Private Health Low Vision Aid

Since 2010, Macular Disease Foundation Australia has been advocating to major private health funds for the provision of fair and adequate subsidies for low vision aids and technology. Once again the Foundation has audited the six largest private health funds, which make up 86% of the private health insurance market, to ascertain if there has been any change in the provision of benefits. The Foundation also reviewed if benefits were clearly communicated to consumers in health fund publications and on their websites.
What did the audit show?

Benefits provided: Bupa, nib, HCF and Australian Unity presently offer low vision aid benefits.
No benefit provided: HBF and Medibank Private presently do not offer low vision aid benefits.

What is the Foundation doing on your behalf?

Health funds that do not provide benefits: Communicating with health funds to encourage inclusion of low vision aid benefits (HBF and Medibank Private).
Health funds that provide benefits:
Assessing the benefits and keeping an open dialogue with health funds in regards to the level of benefits offered for low vision aids.
Providing information in relation to the benefits currently available for low vision aids (Bupa, nib, HCF and Australian Unity).
Listing of information: Communicating with the four health funds which offer low vision aid benefits, to clearly provide specific information on these benefits in their publications and on their websites.

Low vision aid benefits by major private health funds

The following summary tables provide information on the low vision aid benefits offered by Bupa, nib, HCF and Australian Unity. All efforts have been made by the Foundation to verify the accuracy of the information.

Please note - The following tables only contain current health insurance products. If you hold an older health insurance product, you may still be eligible for low vision aid benefits. In all cases, please contact your health fund for further information relating to benefits on low vision aids.

Click here to view and save the summary tables as a pdf document

Bupa	Tel: 134 135
Products	Your Choice Extras, Bronze Extras, Silver Extras, Gold Extras, Platinum Extras, Young Singles/Couples Choice (package), Young Singles/Couples Saver (package), Live Well (package), Ultimate Health Cover (package)
Benefit	Ranging from $45 to $90 (depending on level of cover, annual limits apply)
Limit	$150 to $300 per annum per person (some products have family limits)
Waiting period	2 months
What you need in order to claim:	Letter from ophthalmologist, optometrist or orthoptist confirming low vision assessment; a receipt from a BUPA approved supplier (showing company’s address and phone number, date, name of customer, product details and charges).

The following information features a range of health insurance products and low vision aid benefits offered by Bupa. Please contact Bupa for details of the low vision aid benefits in specific Bupa products.

nib	Tel: 134 135
Products	Core Extras (with “Young At Heart” option)
Benefit	60% of the cost of 1 device
Limit	Max $250 rebate. 1 device claimable every 3 years.
Waiting period	12 months
What you need in order to claim:	What you need in order to claim: Letter from ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthoptist or occupational therapist confirming low vision assessment. Official receipt for low vision aid.

Products	Top Extras
Benefit	75% of the cost of 1 device
Limit	Max $500 rebate. 1 device claimable every 3 years.
Waiting period	12 months
What you need in order to claim:	Letter from ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthoptist or occupational therapist confirming low vision assessment. Official receipt for low vision aid.

HCF	Tel: 13 13 34
Products	Multicover, Super Multicover
Benefit	Low vision magnifying device: Max $75 rebate. 1 device claimable every 3 years. Desk-top magnifying device (electronic): Max $500 rebate. 1 device claimable every 3 years.
Limit	Multicover: Total combined rebate for the low vision magnifying device and desk-top magnifying device (electronic) cannot exceed $500 every 3 years. Super Multicover: Total combined rebate for the low vision magnifying device and desk-top magnifying device (electronic) cannot exceed $575 every 3 years.
Waiting period	12 months
What you need in order to claim:	Letter from ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthoptist or occupational therapist confirming low vision assessment. Official receipt for low vision aid.

Australian Unity	Tel: 13 29 39
Products	Starter 60%
Benefit	60% of the cost of items
Limit	$150 per person per year
Waiting period	6 months
What you need in order to claim:	Items must be prescribed by a recognised optometrist or oculist in privatepractice. Referral letter and receipt required.

Products	Starter 60% with Health Boost
Benefit	60% of the cost of items
Limit	$250 per person per year
Waiting period	6 months
What you need in order to claim:	Items must be prescribed by a recognised optometrist or oculist in privatepractice. Referral letter and receipt required.

Products	Platinum 80%
Benefit	80% of the cost of items
Limit	$300 per person per year
Waiting period	6 months
What you need in order to claim:	Items must be prescribed by a recognised optometrist or oculist in privatepractice. Referral letter and receipt required.