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Defence Health Health Insurance

Defence Health Health Insurance

 Verifieddefencehealth.com.au
Defence Health Health Insurance
3.3

305 reviews

Positive vs Negative
48%52%
Claim Resolution Time
  • <10 minutes
  •  · 
  • <1 hour
  •  · 
  • <1 day
  •  · 
  • <1 week
  •  · 
  • 1-2 weeks
  •  · 
  • 3-4 weeks
  •  · 
  • 1-2 months
  •  · 
  • 3+ months
  •  · 
  • Never
Claim ApprovedYes · No
Transparency ?
2.7
Customer Service
2.7
Value for Money
2.9

 AI reviews summary 

Defence Health Health Insurance maintains a strongly positive reputation, characterised by high member loyalty and exceptional customer service interactions. While the majority of users praise the fund for its value and professional staff, there are significant reports of administrative failures regarding complex claims and billing.

Pros
Exceptional Customer Service: Staff are frequently described as professional, knowledgeable, empathetic, and articulate when resolving enquiries over the phone.
Strong Member Loyalty: Numerous policyholders report tenures exceeding 30 to 50 years, citing consistent reliability and "peace of mind" as primary reasons for staying.
Competitive Value: Members often highlight lower-than-average premium increases and higher rebate limits compared to major competitors.
Efficient Standard Claims: The mobile app and online portal are generally regarded as easy to use, with many users receiving prompt refunds for routine dental and optical claims.
Cons
Administrative and Billing Errors: Recurring issues were reported regarding direct debit failures, incorrect policy cancellations, and difficulties transferring from other funds.
Inconsistent Phone Wait Times: While some users report immediate connections, others have experienced significant delays of 45 minutes to two hours or disconnected calls without a callback.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Several members expressed dissatisfaction with high out-of-pocket costs for major surgeries and limited allied health allowances (such as podiatry and remedial massage).
Rigid Product Bundling: Older members frequently noted a lack of tailored packages, expressing frustration at paying for irrelevant services like maternity while desiring more coverage for age-related needs.
Verdict

Defence Health is highly regarded for its member-centric service and competitive pricing, making it a preferred choice for long-term cover within the defence community. However, potential members should be aware of reported administrative inconsistencies and ensure their specific plan provides adequate coverage for major procedures to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

305 reviews
5 Mary  · On my recent call to Defence Health your representative Jessica was most helpful and very professional in her assistance Thank you Jessica
4 Karyn  · I spoke to Mary and she was extremely helpful and spoke to me in terms I understood
5 David Beatson  · Very helpful and professional and good follow up after the call
5 Phil C  · Kayla was very professional to my needs and concerns and provided very professional expertise to deal with my enquiry. Well done.
4 Suzy G  · The staff on this case Danisha (?) are always helpful and able to offer total satisfaction to any questions. Thank you for your service
5 Valmai  · I had my problem resolved efficiently and quickly. Very satisfied with the result.
Dino B.
Dino B.SA2 posts
 

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

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Latest follow-ups

Dina
DinaVIC14 posts
  Verified
Transparency
Customer Service
Value for Money

Incompetent! I added Extras several months ago. My claims are always denied and even though Defence Health acknowledge that this their error and numerous attempts are to get the problems resolved, it keeps happening. I no longer have any confidence in Defence Health and will change providers as soon as my prepaid policy finishes. Show details

 Follow-up  · Defence Health staff have been very diligent in updating me about the progress in fixing the error in my account. Although, a resolution had not yet been found. I have added extra stars as I believe the staff members are genuinely attempting to assist me.

Defence Health
Defence Health    

Thank you for updating your review and for… Read more

Cheryl Muir
Cheryl MuirQLD2 posts
 

I have been a member for more than 55years and been very happy with the services. however as I am now in my 70s with a disability (legally blind) requiring more allied health support (podiatrist) than the cover for maternity related services. I suggest packages for my age bracket could more tailored to suite this age bracket Show details

 Follow-up  · As I have mentioned, maternity associated services are most unlikely for people in their 70s. As such, benefits could realigned for example; Increased frequency and cover for podiatrist services; Increased cover for medical devices and support equipment

Positive reviews

Dene
Dene
 

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

Kris Boyapati
Kris BoyapatiACT
  Verified

I have been with Defence Health for more than 30 years. Happy with their services and the value for money. I will definitely continue with them. They follow through any issues raised and resolve them to members satisfaction. Show details

Stephen Harvey
Stephen Harvey
 

1. Once connected the Defence Health person was totally helpful and informative, a wonderful level of service. I was after an F25 tax statement. 2. At the start of the call I was advised of a 25-35 minute delay. This was good as it managed my expectations. I left the phone on low volume speaker and continued with other work. 3. However, the call… Read more

was not answered for 44 minutes and started at 2:23pm. That does seem a long time to wait. A periodic update on the remaining wait time estimate would have been useful and that could possibly be automated (or does that already exist and I wasn't listening). 4. Don't be mistaken, overall, I am very satisfied with the healthcare support that I receive from Defence Health, and the administrative processes.

Thank you

Stephen Harvey 0417 341 291

Negative reviews

Hatt
HattSA3 posts
 

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

Defence Health
Defence Health    

We're sincerely sorry to hear about your son's… Read more

Mandy
Mandy9 posts
 

Terrible service Direct debit payments always screwed up Just got charged $3300 for a hospital stay because they said it was a pre-existing condition even though my doctor specifically said it wasn’t. Went to the ombudsman and they still refused to reimburse me Will NEVER use them again Show details

Defence Health
Defence Health    

Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more

John
JohnQLD3 posts
 

i was $6000 out of pocket for my right hip replacement surgery in september last year and will be another $6000 out of pocket for my left hip replacement surgery next month. why do i pay for health insurance? Show details

Defence Health
Defence Health    

John, we’re sorry to hear about the out-of-pocket… Read more (+2 replies)

Recent reviews

Colin
ColinVIC3 posts
 

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

Robyn S
Robyn S
 

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

Barry B
Barry BVIC
 

I did not believe that my latest quarterly invoice of $929.37 was good value. I am a single, 78 year-old, fully retired man with 24 years military service, and have been a member of Defence Health since 1969, except for a three-year stint (1972–1975) in UK. Your consultant, Mars, was competent in attending to my complaint, and very helpful in… Read more

finding ways to reduce my premium to a manageable level. I have felt for a long time that Defence Health should offer a loyalty program.

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mal k.
mal k.
 

I rang to confirm my entitlements for my recent hospital stay and treatment that was answered fully, The person I spoke to added more in-depth information on what was covered in my extras package, this was very helpful. Show details

Maria G.
Maria G.QLD
  Verified

Have been with Defence Health since mid ninety’s, believe this is one of the best private health coverage and have used this many times unfortunately due to some health issues. Claims have been settled with no problems and I would recommend others to use Def Health if they fall within the guidelines. The only issue I have with them sometimes is the waiting times if trying to contact by phone. Show details

John T
John TQLD
 

There was a time not so long ago when Defence Health had serious Communication problems to the point I was ready to change health funds, I am pleased to say that this seems to have resolved itself. I no longer have issues contacting them by phone and they seem to be very helpful in sorting through any problems I may have. I have been with them… Read more

for many years now and their fees are reasonable so I would recommend them to anyone looking for a good health insurer.

Therese V
Therese V
 

Very happy to be back to being able to contact defence health with ease. The change of systems was very challenging for staff and clients. Welcome back to good old fashion communication that means something. Show details

Denise Janowicz
Denise JanowiczQLD
 

I just spoke to Billy and he was so patient, genuine, extremely willing to help and it made my day. He even offered to give other helpful advice. It was fantastic and helped me save lots of money. I wasn't afraid to ask other questions as he was so kind and decent. He was amazing!!!! Show details

Elizabeth Ann Begg
Elizabeth Ann Begg
 

I was trying to make an email claim and the site would not let me fill in the details. ( I found later that you can't claim remedail massage by email which has been very frustrating) . After several attempts Jessica noticed that I had previously used the app on my phone. Problem resolved.I just have to remember . My excuse is that I'm 87 and entitled to be forgetful! Show details

Health worker
Health workerVIC10 posts
 

Long time satisfied couples member. Great help and advice from Kylie today. Efficient, caring, personable and thorough. Apart from her, DH needs to fix their system so that I appear as this has been going on forever it feels! Which Kylie has put in a request for. That was the only time wasting part which isn't to do with the friendly staff. Thank you ! Show details

Dawn Laity
Dawn Laity2 posts
 

A friendly and helpful staff member satisfied my queries and put my mind to rest. As it was my first interaction in a long time I was very grateful that I was with Defence. Show details

Cecily
CecilyNSW
 

I’ve been with Defence Health for about 30 years now. I’ve never had a problem with a claim. I’m in top extras which as a pensioner can be costly.Some of my friends say to opt out as I will get everything I need in the public hospitals but if I need an operation that is causing emotional or physical distress,I want to be in hospital tomorrow,not on a waiting list.Peace of mind is worth paying extra for. Show details

Find out how Defence Health Health Insurance compares to other Health Insurance

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lina s.
lina s.Victoria4 posts
 

My query was answered in a professional and friendly manner. I even receiced very helpful remarks that will assist me in the near future in relation to hospital admission. Show details

Christine Griffiths
Christine GriffithsVIC5 posts
 

We moved to Defence Health after 25+ years with another health insurer. Defence Health provides an identical level of service at a reduced cost. Some rebates are actually higher. Also Defence Health is increasing premiums by 2.99%, which is significantly lower than increases by many other funds Show details

Mary Bernadette  Farrell
Mary Bernadette FarrellVIC
 

Technology is moving fast, and my age group find it hard to keep up. It is important that this is taken into consideration. It can become overwhelming. Thank you Show details

Gary
GaryVIC
  Verified

As a retiring Air Force member seeking advice about how to manage our health insurance, Talhlia was outstanding in providing excellent advice, answering all of our questions and seeking out every aspect of our requirements. This resulted in my wife and I remaining with Defence Health as I could not get a matching offer from any of the other civil health insurance companies. Show details

Kaydie
KaydieVIC3 posts
 

While Defence Health may seem a bit pricier than others. They do extremely well in providing excellent cover and claims. Have been with them for years and am very happy with dealing with staff when I need to and to submitting claims Show details

Satisfied Kay
Satisfied Kay2 posts
 

Where I have rated 'Satisfied' & not 'Very Satisfied,' it is because I am still awaiting resolution to my enquiry. Hopefully someone from Defence Health will get back to me. Show details

Greg
GregQLD2 posts
 

Always a positive experience when speaking with customer service at Defence Health. They take the time to listen and fully understand the reason you have called, and then provide the correct information and answers to your questions and concerns. They are clear and concise and ensure the correct resolution is found for each enquiry. Show details

Trish
TrishQLD5 posts
 

I feel confident in the cover I have selected. It offers value for money and the claims process is easy. I know if I need to contact the call centre they will be able answer my questions. I have been with Defence Health for around 9yrs +. Show details

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