At Phoenix Health, our members trust us to help manage and protect their health; not only when they’re unwell but at times of uncertainty such as the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
What is COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
COVID-19 or Coronavirus, is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. As it’s a virus, antibiotics are not an effective treatment, but medical care can help manage symptoms which range from a mild cough to pneumonia.
Most people who contract Coronavirus, will experience mild illness and recover, but it’s important to stay properly informed to both take care of your own health and protect those around you.
You can read more about symptoms and preventing the spread by downloading our COVID-19 and Your Wellbeing flyer.
Update from Phoenix Health management
Looking after your health has never been more important. Our priority remains supporting our members and we want to assure you that we are doing our best to protect your health as well as the health of our staff and their families.
To ensure our business continues to function at full capacity, we have taken a proactive decision to enable a remote working model, and implemented an additional range of preventative hygiene measures for those staff who continue to work from our Head Office.
We will continue to actively monitor the situation and update our work health and safety measures accordingly to continue to provide excellent and personal customer service to our members.
2020 Premium Adjustment postponed
Phoenix Health has delayed premium adjustments scheduled for 1 April 2020 for a minimum of six months. There is nothing you need to do – it will be reflected in your next premium payment and you will receive confirmation of this delay in early April.
Any changes to benefits to your Phoenix Health hospital and extras cover from 1 April will still go ahead, as will the availability of our extended range of products. You can view your current premium and product information at any time via the Phoenix Health Online Member Service (OMS) portal.
Click here to read the COVID-19 Member Notification
Additional Services to Support Members
To support members during this time, Phoenix Health are continuing to review and implement an additional range of services which are available to eligible members at no extra cost.
- Benefits for Telehealth services,
- Pre-Admission Program for Elective Surgery and
- Additional Services for expectant parents.
Click here to read more about additional benefits
COVID-19 hospital admissions; we’ve got you covered
We would like to assure all members that should you need to be hospitalised for treatment related to COVID-19 that you will be covered, regardless of your level of Phoenix Health hospital cover at no extra cost.
*Waiting periods, excess and copayments still apply.
Staying in touch
In times like these, we’ll keep you informed with any updates to your Phoenix Health membership or the private health industry. To ensure you are getting the information you need, make sure to do the following:
- Keep an eye on this page – we will update this page as more information becomes available
- Like and follow Phoenix Health on Facebook
- Make sure your contact details are correct – visit the Phoenix Health OMS portal to ensure your contact details are up to date to receive all communications without delay
Looking after yourself
Symptoms of Coronavirus include fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath. If you feel like you could be becoming unwell it’s important to avoid contact with others; especially those who are elderly, very young or immune compromised.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas or coming into contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus you should seek medical attention. Here’s a couple of resources as a first port of call:
Call Healthdirect
Available 24 hours, 7 days a week, call 1800 022 222 for free health information and advice.
Make an appointment with your General Practitioner
You can find a local practice, as well as other health resources in your area using by visiting healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services. Call ahead of your appointment to the clinic so they can prepare for your arrival. Your doctor will advise if you need to get tested for Coronavirus.
Staying connected when we’re physically apart can be a great tool for maintaining a positive outlook and there are free services available if you feel like you need a little support such as Lifeline on 13 11 13.
We’re here to help
We understand this is a difficult time and should you be experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic, we encourage you to call our Member Service team on 1800 028 817 or email [email protected] we’re here to support you.
Sources: health.gov.au and the World Health Organisation
Last updated: Wednesday 29th April 2020
