Patients with private health insurance can choose to stay and be cared for at Frankston Hospital. This is an option that can be considered by all patients with private health insurance, including those who are DVA card holders.
If you are a patient at the Hospital, please expect to be asked if you have personal health insurance and you would like to utilise it during your stay with us.
The following information answers some frequently asked questions for patients about choosing to utilise their private health insurance at Frankston Hospital.
Is it alright to use my private health insurance in a public hospital?
Yes. You pay for your private health insurance so only you decide when and where you want to use it. It is your right to use your health insurance.
What benefits do I get by using my private health insurance in a public hospital?
If you wish, you will be able to choose your treating doctor (if available and willing to treat you) from those doctors who are appointed to practice at Frankston Hospital.
You will be helping the hospital employ more staff, buy new equipment, upgrade facilities, fund research activities and improve patient care.
Why do we ask patients if they would like to use their private health insurance?
Frankston Hospital treats thousands of patients every year, providing a wide range of extensive medical treatment and services. We are constantly assessing ways of how to treat more patients and provide the best possible service for patients. As in other aspects of every-day life, funding and resources are limited.
Are there any costs that I will have to pay for myself?
You do not have to pay for any costs as your private health insurance and Medicare will cover accommodation. Medicare will also cover your treatment at Frankston Hospital. You should have no ‘out of pocket’ expenses. You may be charged a nominal amount for the hire of aids such as walking sticks and walking frames. These charges are applicable regardless of whether you are a public or private patient.
Who does all the paperwork regarding claiming from my public health insurance?
Patient Liaison Officers and the Finance Department will lodge the claim with your private health fund for your hospital stay.
Pathology Accounts
Some patients will receive cheques for Doveritch Pathology from Medicare and their private health insurance. Doveritch Pathology is the provider of pathology services to Peninsula Health.
What do I do if I receive cheques from my health insurance or Medicare?
When you receive the cheque, forward it to the Finance Department of Frankston Hospital and it will be accepted as full payment.
What if my private health fund membership has an excess fee policy?
Frankston Hospital will cover any excess applicable to your current admission based on your Private Health Fund’s excess fee policy. You are guaranteed no out of pocket expenses for your current admission to Frankston Hospital.
What if Medicare or my private health fund rejects a particular service?
Frankston Hospital accepts responsibility and you will not be expected to pay for these services.
What if I only have basic hospital cover with my private health fund membership?
You are still fully covered as a private patient at Frankston Hospital.
What if I have been admitted as a public patient but later decide that I want to be a private patient after having had more time to consider this option?
You can request to see the Patient Liaison Officer who can answer all your queries and change your classification to private.
Do I have to pay for discharge medication?
If you are a concessional patient (i.e. pensioner or healthcare card holder) and have a safety net entitlement card you will not pay for any PBS discharge medication.
If you are not a concessional patient but have a safety net entitlement card you will receive discharge PBS medication at the discounted rate. Otherwise all discharge medication for general patients is charged at the higher rate.
Payments are required for discharge medications regardless of whether you are a public or private patient.
If you have any queries regarding the use of private health insurance, please call the Patient Liaison Officer on 9784 7042.
