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Published December 2025 Expert contributor Peta Gane, RT Health Consultant Words by Angela Tufvesson What is hospital cover – and how does it work? From excess and waiting periods to surcharges and rebates, here’s what you need to know. Private hospital cover can seem confusing at first. But understanding the basics can give you peace of mind and the confidence to use it when it matters most. So if you find yourself wondering, 'What does hospital cover include?', 'Can I be a private patient in a public hospital?' and 'What counts as a pre-existing condition?', RT Health Consultant Peta Gane has the answers. 1. What’s hospital cover (and what does it include)? Private hospital cover pays some or all of the costs for you to be treated in hospital as a private patient. Depending on your level of cover, Peta says this can include things like staying in a private room, theatre and surgery fees, and services provided by doctors, specialists and other health professionals while you’re in hospital. 2. What are the benefits of private hospital cover? “You can choose your own doctor rather than being assigned one through the public system,” Peta explains. “You can usually have your treatment or procedure done a lot quicker than someone on a public waiting list, and you’re eligible for a private room if one is available and it’s included on your policy.” 3. What’s the difference between public and private hospital care? Medicare, Australia’s public health system, is one of the best in the world. But you don’t usually get to choose your doctor and you may also be subject to longer waiting times for common procedures. Private health cover offers faster access to specialists and elective procedures, with shorter wait times and more flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals. “While public patients are assigned doctors, private insurance allows continuity of care with preferred providers,” Peta says. 4. Can you be a private patient in a public hospital? Yes – if you have hospital cover, you can be treated as a private patient in a public hospital. Peta says this is especially helpful for people living in rural and regional areas without a nearby private hospital. “As a private patient in a public hospital, you may be able to choose your doctor or specialist if they work at that particular hospital,” she explains, noting that in this situation you might not be able to skip the public waiting list for planned procedures. “You may also get a private room if one is available – this isn’t guaranteed, especially in a busy public hospital – and you’ll need to check whether your policy includes cover for this.” 5. Does private hospital cover work in emergencies? If you call an ambulance, the government will cover the cost in some states. In others, you’ll need private health cover to avoid receiving a bill. Ambulance cover is included in all levels of our hospital cover (except for Queenslanders who are covered under a state-based scheme). If you visit the emergency department, you’ll only receive the benefits of your hospital cover if you’re admitted to hospital – which is called being an inpatient. If you receive treatment or care at the hospital, like X-rays or blood tests without being admitted, you’re considered an outpatient, and your hospital cover won’t apply because these services are generally covered by Medicare. “If you go through emergency and are seen there, but are not admitted to hospital, you’re not covered,” Peta explains. “If you’re admitted to hospital, then you’ll be covered, as long as it’s an inclusion on your policy.” 6. What’s a hospital cover waiting period? When you take out hospital cover, you may have to wait before you can make a claim and receive benefits. These waiting periods are standard across Australia: 12 months for pregnancy and birth and pre-existing conditions, and two months for other services. 7. Does switching policies affect waiting periods? “If you're coming across to RT Health for a like-for-like cover, and you served your waiting period with the previous fund, you won’t serve the waiting period. It’s called ‘portability of cover’,” Peta explains. You’ll only serve a waiting period for treatments or procedures that weren’t in your old policy. 8. What’s a pre-existing condition? A pre-existing condition is any illness or condition that you had (or experienced symptoms of) at any time in the six months before you started or upgraded your health cover. Remember: a condition can be pre-existing even if you don’t yet know about it. It may not have been diagnosed by a doctor or specialist, but it can still incur a waiting period of up to 12 months. 9. What’s hospital excess and how does it affect how much you pay? Hospital excess is the amount you agree to pay towards your treatment before your health insurer starts covering the costs. If you choose a higher excess when you take out cover, this can lower your premium – but it also means you’ll pay more if you need to make a claim later. 10. What are out-of-pocket expenses and how can you reduce them? Out-of-pocket expenses (sometimes called ‘gap payments’) are the costs you might need to pay when you go to hospital, even if you have private hospital cover. Sometimes, health funds have agreements with doctors and hospitals to cover all or part of these costs, or ‘gaps’, which remove or reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Because doctors can decide on their own fees, Peta recommends getting quotes for a procedure from more than one specialist. Learn more about how to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. 11. What’s the private health insurance rebate and how does it affect what you pay? The private health insurance rebate is a government contribution that helps reduce the cost of your health insurance premiums. How much you get depends on your age and income. 12. What’s the Medicare Levy Surcharge? Does hospital cover help you avoid it? The Medicare Levy Surcharge is an extra tax you may have to pay if you earn above a certain income and don’t have private hospital cover. By taking out private hospital cover, you can avoid paying this additional surcharge, while also enjoying the benefits of choosing your doctor, shorter waiting times and getting a private room. “In most cases, any form of private hospital cover will alleviate the Medicare Levy Surcharge,” Peta says. Still have questions? If you need some advice or want to know more, we’re here with you every step of the way to help you get more value from your cover. Our Member Care team can answer any questions you have. Give them a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch via email to help@rthealth.com.au This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website. 

Published November 2025 Expert contributor Tara Hurster, psychologist and CEO, The TARA Clinic Words by Carrie Hutchinson For many Aussies, going to the pub is a way to relax, catch up with mates and unwind at the end of the week. But what happens when this familiar ritual becomes a habit you rely on? Drinking is common in Australia, but men tend to drink more – and more often – than women. Research shows around 39% of men drink to risky levels, and they’re also more likely to have a substance use disorder than women. Alcohol and drug use is especially common in industries like construction and mining. But it’s not just the immediate dangers of being under the influence or hungover on the job we need to be worried about. Long-term alcohol use can increase your risk of health conditions like heart disease, stroke, some cancers and liver damage.  If you’re worried about your drinking (or someone else’s), here are common signs of alcohol addiction and how to get help. How to know if you have a problem It’s important to understand that addiction is not a weakness. “Addiction is a pattern of behaviour that continues even when the negative consequences are overwhelming and you've had multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut down,” says psychologist and addiction expert Tara Hurster, founder and CEO of The TARA Clinic (Therapeutic Addiction Recovery Assistance). “The formal term for this as it relates to alcohol or drug use is a substance use disorder." Symptoms may include: strong urges to drink alcohol needing to drink more to get the same effect relying on alcohol to have fun or relax hiding or lying about how much you drink not being able to cut back or quit, even after trying a few times health, work or relationship problems linked to drinking. Many people think drinking is only a problem when it causes problems or other people start noticing. But you don’t need to reach a crisis point to seek help. “If you’re wondering about it, or there are people close to you who are expressing concerns, then chances are it’s a problem,” says Tara.  "Addiction is an instantly gratifying coping strategy that you’ve learned works to manage the feelings you’re having in the short term,” she continues. “What you need to do to overcome that is to understand what’s driving it.” Taking the first step Admitting there’s a problem can be hard. Men, in particular, often avoid or delay seeking help for mental health conditions and substance use disorders because they don’t want to be seen as ‘weak’. “While usually said with a humorous undertone, the common phrase that men never ask for directions or read the instructions can really impact on the expectations we, as a culture, set for people,” says Tara. She explains that being part of a community helps us feel secure. If we can’t take part in community activities (like drinking at the pub with our friends), we can feel left out or worry we’ll appear weak. But asking for help is never weak. Make an appointment with your GP, who can explain the next steps. If you have a trusted friend or relative, ask them to go with you for support. How to help someone with alcohol addiction If you’re worried about a friend or family member, the first step is to start a conversation. Approaching them can be difficult, and it’s worth planning what to say and how. Avoid talking to them when you’re upset or they’re under the influence. Choose a private place, stay calm and tell them you’re concerned about their behaviour. Try starting with a phrase like: “I’ve noticed…”, “I’m here for you…” or “I want to support you…” Listen to what they have to say. Try not to sound like you’re accusing or judging them. At first, they might deny they have a problem or become angry. Healthdirect suggests giving them time to process what you’ve said and letting them know you’re happy to talk and offer support when they’re ready. How is addiction treated? When most people consider overcoming addiction, they imagine going cold turkey and having to go to daily meetings. This is called the abstinence method. In some cases, though, simply quitting can be harmful unless supervised by a medical professional. Tara prefers the harm-minimisation approach, which aligns with the National Drug Strategy: “We start to reduce the risks, and learn practical skills and tools to be able to cope with stress and distress,” she explains. The first step is discovering any underlying causes by asking yourself some questions about why you do what you do. “You need to discover what is the driver behind the problem,” says Tara. “Ask yourself, ‘Am I trying to build connection with my peers? Am I avoiding going home because my relationship is on the rocks?’” One of the issues is that people often tell themselves (and others) they don’t have a problem. “Track your behaviour,” says Tara. “There are apps you can use, or you can just write it down. I had one client who’d put little balls of paper in his pocket and, when he had a drink, he’d move one ball to the other pocket so he could keep count. “Tracking means we’re keeping an accurate record, so we can see how much we’re drinking or using, and when we’re doing it. But we’re also giving ourselves an opportunity to do something different in that moment if we want to make a different decision.” Where to get help If you or someone you know needs help, ask your GP for advice. They can refer you to a treatment clinic or therapist. Other helpful resources include: National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015): A free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. SMART Recovery (02 9373 5100): Peer-led, evidence-based, and self-empowering addiction recovery support. MensLine Australia (1300 78 99 78): The national telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. If you’re in crisis and need to speak to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In emergencies, call 000. Need mental health support? If you or someone you know needs mental health support, eligible RT Health members* can claim for online cognitive behavioural courses delivered by THIS WAY UP. These are evidence-based programs developed by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, and can help you manage depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic and more. Depending on your level of cover, you may also be able to access benefits for mental health services under the psychology annual limit of your cover. Check your RT Health Cover Guide to see what’s available to you. * THIS WAY UP is available to RT Health members with Deluxe Extras, Top Extras and Smart Extras cover, up to their annual limit of $120 per person, paid under Psychology benefits. The benefit payable will depend on the program you choose. This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.   

Shift work and sleep.  How to build healthy sleep habits.   Published February 2025   Expert contributor Professor Delwyn Bartlett, health psychologist and insomnia specialist, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research Words by Sabrina Rogers-Anderson Shift work can be great for penalty rates and flexible schedules, but it’s no secret it can also play havoc on your sleep. Whether you work long night shifts or rotating day shifts, irregular sleep patterns can leave you exhausted, and they can muck up your physical and mental health. “Shift work becomes much harder after a while and many people want to stop, but they often don’t have a choice because of family or financial commitments,” says Professor Delwyn Bartlett, health psychologist and insomnia specialist at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and a conjoint professor at Macquarie University. While night shifts tend to get all the attention, Professor Bartlett explains that alternating morning and afternoon shifts can be just as hard on your sleep habits and your body. “You may only have eight hours between leaving work and when you’re due back on, so that doesn’t leave much time for sleep,” she says. “And if you’ve had a busy shift, your brain might still be buzzing, and you could have trouble falling asleep.” So, what can shift workers do to improve their sleep and overall health? Here’s what you need to know. Sleep deprivation. What is it, do you have it? Sleep deprivation doesn’t just impact shift workers – around one-third of Aussies don’t get enough sleep. Whether you’re a shift worker or you’ve been feeling a little tired for a while now, understanding the symptoms of sleep deprivation can help. These include: feeling tired throughout the day yawning often falling asleep when you don’t mean to (like when you’re watching TV) needing to take naps sleeping long hours on days off irritability feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, paranoid or experiencing suicidal thoughts lack of motivation difficulty concentrating memory problems slower reflexes, bad balance and coordination loss of interest in sex  craving takeaway and processed foods and caffeine. Around 10% of shift workers may also have a condition known as ‘shift work sleep disorder’, says Prof Bartlett.  Symptoms include: being unable to get to sleep or stay asleep when you want or need to being overly sleepy during work hours noticing an impact on your work, personal and family life. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or you’re worried about feeling unusually tired, Prof Bartlett says you should speak to your GP for advice.  How shift work can impact sleep and health Shift work can upset circadian rhythms – your ‘internal biological clock’ that regulates a number of factors, including sleepiness.  “Not getting enough sleep can have a huge effect on mood, particularly depression and anxiety, as well as on social skills and relationships,” explains Prof Bartlett. “And having lots of short sleeps like many shift workers do can affect attention and alertness, which can increase the chance of workplace accidents.” Being awake and on the go for 17 hours is the same as having a blood alcohol level greater than 0.05, she adds. Research shows not getting enough sleep over long periods of time can sometimes lead to health problems, like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease and stroke. However, says Prof Bartlett, while this may seem scary, making small changes to your sleep habits can help reduce your risk. 7 healthy sleep habits for shift workers When you’re a shift worker, you may not have a say in your work roster, but you can form some simple habits to improve your sleep quality.  The usual healthy sleep advice, including going to sleep at the same time each night and avoiding bright light at night from electronic devices, isn’t relevant for most shift workers. Instead, Prof Bartlett says shift workers need to lower their expectations around sleep and be kind to themselves. Here are Prof Bartlett's recommendations for shift workers: Take time out. “Taking a few minutes to stretch and do breathing exercises like these throughout your shift helps. Night shift work isn’t easy, and it does disrupt your sleep, so giving yourself some self-soothing time is essential to manage it.” Wear dark sunglasses. “When you’re driving home from work, especially in the summertime, wearing dark glasses can hide your eyes from sunlight and help get your body ready to go to sleep.” Go to bed as soon as you can. “You might have commitments like dropping the kids off at daycare or a game of footy after your shift but try to get to sleep as soon as possible. If you’re feeling wired, take some time to sit quietly and let go of what happened on and after your shift.” Create a good sleep environment. “Switch your phone off, turn on a fan for background noise, which will help to reduce some of the daytime noise, and make your room as dark and cool as possible.”  Limit caffeine and drink more water. “It might be tempting to load up on coffee and energy drinks to get through your night shift, but you may find it harder to get to sleep when you get home. Drinking water or electrolytes regularly throughout your shift will help you fight tiredness.” Eat a healthy diet. “We tend to reach for fatty and sugary foods when we’re tired, but that doesn’t help us feel better in the long run. Try to eat a healthy diet [including fruits and vegies, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and dairy products or substitutes], which will give you energy and help improve your mood. A healthy gut has also been linked to better sleep.” Exercise regularly. “You might love hitting the gym straight after your night shift, but this can actually raise your body temperature and make it harder to fall sleep. You’re better off exercising when you first wake up if you can manage to fit it in before your shift.” When to see a doctor about sleep issues  If your lack of sleep is having an impact on your physical or mental health, work or relationships, you should see your GP as soon as you can.  They may suggest lifestyle changes or medication or refer you to a sleep specialist. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed or having suicidal thoughts, call Lifeline for immediate assistance on 13 11 14. If it’s an emergency, call 000. Looking for more health info? Check out the latest articles on our Stay Well hub – your go-to place for all things health and wellbeing. This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.