Hospital cover and diabetes

You may be covered for some inpatient care, surgeries and hospital care related to the management of your diabetes and associated complications. The following clinical categories are covered:

• Diabetes Management (excluding Insulin Pumps): If included in your hospital policy, this clinical category covers hospital admissions and treatments for diabetes complications (e.g. surgery, wound care, kidney or eye procedures).
• Insulin Pumps: If included in your hospital policy, this clinical category provides cover for insulin pumps supplied during a hospital admission along with related hospital costs.

It is also important to note that a hospital stay may require more preparation if you have diabetes – for instance, ensuring your insulin needs can be met.

Extras cover and diabetes

If you have extras cover, you may be able to claim for the following diabetes related expenses:

• blood glucose monitors (excluding continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) equipment)
• diabetes education sessions
• membership at a registered support association, such as Diabetes Australia
• eligible pharmaceuticals (generally inclusive of insulin).

Beyond the obvious diabetes costs, your extras cover may also cover services such as

• podiatrist visits
• home nursing
• dietetics consultations
• and blood pressure monitors.

HCi claims for blood glucose testing equipment

If your HCi cover includes blood glucose testing devices, the following terms apply:

• any relevant waiting periods must be served
• your account must be financial (ie paid at least two weeks in advance at the time of claiming)
• a medical eligibility declaration must be submitted with your claim
• the receipt for the device must include the patient’s name and the cost, brand and model of the device
• your new device must be:
  • purchased in Australia from a registered Australian business
  • TGA approved
  • new – second hand and hire devices are not eligible

Other ways to make diabetes care more affordable

1. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) fully or partially subsidises things such as glucose test strips, insulin pump consumables and syringes. Any Australian resident professionally diagnosed with diabetes can register for the NDSS.
2. Purchasing a second-hand continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump can save you money. This is particularly useful as a backup option. However, second hand pumps usually aren’t warrantied and HCi will not accept claims for them.
3. Make sure that you have registered your family for the Medicare Safety Net as your medical costs could be reduced for part of the year.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet to minimise the impact of diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. Talk to your GP about subsidised Medicare rebates for services under a Diabetes Care Plan. Our HWFL Diabetes management program may help eligible members, too.
5. If a diabetic under 21 could benefit from an insulin pump, the Government insulin pump program may cover the pump cost. Eligibility terms apply, including an income threshold test.

Have more questions about diabetes cover?

Managing diabetes can be complex, but you’re not alone. Contact the HCi team – we can explain your cover, help you make claims, and ensure you’re getting the best value from your policy.