Start the Year Right

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to review your private health insurance and make the most of your benefits. 

Did you know that most private health insurance policies in Australia reset on 1 January? This means your annual limits for extras and hospital cover—including mental health benefits—are refreshed.

If you’ve been considering support for your mental health, now is the ideal time to take action. And here’s the best part: with private health insurance, there’s no public waitlist. You can access care quickly and start your recovery sooner.

For Patients: Why Choose Private Mental Health Care?

Private mental health care offers:

• No public wait times – access care when you need it most.
• Specialist-led treatment tailored to your needs.
• Comfortable, therapeutic environments designed for recovery.
• Freedom to choose from our trusted network of specialists.
• Evidence-based group therapy programs to support recovery and build skills.

How Aurora Healthcare hospitals can help

Aurora Healthcare provides access to a wide range of programs across our hospitals, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Addiction and substance misuse
• Trauma and stress disorders
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders

Once in a lifetime waiver

If you have private hospital cover, you may be eligible for a once-in-a-lifetime mental health waiting-period waiver. This allows you to upgrade your policy to include in-hospital psychiatric care and access treatment immediately—no two-month wait. It’s a one-off benefit designed for when you need help most. Contact your health fund to learn more refer to our FAQ below.

For GPs: Help Your Patients Access Care Sooner

Many patients don’t realise their private health insurance may include mental health cover. As a GP, you can:

• Remind patients their benefits have reset for the year.
• Highlight the once-in-a-lifetime mental health waiting-period waiver, which allows eligible private hospital cover holders to upgrade and access in-hospital psychiatric care immediately without the usual two-month wait.
• Advise veterans about DVA White Card support, as Aurora hospitals provide dedicated mental health care for Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients to ensure timely, specialised treatment.
• Provide referrals for inpatient or day programs at Aurora Healthcare hospitals.
• Submit referrals easily via our online portal to your local Aurora hospital.

Mental Health & Hospital Cover: FAQ

How long is the waiting period for mental health hospital treatment?

The maximum waiting period is two months, even if the mental health condition is pre‑existing.

What about other pre‑existing conditions?

Most pre‑existing conditions come with a 12‑month waiting period before full hospital benefits apply.

What is the waiting period for other hospital services?

For all other hospital services, the standard waiting period is two months.

What is the Mental Health Waiting Period Exemption?

It’s a once‑per‑lifetime exemption that allows you to upgrade your hospital cover and access higher psychiatric benefits immediately, without serving the usual two‑month wait for the upgraded portion.

Who is eligible to use the exemption?

You’re eligible once you’ve held any level of hospital cover for at least two months.

What services does the exemption apply to?

The exemption provides immediate access to higher benefits for:

• In‑hospital psychiatric treatment
• Hospital‑substitute mental health services
• Drug and alcohol treatment

How do you activate the exemption?

You’ll need to contact your health insurer and request to use your mental health exemption. It takes effect from the date you ask for it.