GV Health Electing to be a Private or Public patient?

On admission, patients will be asked Do you have private health insurance?  

Our staff can also provide information and answers to the following frequently asked questions:

• Did you know that you could elect to be a private patient at GV Health?
• What are the benefits of using your private health insurance?
• Are there any exclusions?
• Why should you elect to be a private patient at GV Health?
• Do privately insured patients receive better care?
• Will you be allocated a private room?

Please contact your private health insurer or the Patient Liaision Officer at GV Health if you require further assistance regarding your options.    

Do you have private health insurance?

There are many health insurance providers throughout Australia and many different types of health cover.  As GV Health is a public hospital even the most basic level of health insurance will cover you if you elect to be treated as a private patient.  When admitted to Goulburn Valley Health you will be asked if you have private heath insurance and wish to use it.  This information is recorded on your computer file to assist staff at GV Health with your admission and subsequent discharge.

Did you know that you could elect to be a private patient at GV Health?

When admitted to GV Health you have the choice to elect to be admitted as a private patient under the health professional of your choice (where available), excluding mental health.  Alternatively you may elect to be treated as a public patient and receive treatment from a range of health professionals nominated by GV Health.

What are the benefits of using your private health insurance?

Electing to use your private health insurance is a personal choice. It does however provide extra peace of mind for some people.  You can expect to receive treatment from your nominated health professional and professionals who he or she refers you to.  You will not receive any accounts from GV Health for your accommodation. Also any charges from diagnostic services (radiology and pathology) that you may require, all of these accounts will be directed to your health fund for payment.  This will also ensure that you are not out of pocket for these services.  Goulburn Valley Health will also cover the first $500 of any excess or co-payment that you may need to otherwise pay when electing to use your private health insurance.  You will also have a direct contact with the Patient Liaison Officer who is able to assist with any concerns that you may have in relation to your hospitalisation and discharge or any other items as required.

Are there any exclusions?

This will depend upon your level of health cover; patients may not be covered for some surgical procedures.  If there is a concern over the level of cover that you hold, the Patient Liaison Officer at GV Health is able to contact your health fund to clarify your coverage to assist you to make appropriate decisions regarding your admission to GV Health.  Alternatively you may wish to contact your health fund prior to your admission to ensure that you will be fully covered. 

Why should you elect to be a private patient at GV Health?

By electing to be treated as a private patient at GV Health you will be assisting the hospital in treating additional patients who are not in a position to afford private health insurance and would otherwise be waiting longer for treatment.

Do privately insured patients receive better care?

All patients at GV Health receive an exceptional level of care from clinical and administrative staff at all times. 

Will you be allocated a private room?

GV Health has a limited number of single rooms on all wards.  These rooms are primarily allocated to patients based on medical need.  The midwifery ward at GV Health has 5 single rooms, which are primarily utilised by patients who elect to use their private health insurance.  GV Health will always endeavor to allocate private patients to single rooms where available.