What is a Restricted Benefits period?
A Restricted Benefits period for a service is a period during which that service is only covered as a Restricted Benefit. During a Restricted Benefits period you will only be covered for the service with your choice of doctor for shared room accommodation in a public hospital. If you go to a private hospital for a service that has Restricted Benefits it is likely to result in large out-of-pocket expenses. Restricted Benefits are an amount set by the Government and are generally not enough to cover accommodation costs in a private hospital. All hospital covers for Australian residents have Restricted Benefits for cosmetic surgery, sterilisation reversal, surgical podiatry and all services that do not attract a Medicare benefit. Some hospital covers give Restricted Benefits for specific services for the duration of that cover. Please check the full policy details to determine if any Restricted Benefits apply for specific services.
