342 reviews
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AI reviews summary
Pros
Verdict
Defence Health maintains a predominantly positive reputation among its members, with many highlighting long-standing loyalty spanning decades. Customers frequently commend the supportive, knowledgeable call centre staff and competitive policy pricing. While a small subset of feedback points to occasional challenges with wait times, digital portal navigation, or specific claim disputes, overall sentiment remains strongly in favour of the fund's coverage and service reliability.
As the first payment was $160 above agreed monthly amount, I called to get an explanation. It was explanation that it was due to singing up at the end of the month and premium are due on 14th of the month. So prorata payment taken All good once explanation, thanks regards Graeme Show details
I have been with Defence Health since 1974 for my family whilst i was serving, then on Discharge in 1992 myself include, we pay top Cover and over these years my family have been looked after well, always found our results far exceeded other fuds and a profound attitude to this date. Show details
Reviews with attachments
My call was answered in a short wait time. Assistant was very helpful and polite. She was able to help with my query regarding claiming for my wrist surgery and also able to rectify a different issue. Lodging a claim is straightforward using the App. Show details
How the mighty has fallen. Decades with this company and never seen it like this – Many decades with Defence Health and overall has been quite a good company. Claims paid well, communication good, value for money reasonable, calls answered, and claims processed. Sadly this is no longer the case. Not able to use the online portal for my extras claim as the provider isn't recognised. To add my provider I have to call. Hmmm I… Read more
used the snap and send app which was processed in a good few days, but payment never issued. I can see the claim finalised but also see they never added a payment details so I never received my funds.
I've since lodged another claim and again the provider isn't recognised so I'm recording to the snap and send app again!
This is where my problem continues. 17 phone calls in over three weeks, and not a single one of them answered.
All calls terminate, usually after 10 minutes of being in queue, the latest was after 31 minutes of sitting in queue.
Listening over and over to lodge my claim using the provider portal, the repeated message becomes insulting.
Multiple emails sent and not a single reply, the online chat program is turned off to focus on calls. Last resort was to lodge a complaint with Ombudsman last week.
I want to stay with Defence Health but this is extremely concerning behaviour for a once very trusted brand.
Not giving this a one star as the decades of good service is recognised.
Latest follow-ups
Our Defence Health insurance policy works well for us and the claim system is easy to access on line. Coverage is appropriate and suits us as a couple in our over 75 age group. Availability of membership because of our parents' services history enabled us to join. Show details
Follow-up · Still happy with our service with Defence Health. All good, the staff are responsive to our needs and are quick to respond. well done Defence Health.
I have been with Defence Health for 11 years, and they have always been very helpful and not one issue. I have just had surgery and one phone call before it, they organised everything. All confirmed in one email, what could of been stressful wasn't. We are a family and find our policy is excellent value. Show details
Follow-up · Out of pocket expenses $500 annual hospital admission, $500 surgeon, $500 anethisist. $1500 total for both wrists. Total 6 week wait and in a private hospital. When I let Defence Health know, I didn't have to put in any claims, they did it all. We claim regularly due to young kids, dentist, massages, optical- you name it, always easy to do, either online or can post reciepts in with claim forms. 1 min to fill in.
never in over 40 years have i had a problem Show details
Follow-up · Good price, helpful staff easy to understand don't have to wait too long on phone always get the answer that I want very friendly can't complain about anything
Positive reviews
I had no idea how to claim a partial refund for the price of a medicine purchased ($56.99 for 30 tablets). I downloaded a Defence Health form to fill in but it was so confusing. I decided to call Deference Health and fortunately the wait was only a minute before Rupinder answered. She very quickly understood my issue and proceeded to get me to… Read more
download the Defence Health app so that I can fill in the refund online. I'm not that good in doing things online and Rupinder was very patient as I fumbled with my laptop. She showed me how to capture a photo of the Chemist Warehouse tax receipt and once the refund was completed online, she advised me I could do future refunds myself via the app which will be easy and quick instead of going to Medicare queues to claim.
I was very happy with the service I received in relation to my enquiry. Peter was very professional and knowledgeable. Certainly made the process easier and more pleasurable. Show details
Being a member since 1959/1960 the service supplied has always being of a high standard. The service has now become very expensive but at my age the coverage is necessary . The service one receives is due to what one pays. Show details
Negative reviews
the actual people I dealth with were wonderful, as always, I had paid an ambulance bill and they gave me email to send the paid receipt to get my refund but I get another email to say I need to fill out this form ....okay I will.... but its on my credit card, with fees accruing ... so hoping this will be attended to asap. Show details
When I needed them most for upcoming surgery to remove invasive cancer, Defence Health abandoned me offering to only cover 5% of the specialists fees. Their solution was to effectively shop around my surgery to the lowest possible bidder! Think I'll stick with the specialist I have had monitoring the condition for the last 5 years. So disappointing. Show details
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Deplorable service after 20 plus years of paying premium dollars. Added our eldest son back in to our family plan after they raised the age. Unfortunately he was rushed to hospital for gallbladder surgery and they refuse to cover because he hasn’t been back in for 12 months. It’s hardly a pre-existing condition! They may look at it in 3 or 4 days… Read more
if we get a signed form from the doctor! Meanwhile he could die from sepsis so we’re forced to go public. Never again. Off to the Ombudsman
We're sincerely sorry to hear about your son's… Read more
Recent reviews
As with all companies phone support, there is always a wait time until a client support person responds. In this case, it was about 10 minutes which is acceptable compared to other services waiting times of 45 minutes or hours. So I must say Defence Health has always been reasonable "quick" to respond. For anticipated long wait, possibly leaving… Read more
my phone number to get a callback would be appreciated. Usually no inquiry is "urgent" such as typically web or portal access or a benefit claim question.
I was having trouble locating my annual Private Health Insurance Statement to complete my Tax Return. I contacted Defence health and their customer service was excellent . Show details
On the several occasions when I have been in contact with Defence Health nothing has not been a problem for the person helping me to provide the information and help to solve my query . Well done and thankyou. Been a member since 1961/62 Show details
I have been with Defence Health since its inception. The staff are knowledgeable or source the answers very quickly, they are friendly, communicative, efficient, and resourceful when needed to find solutions. Show details
I needed help on submitting a pharmacy claim. The customer service lady was exceptionally helpful and understanding. Solved my problem with no hassles. The wait time was really short, unlike most others! Show details
I spoke to Courtney who was extremely understanding about my enquiry and also Very Helpful. All I can say is that her Manager in the office has a n extremely easy job having such well trained and understanding staff. Show details
You keep telling me about a member portal. I am 75 years old and would like the option to be informed on paper as this is how I have lived my life. I find the digital age confusing anf frightening. Show details
I recently used my defence health insurance to access physiotherapy, and was pleased with the amount of return I received from my fund. It made me more inclined to access preventative therapy in the future, to continue in good health. Show details
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The girl that handled my enquiry, was absolutely amazingly helpful, and very very cool, fantastic personality and a great asset to Defence Health Cheers David John Lewis Show details
I had several concerns re changing my health fund level. Everything was explained in a easy to understand and helpful manner, no pressure, friendly and easy for me to make an informed decision. Show details
The best coverage for health costs. Staff used to be amazing. Recently have computerised a lot of functions and I don’t think that has worked well. Overall the best fund there is. I have been with this company for nearly 60 years. Show details
Contacted defence health with a query about my benefits for hearing aids. I wasn’t kept waiting on the phone at all and received excellent service from Peter who was very friendly. Easy to talk to and very helpful. I recommend them for anyone. Show details
Follow-up · Had a dental emergency. Processed claim quickly and easily and pleased with the benefits paid
If you're eligible to join Defence Health, I highly recommend them. I've been with them since day one and have always been impressed by their service. Professional, reliable, and they've looked after me every step of the way. Show details
Have been a member with Defence Health for approx 10 years. The staff are very helpful, friendly and product knowledgeable. Any issues have always been resolved effectively and efficiently. Staff members make sure that your issue is completely understood and resolved. No issues with this organization, fully recommend their product and services. Show details
Follow-up · We were with BUPA prior to switching to Defence Health, premiums were a lot dearer with BUPA and still are. Our coverage with Defence Health includes Hospital Cover and Extras. BUPA did not include extras. Not aware of any significant policy changes, although they recently forwarded a letter indicating some internal procedural changes to aid… Read more
I have had several interactions with banks, airlines etc via phone recently, so my expectations were low, but Annette’s assistance and persistence in solving my issue was above and beyond the call of duty, and left me wanting to give her the rest of the day off for her helpful, cheerful manner and not robotic dismissal. Show details
The consultant was definitely across the products available and she helped me choose the right plan for me, while offering alternatives for me to choose. The change of my plan was seamless & the consultant was easy to talk to & understand. Highly recommended! Show details
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Rick, we're sorry to hear about the out-of-pocket… Read more