cover. They can answer any questions you have about your Hospital cover, such as:

• entitlements as a private patient
• medical benefits covered
• ahm's GapCover scheme for doctors and specialists
• claiming procedures
• restricted or excluded services (where applicable)
• waiting periods, or
• out-of-pocket expenses.

Getting more from your membership

To get the most out of your ahm membership, take advantage of the following services:

• Health cover check
  It's important to make sure you have the right level of cover to suit your current needs and lifestyle. If you need more information regarding a health cover check just ask our friendly Customer Services Officers.
• Online member services
  Make life easier by managing your membership online. You can make secure payments, view transactions and update your contact details. Register now »
• ahm Health Management programs*
  ahm Health Management Programs are available to members on most Hospital cover. Whether you're trying to get healthier, reach a health goal or live with a complex condition, we have a program for you. Our programs include Health Coaching, Chronic and Complex Care, an online health evaluation survey and more.
  More about ahm's Health Management programs »

* First Step members aren't eligible for Health Management Programs. Why not upgrade today?

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