Patients with private health insurance have the choice to be treated as either a public patient (if they have a Medicare card) or private patient. Private patients have their treatment costs (excluding discharge medication) covered by their health fund.
Electing to be admitted as a private patient at any of our facilities provides us with extra revenue. This helps us to continue offering all of our patients, consumers and community the highest quality care in a safe and caring environment.
Thinking of being admitted as a private patient
To be admitted as a private patient or if you require any further information about using your insurance, contact a Patient Liaison Officer (PLO) through our Revenue Services office.
A PLO will meet with you to:
- make sure you are fully covered for your admission
- answer any questions
- check that all documentation related to your stay is complete
Why we encourage patients to use private health insurance
You pay for your private health insurance and are entitled to use it to be treated as a private patient for any hospital admission.
If you choose to be admitted as a private patient to the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH), we can then bill your health fund. This serves as an additional source of revenue that directly benefits our health service, as well as our staff, patients, consumers and community.
We appreciate and welcome you using your private health insurance at the RMH, as we strive to deliver quality health services to meet the increasing demands of a growing community and implement a range of programs designed to improve access to quality care.
Benefits of being a private patient in a public hospital
We are committed to providing an equally high standard of care to every patient, whether public or private. Regardless of financial status, all patients receive the same quality treatment and range of services.
For patients who choose to use their private health insurance:
- There are no out-of-pocket expenses
- You may choose your doctor (public patients do not)
- We will waive your hospital excess
- You will have access to the Private Patient Liaison team to help with any concerns you may have about your hospital stay
- The Private Patient Liaison team can liaise with your health fund on your behalf
Your aftercare will be continued in our Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) as a public patient under the relevant specialty team, or your specialist’s private consulting rooms if suitable. Alternatively, you may be referred to your local general practitioner (GP).
What is covered by private health insurance
Your private health insurance covers:
- Your hospital accommodation
- Prosthetics
- Specialist and surgical costs
- Anaesthetic costs
- Pathology and medical imaging costs
What is not covered by private health insurance
Private health insurance does not cover charges for discharge medication, aids and appliances.
These charges are applicable to all public or private patients. See Public patients with a Medicare card.
Contact us for help
If you are unsure about your level of cover or whether you are fully covered, a Patient Liaison Officer (PLO) can clarify this with you before making any decisions.
Contact Revenue Services to be connected with a PLO.