What’s a PHIS and why do I need one?
When it comes it to life admin, we know there’s an endless stream of forms and documents that come your way.
At RT Health we’re committed to making it easier for members. We want you to know the reason behind the documents we provide for you and take the time to explain why they’re important.
When you first join us, or if you change your level of cover, we send you access to your Private Health Insurance Statement. It’s commonly called a PHIS (fizz!) and it’s got lots of details that are important for you to check in on.
We also let you know every year where you can view your PHIS. We’ll be in touch with you directly to let you know, but they’re easy to view or download from the online Member Services portal).
So, what’s a PHIS and why do I need it?
Read on to find out more.
Your PHIS. How to read it and why you need one?
A Private Health Information Statement (PHIS) is a high-level overview of your cover.
It outlines the key features of your cover and the general waiting periods.
So, if you’ve got Hospital or Extras cover (or both), you’ll be able to look at yours every year to make sure the cover you have is still the right one for you.
Why a PHIS?
The PHIS replaced the old Standard Information Statement in 2019 as the standardised government template to ‘explain’ your health cover.
It’s designed to help you understand what’s covered by your policy and to help you to be able to compare it easily with others available across the market.
Every PHIS for any private health insurance policy in Australia can be found and compared on the privatehealth.gov.au website.
What you’ll find in your PHIS
For the best view of your cover and what’s included, read your PHIS in conjunction with your RT Health cover guide(s) and current Annual Policy Statement (you’ll be able to access this at the same time as your PHIS each year).
This is the info you’ll be able to find in your PHIS:
- Any inclusions, restrictions and exclusions on your hospital cover.
- Your excess amount (if you need to go to hospital).
- Waiting periods for the cover (but not if you’ve served them or not).
- Whether your cover may exempt you from paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
- What’s covered by your Extras cover and some examples of the benefits.
- Any inclusions and exclusions on your Extras cover, and some examples of benefits.
What you won’t find in your PHIS
Your PHIS won’t tell you the info outlined below. But, you’ll be able to get a view on these from other communications we send you throughout the year (including your Account Policy Summary).
- Your actual (net) premium. Keep in mind that the premiums outlined in PHIS documents are general and don’t consider your personal circumstances (like where you live, any LHC loading you need to pay, your Australian Government Rebate on Private Health Insurance you claim or any discounts you receive.
- How you pay and how often you pay (e.g., monthly, quarterly, yearly).
- Who’s covered by your membership.
- The level of government rebate you’re claiming (if any).
- If you have Lifetime Health Cover loading.
Will I always get a PHIS?
Yes. If you have Hospital and/or Extras cover, you’ll be able to take a look at your PHIS each year.
A PHIS is not provided for members on Ambulance Only cover.
Need a hand?
We’re always here to help if you need a hand. We can talk you through your PHIS, or help you make sure the cover you’re on the one you need.
Just call our friendly team us on 1300 886 123 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm AEDT/AEST) or reach out via email to help@rthealth.com.au
We’ll be happy to help.