Union Health Review
Union Health Insurance offers 6 main hospital plans, 6 extras plans, and one combined plan, starting from 36.30 AUD per month up to 3,253.55 AUD per year.
Union Health Insurance offers extensive specialist consultations and a comprehensive Union Health app, providing members with a streamlined digital experience. The app lets users submit claims, update details, and access policy information effortlessly.
| 🔎 Date Established | 2018 |
| 📌 Headquartered | 438 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 |
| 📍 Registration Number | ABN 38 085 150 376 |
| 👤 Number of Employees | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| 🛡️ APRA-Regulated | Through Queensland Teachers’ Union Health Fund Limited (ABN 38 085 150 376) |
| 📉 The most recent Market Cap reported | Not published |
| 💛 Average Customer Rating | 4.5/5 |
| ⭐ Average Number of Reviews | 100+ |
| 📈 Market Share | Less than 0.5% |
| 📊 Number of plans offered | 6 main hospital plans, 6 extras plans, and 1 combined plan |
| 💹 Sponsorships | None |
| 📲 Is a Mobile App offered | ✅Yes |
| 🖥️ Medical Claims Portal | ✅Yes |
| ⏰ Customer Support Operating Hours | Mon-Thu: 8 am – 6 pm AEST, Friday: 8 am – 5 pm AEST |
| ⚙️ Information Hub and Blog | ✅Yes |
| 💊 Chronic Illness Benefits | Provides hospital and extra cover for chronic conditions |
| 🩺 Screening and Prevention Offered | Offers cover for general dental, major dental, and other preventive care |
| 🍼 Maternity Benefit | Includes pregnancy and birth-related benefits |
| 💵 Health Insurance Premium Range (AUD) | From $36.30 per fortnight to $3,253.55/year |
| ⏰ Average Waiting Period | 2 months for most services, 12 months for major dental, and certain other specialized services. |
| 🌎 International Medical Cover | None |
| ✈️ International Travel Benefit | None |
Union Health Plan Overview
| 🔎 Plan | 💶 Premium Range AUD | ❌ Exclusions | ❤️ Ideal For | ↪️ Gap Cover | 📉 Rebate Percentage | 📈 Average Waiting Period | ⭐ Key Features |
| 🥇 Basic+ Hospital | $36.30 per fortnight to $945.00/year | Weight loss surgery, high-cost specialist services, limited maternity coverage | Individuals, young couples | ✅Yes | 8.202% to 32.812% | 2 months for most services, 12 months for major services | General ward admission, accidental injury coverage, emergency ambulance transport, limited maternity coverage |
| 🥈 Bronze+ Hospital | $46.55 per fortnight to $1,211.55/year | Limited specialist services, weight loss surgery, partial maternity coverage | Singles, young families, single parents | ✅Yes | 8.202% to 32.812% | 2 months for most services, 12 months for major services | Broader general care, emergency treatments, limited maternity care, rehabilitation, ambulance coverage |
| 🥉 Silver+ Hospital Essentials | $50.15 per fortnight to $1,305.05/year | Maternity services, joint replacements, high-cost specialist services | Singles, families, couples | ✅Yes | 8.202% to 32.812% | 2 months for most services, 12 months for pre-existing conditions | Covers comprehensive hospital services, specialist consultations, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy |
| 🏅 Silver+ No Pregnancy Hospital | $84.30 per fortnight to $2,192/year | Maternity and pregnancy-related services | Couples, singles, families | ✅Yes | 8.202% to 32.812% | 2 months for most services, 12 months for pre-existing conditions | General hospital services, accident cover, rehabilitation services, and intensive care |
| 🎖️ Silver+ Family Hospital | $92.05 per fortnight to $2,394.45/year | Cosmetic surgery, high-cost specialist services, assisted reproductive services | Families, couples planning children | ✅Yes | 8.202% to 32.812% | 2 months for most services, 12 months for major services | Pediatric and neonatal services, maternity and birth-related services, private hospital accommodation |
| 🥇 Gold Hospital | $125.15 per fortnight to $3,253.55/year | Cosmetic surgery, certain assisted reproductive services, some high-cost specialist services | Singles, couples, families, older individuals | ✅Yes | 8.202% to 32.812% | 2 months for most services, 12 months for major services | Comprehensive hospital care, maternity coverage, intensive care, heart and vascular surgeries, private rooms |
| 🥈 Bronze+ Young Choice | $61.95 per fortnight to $1,611.50/year | Cataracts, assisted reproductive services, weight loss surgery | Younger members or those seeking budget coverage | ✅Yes | 8.202% to 32.812% | 2 months for most services, 12 months for major services | Core hospital services, emergency treatments, psychological support, basic rehabilitation, accident cover |
Union Health Plans – Features and Benefits
Union Health Insurance offers plans tailored to Australian union members and their families. Each plan addresses different health priorities. Let’s explore each plan in detail, highlighting its unique features, coverage, and key benefits.
Basic+ Hospital Plan
The Basic+ Hospital Plan provides foundational hospital coverage with essential benefits for emergencies and general hospital care.
Key Features, Benefits, and Possible Drawbacks
- Comprehensive cover for hospital admissions due to accidental injuries.
- Provides coverage for emergency transport services during critical medical incidents.
- Covers inpatient services and standard medical treatments.
- Partial benefits for uncomplicated deliveries.
- Offers limited coverage for necessary rehabilitation after hospital stays.
Drawbacks: Excludes elective and non-essential surgeries, with limitations on maternity and specialist consultations.
| 🔎 Service | 🅰️ Coverage Level | 🅱️ Details |
| 🤕 Accidental Injury | Comprehensive | Full coverage for emergency injuries |
| 🚑 Ambulance Transport | Limited | Emergency transport only |
| 💚 General Hospital Care | Basic | Standard care for inpatient admissions |
| 🍼 Maternity Services | Partial | Benefits for uncomplicated deliveries |
| 🥰 Rehabilitation | Partial | Covers basic rehabilitation sessions post-discharge |
Bronze+ Hospital Plan
The Bronze+ Hospital Plan offers coverage for members needing more comprehensive care, including additional services and emergency treatments.
Key Features, Benefits, and Possible Drawbacks
- Enhanced access to standard ward admissions, surgeries, and medical treatments.
- Provides partial benefits for uncomplicated births and essential hospital care.
- Limited coverage for rehabilitation and recovery services following hospital admissions.
Drawbacks: Limited access to specialist consultations and specific hospital services.
| 🔎 Service | 🅰️ Coverage Level | 🅱️ Details |
| 🤕 Accidental Injury | Comprehensive | Full coverage for injuries requiring hospitalization |
| 🚑 Ambulance Transport | Limited | Includes emergency transport services |
| 💙 General Hospital Care | Standard | Includes ward admissions, surgeries, and treatments |
| 🍼 Maternity Services | Partial | Benefits for uncomplicated births |
| 🥰 Rehabilitation | Partial | Offers limited post-hospital rehabilitation care |
Silver+ Hospital Essentials Plan
The Silver+ Hospital Essentials Plan focuses on extensive medical coverage, including essential hospital services and post-hospital care.
Key Features, Benefits, and Possible Drawbacks
- Covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy services.
- Includes fees for surgeries and intensive care stays.
- Partial coverage for rehabilitation and physiotherapy services.
- Offers coverage for heart surgeries and vascular treatments.
Drawbacks: Excludes maternity services and weight-loss surgeries.
| 🔎 Service | 🅰️ Coverage Level | 🅱️ Details |
| 🎗️ Cancer Treatments | Comprehensive | Includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy |
| 🤒 Intensive Care | Comprehensive | Covers intensive care fees and theatre services |
| 💛 Heart and Vascular | Comprehensive | Covers essential surgeries and procedures |
| 🥰 Rehabilitation | Partial | Limited coverage for post-hospital rehabilitation services |
Silver+ No Pregnancy Hospital Plan
The Silver+ No Pregnancy Hospital Plan targets members who don’t require maternity coverage but want comprehensive hospital benefits.
Key Features, Benefits, and Possible Drawbacks
- Comprehensive coverage for injuries requiring emergency care.
- Full coverage for private hospital stays, including intensive care.
- Covers key medical treatments such as chemotherapy and heart surgeries.
- Offers partial benefits for rehabilitation after hospitalization.
Drawbacks: Excludes maternity and weight-loss procedures, with some limitations on specialist care.
| 🔎 Service | 🅰️ Coverage Level | 🅱️ Details |
| 🤕 Accidental Injury | Comprehensive | Covers emergency injuries needing hospitalization |
| 🏥 General Hospital Care | Comprehensive | Full coverage for private hospital accommodation |
| 🎗️ Cancer Treatments | Comprehensive | Coverage for chemotherapy and related treatments |
| ❤️ Heart Procedures | Standard | Coverage for heart surgeries |
| 🥰 Rehabilitation | Partial | Covers rehabilitation sessions post-hospital |
Silver+ Family Hospital Plan
The Silver+ Family Hospital Plan caters to families by offering coverage for essential hospital services, including emergency treatments and maternity care.
Key Features, Benefits, and Possible Drawbacks
- Comprehensive cover for routine and emergency maternity care.
- Focus on specialized treatments and surgeries for children and newborns.
- Covers private hospital accommodation, intensive care, and theatre fees.
- Provides coverage for emergency transport services.
Drawbacks: This does not include cosmetic surgeries or weight-loss treatments.
| 🔎 Service | 🅰️ Coverage Level | 🅱️ Details |
| 🍼 Maternity Services | Comprehensive | Covers routine and emergency maternity care |
| 👶🏼 Pediatric Services | Comprehensive | Includes essential medical treatments for children |
| 🏥 General Hospital Care | Comprehensive | Full coverage for private hospital stays |
| 🚑 Ambulance Transport | Comprehensive | Emergency ambulance transport coverage |
Gold Hospital Plan
The Gold Hospital Plan is the premium offering from Union Health, with the highest level of benefits and comprehensive hospital coverage for members.
Key Features, Benefits, and Possible Drawbacks
- Includes antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
- Coverage for major surgeries, including joint replacements.
- Comprehensive mental health support, covering hospital psychiatric care.
- Includes necessary reconstructive procedures for medical reasons.
Drawbacks: Higher premiums due to the extensive coverage excludes elective cosmetic procedures.
| 🔎 Service | 🅰️ Coverage Level | 🅱️ Details |
| 🍼 Maternity Care | Comprehensive | Full maternity and birth-related services |
| 🦴 Orthopedic Surgeries | Comprehensive | Covers joint replacements and orthopedic procedures |
| 🧠 Psychiatric Services | Comprehensive | Full psychiatric care in hospitals |
| 🧑⚕️ Plastic Surgeries | Comprehensive | Covers medically necessary reconstructive surgeries |
Bronze + Young Choice Plan
The Bronze+ Young Choice Plan is for younger members. The plan offers a balanced option that includes essential hospital and extra coverage at an affordable price.
Key Features, Benefits, and Possible Drawbacks
- Covers key categories such as blood, bone, joint, and muscle treatments and emergency care.
- Limited benefits for hospital psychiatric services and rehabilitation.
- Provides benefits for dental, optical, physiotherapy, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Drawbacks: Excludes specialized surgeries like joint replacements and weight-loss procedures.
| 🔎 Service | 🅰️ Coverage Level | 🅱️ Details |
| 🏥 Hospital Care | Essential | Covers key treatments like blood and joint care |
| 🧠 Psychiatric Services | Restricted | Limited cover for psychiatric care |
| 🥰 Rehabilitation | Restricted | Partial coverage for rehabilitation |
| ❤️ Extras Coverage | Comprehensive | Covers dental, optical, and alternative therapies |
Recent User Reviews
🥇 Great Coverage for Both Hospital and Extras
Union Health is a good health insurance option considering the coverage I receive for both hospital and extras. They provide bonuses and privileges I haven’t found elsewhere, making it an excellent pick for myself and my spouse. – Molly
🥈 Ideal for Family-Specific Coverage
We switched to Union Health because they provide family-specific coverage alternatives. With small children, we wanted something that provided adequate coverage for different services without breaking the budget, and this matched the criteria. – Lydia
🥉 Transparent and Helpful Service
I enjoyed how open they were about what was covered and what wasn’t. When I picked my coverage, they provided honest answers and assisted me in selecting the plan that best met my needs. – James
Union Health vs HBF Health Insurance vs Medibank Private Health Insurance – A Comparison
| 🔎 Provider | 🥇 Union Health | 🥈 HBF Health Insurance | 🥉 Medibank Private Health Insurance |
| 📌 Years in Operation | 6 years | Since 1941 | 48 years |
| 📍 Average Number of Members | Not published | Over 1 million | Over 4.1 million |
| 🛡️ APRA Regulation | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| 🫶 Number of Employees | 1,000 – 5,000 | Not specified | 3,220 |
| 🅰️ Market Share | Less than 0.5% | 7.82% | 26.9% |
| 🅱️ Market Coverage | Australia | Nationwide | Australia |
| 💛 Customer Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.1 stars | 3.5/5 |
| ⭐ Number of reviews | 100+ | Approximately 6,500 | Thousands |
| 📲 Mobile App | ✅Yes | MyHBF app | My Medibank App |
| 💵 Premium Range (AUD) | From $36.30 per fortnight to $3,253.55/year | $14.96 per week to $2,685.16 per year | From $19.83 per week up to $2,910 per year |
| 🌎 International Travel Benefit | ✅Yes | Limited suspension options are available | Available through various insurance plans |
| ⚙️ Market Capitalisation | Not published | Not applicable (not-for-profit) | Approximately AUD 10.16 billion |
| ↪️ Unique Features | Focus on Pediatric and Neonatal Service, Chronic Illness Benefit, Tailored plans for Union Members | Reinvestment into member benefits, flexible plans | GapCover, 24/7 nurse and mental health support, Better Minds program, comprehensive travel insurance options |
Advantages of Using Union Health
The comprehensive Union Health app offers a streamlined digital experience for members, allowing them to easily manage their policies, submit claims, and more. Union Health provides tailored plans for union members and their dependents, addressing unique health priorities. It also offers chronic illness benefits for both hospital and extra services related to chronic conditions.
With a focus on pediatric and neonatal services, some plans include specialized medical treatments and coverage for children and newborns. As an APRA-regulated fund through the Queensland Teachers’ Union Health Fund, Union Health ensures strict compliance with financial and regulatory standards.
Additionally, the coverage includes screening and prevention services such as general and major dental, along with other preventive healthcare. Union Health also offers specialized maternity benefits, covering antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, with specific plans targeting families. Lastly, it includes emergency ambulance transport coverage for critical situations.
Overview of Union Health Gap Cover
Union Health Insurance offers an Access Gap Cover program to reduce or eliminate expenses associated with in-hospital medical treatments. Access Gap helps with the financial gap between what Medicare and Union Health are willing to cover and what the doctors charge.
What is Gap Cover?
Gap cover refers to additional coverage to handle costs exceeding what Medicare and Union Health collectively pay.
Without gap cover, members face significant out-of-pocket expenses when the fees charged by specialists are higher than the amount allowed under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Types of Gap Agreements
Union Health’s approach to gap cover agreements distinguishes it from many other insurers by offering the following:
- No-Gap Agreements: Union Health partners with medical specialists who agree not to charge above the set MBS fees under these agreements.
- Known-Gap Agreements: When specialists charge slightly above the MBS fee, Union Health’s Access Gap scheme allows doctors to charge a capped additional amount. Members benefit from knowing the maximum amount they need to pay.
Key Features of Access Gap Cover
| 🔎 Coverage Type | 📌 Details |
| 📉 Medicare Coverage | Covers 75% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee |
| 📈 Union Health Coverage | Covers the remaining 25% of the MBS fee |
| 📊 No-Gap Specialist Charges | Participating doctors agree to no out-of-pocket expenses |
| 💹 Known-Gap Specialist Charges | Doctors charge a capped fee beyond the MBS rate |
| 📉 Obstetric Services | Capped at an additional $800 for labor and delivery care |
| 📈 Written Estimates | Members can request cost estimates from their specialists |
- Access Gap Cover is included with all Union Health private hospital plans and covers most specialist fees in contracted hospitals.
- Union Health encourages members to ask their doctors if they participate in the Access Gap Cover scheme. Members can also get written estimates from specialists to understand potential costs in advance.
- Most participating doctors bill Union Health directly, making claims processing easier. Union Health then works with Medicare to handle claims on the member’s behalf.
Union Health App Features
The Union Health App is a user-friendly platform that allows users to manage their health insurance on the go. The app is feature-rich and lets members view their coverage, submit and track claims, and more.
- The digital card feature lets members tap and claim at any extras provider with a HICAPS payment terminal.
- The app offers a benefits calculator where members can check the expected out-of-pocket costs for their medical services in advance.
- Members can view their current policy details, including benefit usage and remaining limits for extra services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
- The app’s built-in provider search function helps members find nearby healthcare providers, including dentists, physiotherapists, and optometrists. Members can use the app to access information about participating providers and even make contact directly from within the app.
- Members can submit and track claims using the app. Members can upload photos of their receipts easily using the app.
Moreover, Members can update their details, add or remove dependents, upgrade their cover, and even order replacement membership cards directly using the app.
How to apply for Health Insurance with Union Health
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to applying for Union Health Insurance:
1. Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Union Health Insurance is available to current and former members of recognized Australian unions and their families (partners, children, parents, and siblings). Visit Union Health’s website to explore available plans.
2. Step 2: Explore Plans and Coverage
Browse through the hospital and extras cover options. Union Health offers a variety of plans, from basic hospital coverage to comprehensive family plans. Use the detailed plan comparisons on the website to choose the best option for your healthcare needs.
3. Step 3: Select Your Plan
Once you’ve chosen the right plan, continue with your application on Union Health’s online portal.
4. Step 4: Complete Your Application
The portal will guide you through entering personal details, adding dependents, and noting any pre-existing health conditions. Make sure all information is accurate to ensure a smooth application process.
5. Step 5: Understand Waiting Periods
Union Health has waiting periods for different services: 2 months for most hospital services and up to 12 months for more complex treatments.
If transferring from another fund, waiting periods may carry over, so you don’t lose any benefits.
6. Step 6: Choose a Payment Method
Union Health offers multiple payment options, including direct debit, online credit card payments, and prepaid plans.
Opt for direct debit and enjoy a 1.5% annual discount.
7. Step 7: Access Your Member Portal
After completing your application, you can access your account through the Union Health member portal and app for easy management of your coverage.
That’s it! With these steps, you’re all set to join Union Health and enjoy your coverage.
How to apply for Gap Cover with Union Health
Union Health offers Access Gap Cover to help members cover any expenses not covered by their health insurance. Here’s how you can apply for gap cover through Union Health:
Review your Union Health hospital plan to ensure it includes an Access Gap Cover. You can do this using the member portal or by contacting customer support. Confirm that your doctor or specialist participates in the Access Gap Cover scheme to avoid unexpected costs.
Speak with your doctor or medical specialist before your hospital treatment to verify if they participate in Union Health’s Access Gap Cover program. Ask the following questions:
- Will you treat me under Union Health’s Access Gap Cover scheme?
- Can you provide a written estimate of any out-of-pocket costs?
- Will other doctors or specialists involved in the treatment also participate in the Access Gap scheme?
If your doctor confirms participation, provide the relevant details and complete any required forms. Request a cost estimate from your doctor in writing detailing any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Once the cost estimate is reviewed, confirm that all involved specialists agree to the Access Gap scheme.
Coverage and Benefits Table
| 🔎 Coverage Area | 📌 Details |
| 🏥 Hospital Coverage | Includes medical costs when your specialist charges within the agreed gap scheme |
| 🧑⚕️ Doctor’s Fee Limit | No more than $500 per doctor, per episode of care (up to $800 for obstetricians) |
| 🩺 Claim Process | Union Health directly handles the bill with the specialist and Medicare, reducing paperwork for members |
How to Submit a Claim with Union Health
Union Health Insurance offers a few convenient ways for its members to submit digital and offline claims. Here are the options:
Use the Swipe Card Option
At participating healthcare providers, members can use their physical membership card or digital card (available in the Union Health mobile app) to process on-the-spot claims through the HICAPS or Healthpoint terminals.
Submit Claims via the Mobile App
The Union Health mobile app offers a conventional way to claim. Members can take a photo of their receipt, complete the required service details, and submit the claim through the app.
Submit Claims Online through the Member Portal
Members can access Union Health’s online portal to submit claims. Here, members are guided through the process, from uploading the necessary documents to tracking the status of their claims in real-time.
Send Postal or Email Submissions
More traditional methods are offered where members can submit completed claim forms and original receipts by post or email.
Types of Claims and Required Documents
Hospital Claims
Hospital admissions require a direct arrangement between Union Health and the hospital. Members must confirm their eligibility and coverage before admission.
Extras Claims
When claiming extra services (e.g., dental, optical, physiotherapy), members must upload receipts with the provider’s details and service codes.
How to Downgrade My Plan with Union Health
Union Health lets members downgrade their plans should they need to do so because of budgetary constraints or lifestyle changes. Here’s how you can downgrade your plan:
- Log into the Union Health member portal or contact customer service to review your current policy.
- Compare the lower-tier plans and consider the essential benefits you want to keep.
- If you downgrade your plan, remember that there might be waiting periods that apply and that some coverage levels fall away.
- Members can submit a downgrade request through the online portal or by contacting the member services team.
- Once the downgrade is approved, Union Health will issue updated policy documents.
Finally, familiarise yourself with the details of your new plan.
How do I add a Beneficiary to Union Health?
As a union member and member of Union Health, you can add dependents to your health insurance (spouse, children, and other eligible direct family members). Here’s how:
- Review the eligibility guidelines for adding dependents to your policy.
- Log into the Union Health member portal with your secure credentials.
- Complete the application and provide the beneficiary’s name, relationship to the primary member, and other relevant information.
- Upload the relevant documents to the portal. Alternatively, use the app, email or post the documents to Union Health.
Once all information is submitted, review the changes and confirm the addition of the new beneficiary.
Important Considerations
- Ensure that the new beneficiary meets the age requirements set by Union Health for dependents.
- Adding a beneficiary could impact waiting periods for certain services. Check if additional waiting periods apply based on the new beneficiary’s details.
Coverage Changes Table – Required Info and Considerations
| 🔎 Action | 🅰️ Required Information | 🅱️ Additional Considerations |
| 📉 Adding a Child | Proof of relationship, ID | Verify age eligibility for extended dependent cover |
| 📈 Adding a Spouse/Partner | Marriage certificate or proof | Ensure combined coverage includes all key services |
| 📊 Updating Beneficiary Details | New information as needed | Confirm waiting periods and coverage updates |
How to Submit a Compliment or Complaint with Union Health
Based on the information available on the website, Union Health Insurance values member feedback. Members can easily submit compliments or complaints using these channels:
Access the Online Portal
Members can submit feedback through Union Health’s secure online portal. The portal guides users through the submission process, letting them select the type of feedback and provide details of their experience.
Use the Mobile App
The Union Health mobile app offers a convenient way to submit feedback directly from your smartphone. Members can provide compliments or raise complaints, upload relevant documents, and track the status of their submissions using the app.
Email or Call Customer Service
Union Health offers a dedicated email address and customer service phone line for members who prefer direct communication.
Postal Submissions
Members can also mail written complaints or compliments to the Union Health office.
Feedback Submission Methods
| 🔎 Method | 📌 Details | 📍 Expected Response Time |
| 🖥️ Online Portal | Guided from submission with tracking | Within 5 business days |
| 📲 Mobile App | Quick submission with upload options | Within 5 business days |
| ☎️ Email or Phone | Direct communication with support staff | Immediate acknowledgment |
| 💌 Postal Submission | Written submissions via postal mail | Up to 10 business days |
How to Switch My Health Insurance to Union Health
Before switching to Union Health, it’s important to review your current health insurance policy and identify the equivalent plan that best suits your healthcare needs. This ensures there are no gaps in your coverage, and you continue to receive all the services required for you and your family.
If you switch within two months, Union Health allows you to carry over waiting periods from your previous insurer. You’ll need to provide your previous policy details, including your membership information and a clearance certificate confirming any completed waiting periods.
If you select a plan with additional benefits or a lower excess than your previous policy, Union Health may apply waiting periods for the upgraded benefits. Once your transfer details are verified, your new policy will be activated, and you can easily manage your membership through the Union Health online portal or mobile app.
| 🔎 Condition | 📌 Details |
| 📉 Transfer Window | Within two months of leaving the previous insurer |
| 📈 Waiting Period Carry-Over | Yes, for equivalent cover levels |
| 📊 Waiting Period for Upgrades | Applied to upgraded benefits and lower excesses |
| 💹 Required Documentation | Policy details and clearance certificate |
Union Health Travel Insurance
Union Health Insurance partners with Allianz Global Assistance to offer travel insurance coverage to members during trips for medical emergencies, unexpected cancellations, and travel disruptions.
| 🔎 Coverage Area | 📌 Details |
| 🤕 Medical Emergencies | Overseas medical, hospital, and dental expenses |
| ❎ Trip Cancellations | Cover for pre-booked flights, accommodation, and additional expenses |
| 🤒 Pre-Existing Medical Condition | Eligibility through an online assessment tool |
| 🚑 Emergency Assistance | 24/7 support from Australian-based case managers, nurses, and doctors |
| ↪️ Luggage and Personal Liability | Cover for luggage delays and personal liability claims |
| ↘️ Policy Discount | 15% discount on new policy purchases for Union Health members |
Union Health Regulation
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulate private health insurance in Australia.
The primary regulatory framework comes under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007, alongside the oversight functions of APRA and ACCC. Specific Responsibilities and Regulatory Focus Areas of APRA and ACCC:
- Maintaining Financial Stability: APRA actively monitors private health insurers through regular risk assessments and financial stress testing to ensure their solvency.
- Ensuring Fair Pricing and Transparency: The ACCC oversees premium adjustments, reviewing increases to confirm they meet regulatory standards and safeguard consumer fairness.
- Protecting Members’ Interests: APRA and ACCC are dedicated to enforcing market integrity and shielding members from misconduct and potential financial threats.
Union Health is a member of APRA under Queensland Teachers’ Union Health Fund Limited (ABN 38 085 150 376).
Union Health Awards and Recognition
Union Health Insurance is offered by the TUH Health Fund, which has received several awards and recognition. Here are the latest key achievements:
- Union Health, through TUH, was recognized as Australia’s Private Health Insurer of the Year by the Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards in 2023 for its outstanding member satisfaction and services in 2022.
- In 2023, according to the Ipsos Health Care and Insurance Australia research, TUH was ranked among the Top 2 Most Trusted and High-Quality Private Health Insurance Providers.
Union Health Customer Support and Contact Details
Union Health prioritizes efficient customer support by offering a knowledgeable team available across several channels, including the following:
| 🔎 Support Method | 📌 Details |
| ☎️ Phone Support | Available weekdays (8:00 am - 7:00 pm) +61 7 3613 5775 for overseas 1300 661 283 within Australia |
| 🚨 Emergency Hotline | 24/7 availability for travel and medical emergencies |
| 🖥️ Online Portal | Accessible portal for managing policies and claims |
| 📲 Mobile App | Real-time claims submission, provider search, digital card |
| 💌 Email Support | For detailed inquiries or document submissions |
Union Health Rebates and Discounts
Members qualify for several rebates, discounts, and bonuses with Union Health, including the following:
Active Health Bonus
Union Health has an Active Health Bonus for members who complete the Health-e-Profile, an annual online health assessment.
The Active Health bonus can be used towards out-of-pocket expenses for approved extra treatments. To qualify, members must complete the assessment each calendar year.
The bonus is available to adults on eligible levels of cover, excluding dependents, and resets annually.
Age-Based Discount
Younger members benefit from an age-based discount, encouraging early private health insurance enrollment.
Members under 30 who join selected hospital covers can enjoy a maximum discount of 10%, decreasing by 2% each year until age 30. The discount is phased out gradually between ages 41 and 45.
Government Rebate
Union Health incorporates the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance into its pricing structure.
The rebate varies based on age and household income, offering higher rebates for members over 65. Members can claim the rebate directly through reduced premiums or as a tax offset.
Mates Rates Program
Members get exclusive discounts on everyday products and services through the Mates Rates program.
The program connects members with deals on popular brands, enhancing the overall value of their health insurance
Union Health Additional Health Services and Products
Apart from conventional health insurance, gap cover, travel insurance, and other benefits, Union Health also offers the following:
- Union Health collaborates with several providers to offer hospital substitute programs to keep members out of the hospital by providing tailored treatment options that aid in faster recovery.
- Members can access tailored weight loss programs to support sustainable health improvements.
- Union Health partners with Valion Health to provide a comprehensive cancer support program.
- This online health assessment tool lets members identify potential risk factors for chronic conditions early on.
- The health fund has arrangements with specific providers to facilitate short-stay joint replacement procedures.
- Union Health partners with Hatch Private Maternity to provide high-quality private maternity care with no-gap costs for eligible members in South East Queensland.
Moreover, Union Health offers personalized health coaching programs led by experienced nurses, allied health professionals, and mental health experts.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Extensive inpatient care, including emergency treatments. | Lower-tier plans restrict dental and extras services. |
| Access Gap helps cut down on expenses. | Long waiting periods for major dental and pre-existing conditions. |
| Continuity of coverage for members transferring from other funds. | No coverage for overseas medical or extras treatments. |
| High customer satisfaction reflects reliable service. | Comprehensive plans have higher premiums. |
| Access to basic and comprehensive hospital and extras plans. | Additional costs for non-contracted hospitals or providers. |
| Not-for-profit health fund, prioritizing members. | Silver+ Essentials excludes high-cost procedures. |
In Conclusion
Union Health Insurance prioritizes union members’ well-being with targeted benefits and a user-friendly digital experience. While it covers emergency care and specialist consultations, limits exist for specialized services, including complex surgeries and chronic illness management.
The app and member support simplify access, but the absence of telehealth and comprehensive long-term care is a drawback. Despite these gaps, Union Health excels in essential services like emergency and general care.
Those with complex needs should consider the exclusions and limitations. Overall, Union Health offers practical coverage but leaves room for improvement in specialized services and transparency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join Union Health?
Union Health only serves current and ex-Australian union members (along with their families – including spouses, children, and other direct family members).
How does combined coverage work at Union Health?
Combined insurance merges hospital-only plans and extras to provide full coverage for both in-hospital treatments and common health services like dental and optical care.
Does Union Health offer coverage for chronic conditions?
Yes, specialized extras and hospital plans cover chronic disease management programs and therapies.
Does Union Health cover maternity and childbirth-related services?
Yes, but it’s limited. Gold and Silver tiers cover maternity and birth services.
What rebates and discounts are available from Union Health?
Rebates are according to the income of members and government payments. Member discounts are offered through partner programs and preferred providers.
How can Union Health’s tax-related coverage assist in lowering tax liabilities?
When members register for basic hospital cover, they can avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge if they earn above $93,000 for individuals or $186,000 for couples.
