 This is the “fine print” page with necessary legal information. If any point is unclear, call Phoenix Health for a human explanation.
Membership is open to all present and past employees (and their immediate families) of OneSteel and Associated Companies including BHP.
1. QUALIFYING PERIODS
(i) New members are entitled to Public Hospital, Top Hospital and Ancillary Benefits (excepting dental) after two (2) months from the date of joining. Dental benefits are payable six (6) months from the date of joining.
(ii) New members transferring from another private fund are entitled to immediate coverage, except for those benefits not covered by past membership.
(iii) Existing members joining a new fund table will receive benefits after the waiting period applicable to that table has expired.
(iv) Hospital benefits are not payable in obstetric cases where contributions have not been continuously paid by the contributor for a period of nine (9) months immediately before the confinement commences.
(v) Pre-existing ailment - Benefits may not be payable for pre-existing ailments or conditions, the signs or symptoms of which were in evidence (whether or not diagnosed by a doctor) at any time during the six months prior to the time of joining Phoenix Health Fund, in the opinion of a Medical Referee appointed by the Fund. This rule applies for the first twelve months continuous membership from the date of joining, or when a member transfers to a higher Table.
For further information contact our office.
2. OVERSEAS TRAVEL
Members should consider Travel Insurance for the period of overseas travel. See our Travel Insurance page for information. 
3. DEPENDANTS
Sons and daughters will still be covered as student members under their parent's membership up to the age of 25 years provided the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) Unmarried
(ii) A full time student at a school, college or university which is recognised for income tax purposes
(iii) Is under the age of 25 years, and
(iv) Is in receipt of an annual income not in excess of that which is generally recognised as the maximum annual income a person may derive before taxation becomes payable.
Dependents may remain in the fund in their own right after reaching the age of twenty-one (21) years. Members who have children who wish to join the fund should contact head office for further information.
4. EXCLUSION RULES
(i) A contributor who is in arrears for a period of up to two months and pays all such arrears before the end of that period is entitled to benefits for services during that period.
(ii) Fund benefits are not payable where a contributor or dependant has received or established a right to receive a payment by way of compensation or damages (including a payment in settlement of a claim for compensation or damages) under the law that is or was in force in a State or Internal Territory, which, in the opinion of the organisation includes an amount for expenses equivalent to the fund benefit that would otherwise be payable.
(iii) Cosmetic surgery defined as Elective Surgery that is not covered by an MBS Item Number.
(iv) The fund will pay limited benefits for Surgical Podiatry in Hospital for recognised Podiatric Surgeons only.
(v) Services that are provided outside the Commonwealth of Australia.
5. PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
The maximum payment from each table will be as stated or the amount of the account, whichever is the lesser. Initial consultation benefits are paid only once per person per calendar year.
6. LIMITATION OF BENEFITS
In all cases where benefit payments are limited to a calendar year the period will be from 1st January to 31st December.
7. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Members leaving the employ of the company are encouraged to retain their membership. Contributions are paid in advance, generally on a quarterly basis, or by direct monthly debit to bank, building society or credit union accounts.
8. PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions can be paid by either the following methods:
(a) Payroll Deduction: This is only available to employees of OneSteel Limited and Associated Companies. Check with your payperson who will arrange for your regular payroll deduction.
Where payroll deductions are not available:
(b) By monthly Direct Debit to your bank, building society or credit union account.
(c) By quarterly payments in advance. We forward accounts to your postal address detailing contributions owing to the end of the next applicable quarterly period (i.e. period ending 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, 31 December).
Refer to the Account form for payment options including cash, cheque, BPay and credit card, or use our Online Payment facility.
9. “COOLING OFF” PERIOD
We will allow any member who has not yet made a claim, to cancel their policy and receive a full refund of any premiums paid within a period of 30 days from the commencement date of their policy.
10. MEDICARE LEVY SURCHARGE
The Medicare Levy Surcharge applies to high-income earners who choose not to have private health insurance.
Single people who have a taxable income over $50,000 and families with a combined taxable income greater than $100,000 pay an extra 1 % of their taxable income as a surcharge in addition to the 1.5% Medicare Levy.
High-income earners who purchase any Phoenix Health product that offers hospital cover are able to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
11. PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE OMBUDSMAN
If the fund is unable to resolve your complaint, then you should contact the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman. A brochure explaining the processes is available on request from Phoenix Health Fund on Freecall 1800 02 8817 or the Ombudsman on Freecall 1800 640 695.
The Ombudsman has been set up to deal with inquiries and complaints about any aspect of Private Health Insurance.
The Ombudsman is independent of Private Health Funds, Private and Public Hospitals and Government.
12. LIFETIME HEALTH COVER
For prospective members who join after the 1st July, 2000, the rates included with this brochure may be adjusted in accordance with the Lifetime Health Cover Legislation. Please call our office for further information, or visit the Federal Government’s information site.
13. PRIVACY STATEMENT
Phoenix Health appreciates and highly values the relationship we have with you. As an important part of this relationship, we are committed to protecting the personal information that you provide to us.
Phoenix Health Fund's policy is to comply with all relevant legislation and with Australia's "National Privacy Principles".
Among other things, this means that:
- We will only collect information that is necessary for what we do;
- We will be fair in the way we collect information about you;
- We will only use or disclose information about you in ways that are consistent with your expectations or are required in the public interest, or required by Legislation;
- We will retain your personal information for the sole use of Phoenix Health Fund Limited and its related entities and not sell it or release it to any third party without your consent;
- We will be open with you about what kinds of personal information we hold and what we do with it;
- Wherever possible we will let you see the information we hold about you and correct it if it is wrong;
- If you so desire, and if possible, we will deal with you anonymously.
Phoenix Health Fund Privacy Statement
Phoenix Health Fund’s Privacy Policy is available for download - click here.
Should there be any questions on the Privacy Policy, please contact the Privacy Officer by:
14. SUBMISSION OF CLAIMS
Members must ensure that all claims are submitted for processing within two (2) years from the date of service.
15. ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Payment of benefits is limited to Approved Therapies, and Accredited Associations. The respective lists are available here, or by contacting the office of the Fund.
16. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Employees wishing to join the fund or current members who require any additional information should contact their local representative or head office.
17. This Web Page provides a brief summary of available benefits and should be read in conjunction with the registered rules, available to members on request.
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