Last updated: 27/11/2024

Healthscope has announced it intends to terminate its hospital agreements with 22 small-to-medium private health insurers, including Australian Unity, from 4 March 2025. 

Australian Unity is disappointed Healthscope has taken this step, and we understand the uncertainty it may cause, which is why we’re still working to reach agreement with Healthscope. We seek to treat all contracted hospitals fairly and prioritise the needs of patients and doctors in negotiating fair and sustainable contracts that won't put undue pressure on premiums.

As we continue to seek agreement with Healthscope, it is important for our members to know that our contract is still current. Our members remain covered, and benefits will continue to be paid for any upcoming treatments or admissions under the terms of their policy at Healthscope hospitals at least until 3 March 2025.

There is no immediate change for Australian Unity members.

Our members remain fully covered under their policy for any admission before 4 March 2025. If we cannot reach agreement with Healthscope by 4 March, we will put transitional arrangements in place for certain types of admissions, to ensure these members continue to be covered (for example: pre-booked admissions and ongoing courses of treatment). 

As the situation develops, we’ll be reaching out to potentially impacted members to keep them informed, including letting them know about the transitional arrangements.  

If you have any concerns with an upcoming hospital admission, we encourage you to call us on 1300 934 925 to speak to our dedicated team. 

Transitional arrangements

The following transitional arrangements will be put in place if we cannot reach agreement with Healthscope by 4 March. If you're admitted for one of the following ‘Treatment Types’, and your policy provides coverage, you’ll be covered as though we still have an agreement with your hospital. As always, you should talk to your treating specialist about potential out-of-pocket expenses relating to their fees.

What happens if I am admitted to a Healthscope hospital after the proposed termination date and the transitional arrangements don't apply?

You’ll still be covered if you attend a Healthscope hospital, however there may be substantial out-of-pocket costs as Healthscope will be able to charge whatever they deem appropriate. If you’re in this situation you should contact your treating Healthscope hospital directly to obtain Informed Financial Consent in advance of your admission to understand the costs. 

We have a large network of around 480 hospital providers, and in most cases, there are other private hospital options available if you decide not to attend a Healthscope facility. Many doctors who operate in Healthscope hospitals also treat from other facilities, so we’d encourage you to speak to your treating specialist for alternative options that will not result in greater out-of-pocket costs. You can also use our online Find a Health Care Provider tool to find other hospitals in our network.