Waiting Periods

The following waiting periods apply to Hospital cover

Pre-existing conditions* (other than Psychiatric treatment^, Rehabilitation & Palliative care)	12 months
Obstetric related conditions	12 months
All other services	2 months

  The following waiting periods apply to Extras cover

Health management programs	3 months
Optical	6 months
Major Dental (including Periodontics, Endodontics, Crowns & Bridges, Dental Implants, Dentures & Orthodontics)	12 months
Orthotic appliance and other health appliances and aids	12 months
Clinical Psychology	12 months
Hearing aids	36 months
All other services	2 months

Waiting periods apply to new members and to members re-joining after a lapse in cover. Waiting periods may also apply to additional benefits when you change your level of cover.

*For more information on waiting periods including the pre-existing condition and obstetric related conditions waiting periods, refer to the Membership Conditions.

^Insured people with limited or restricted mental health cover (psychiatric treatment) may upgrade to a higher level of cover without serving a waiting period to access mental health services once per lifetime. This waiting period exemption applies for each person covered on the policy. A 2 month waiting periods applies to mental health cover (psychiatric treatment) for people new to private health insurance.

Transferring from another fund?

If you have served all your waiting periods with another fund, you can transfer to equivalent or lower cover with Astute Simplicity Health without having to re-serve waiting periods on benefits common to both funds, providing you transfer within 2 months of ceasing to be covered by your previous fund. If you transfer to a higher level of cover, some waiting periods may apply for the higher benefits.