Understanding Civilian Health Insurance with Navy Health

At Navy Health, we understand that transitioning from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to civilian life can bring both exciting opportunities and new challenges. After dedicating years to serving your country, you may now be focusing on different priorities — whether that’s settling into a new career, spending more time with family, or taking care of your health and wellbeing. As you enter this new chapter, Navy Health is here to guide and support you while you navigate your healthcare journey as a civilian.

Life After Transition

Once discharged, you will lose access to Joint Health Command and the ADF Family Health Program. This shift can raise questions about what comes next for your healthcare. Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme, provides many essential health services, but there are often gaps that can leave you facing out-of-pocket expenses, particularly when it comes to specialists or elective treatments.

This is where Private Health Insurance (PHI) becomes crucial. Navy Health offers both Hospital and Extras cover designed to support you through this transition. Whether you need access to private hospital services, dental, optical, or physiotherapy, our different cover options could assist you in maintaining your health without the worry of long waiting periods or hefty bills.

Why Choose Navy Health?

• Agile and Member-Focused: As a smaller fund compared to other mainstream providers, Navy Health takes a member-focused approach. Our understanding of Defence life and the challenges of transitioning from the ADF enables us to support these unique circumstances.
• Above Average Customer Service: At Navy Health, exceptional customer service is our priority. We’re committed to finding solutions quickly, with an average call answer time of just 57 seconds—well below the industry average of 115 seconds*.
• Exclusive Cover: We cater specifically to current and former ADF members, their families, and those connected to Defence, which gives us a unique understanding of Defence life, and transitioning from the ADF.
• Defence discount: As an acknowledgement of your commitment and sacrifice, a 10% reduction on payable premiums is offered to serving ADF members, ADF Active Reservists (SERCAT 3-5), Veteran Gold and White Cardholders^.
• Affordable Peace of Mind: We offer competitive pricing, aimed at helping you manage healthcare costs while maintaining quality coverage.
• No Waiting Periods: When you join us on your first day of civilian life, you won’t have to serve any waiting periods, allowing you to access your health benefits sooner and receive the care you need. To facilitate a smoother transition, Navy Health offers discharging members a 90-day window from their transition date to join us to receive these waived waiting periods (where membership starts from the day of discharge).

Your Health, Your Future

With over 60 years of experience serving the Defence community, Navy Health has built a reputation for delivering exceptional, reliable coverage. As you transition from the ADF, we encourage you to take control of your health, explore your options, and secure the best possible support for you and your family.

Remember, your time in uniform may be coming to a close, but Navy Health will continue to support you on your journey beyond the Defence.To learn more about how Navy Health can support you during this transition, visit navyhealth.com.au or call 1300 306 289.

*2024 Best Practice Report 5th Edition by Smaart Recruitment.

^Terms and Conditions apply.