Private Health Question

[adorableangel]

Hi all, sorry in advance if I'm posting in the wrong spot.. it's been awhile since I was on here.

I am a mummy to two beautiful children DD (8) and DS (4).

We are with RT Health private insurance. We have also had the top hospital and extras cover but last year (maybe 4/5 months ago) I downgraded our cover, because we thought our little family was complete.

I have discovered I am pregnant again though. Was wondering if anyone knew the protocol, can I still have bubs through the private sector if I upgrade again, or would I still need to wait the 12 months, even though I still have insurance.

Both DD and DS were born at the local private hospital and I really want to use the hospital and my amazing OB again. I was a high risk pregnancy both times before...

Can anyone help? TIA

[twinklify]

You have to wait for 12 months.

You can call and ask if they can upgrade the cover and if you can pay the months upfront you missed.

I would highly suspect the answer will be no. Maybe of it was 1/2 months then they would but any more they would not.

I would ask though.

[BH-KatiesMum]

when you say you downgraded your cover - what does the new lower grade cover?

[adorableangel]

most things just not obstetrics

[BH-KatiesMum]

then sadly you likely wont be covered as all health funds have a 9-12 month waiting period.

You can ring your health insurer and ask ... no harm in trying.

Also perhaps ring the hospital and find out what the cost would be to go private without any insurance

Otherwise unfortunately you may have to go public with this one

[nicole83]

Same thing happened to me, but I was aware of what could happen. We had downgraded our phi for about a year and then fell pregnant naturally, after having two ivf babies.

To be honest I was ok with it, and I have been happily surprised with how amazing the public hospital is, that we are using. They are so thorough. Good luck.

[babybeeno1]

They will make you do the 12 month wait again unfortunately like others have said. I know people that have been caught out like this aswell and their insurance wouldn't budge. You can choose to still go private but you would have to pay for everything 100% and that can between upwards of $15k depending on what sort of delivery you have