Member Guide - RACT

Waiting periodsWhat are waiting periods?A waiting period is the time between when you joinRACT Health Insurance and when you can startclaiming. Waiting periods exist to protect members’funds from those who wait until they are sick and thenjoin a health fund just to claim large sumsimmediately.Waiting periods apply to:• new members to health insurance (members whohave never held hospital or extras cover with ahealth fund)• existing RACT Health Insurance members whoupgrade to a higher level of cover or reduce theirexcess payable• members who transfer from another health fundwho have not fully served the required waiting and/or benefit limitation period for equivalent benefits• treatment for a pre-existing condition.Waiting periodsHospital services (when included on cover)Waiting periodAccidents – Bodily injuries resulting from accidents which occur after the date of joining RACT HealthInsurance or upgrading to a higher coverNo waiting periodObstetrics and maternity12 monthsPre-existing ailment, illness or condition (other than psychiatric, rehabilitation and palliative care)12 monthsAny other benefit for hospital (or hospital substitution) treatment2 monthsExtras services (when included on cover)Waiting periodAll extras benefits except as specified below2 monthsOptical6 monthsMajor dental services (Including full & partial dentures, orthodontics, crown & bridgework, endodonticservices such as root canal, gold fillings, indirect restorations, surgical extractions of a tooth/teethincluding wisdom teeth)12 monthsHealth appliances including nebuliser pump, blood glucose monitor, pressure garments, sleep apnoeamonitor, extremity pump, hearing aids, orthopaedic appliances (approved by us), prostheses(non-surgical, approved by us), TENS monitor, podiatry surgical procedures and orthotic appliances (foot)12 months10 11