Frequently asked questions
Updated 30 October 2024
Why is the GME agreement set to end?
The GastroMedicine & Endoscopy hospital group (GME) agreement recently came up for review and we’ve yet to agree on terms. As ever, we are strongly resisting any unfair increases in hospital charges (and in turn, premiums) that could impact you.
In the past, we’ve successfully resolved hospital contract issues before agreements have expired. Please know we’re doing our utmost to reach an agreement with GME.
When is the agreement ending?
Our agreement with GME is scheduled to end on 4 January 2025. While negotiations are continuing, we give members 50 days’ notice before a hospital agreement is scheduled to end.
How many GME hospitals are there?
The GME group consists of two day hospitals in Victoria:
- Mornington Endoscopy
- Rosebud Endoscopy.
I have treatment booked at a GME hospital. What does this mean for me?
There’ll be no change if your hospital admission is:
- Before 4 January 2025
- Pre-booked before 4 January 2025 for an admission before 4 July 2025
- An emergency admission up to and including 4 April 2025.
I'm already being treated at a GME hospital. Can I continue?
There's no change for ongoing courses of treatment (that’s already started) up until and including 4 July 2025.
If your treatment is scheduled past 4 July 2025, please speak to your specialist about alternative hospitals.
Can I claim for treatment at a GME hospital if there isn't a new agreement?
You can still claim for admissions at GME hospitals, but as with any non-agreement hospital treatment you may have significant out-of-pocket costs.
The hospital would need to explain these to you and get your informed financial consent (in writing) to those charges.
Alternatively, you may want to seek treatment at a hospital we do have an agreement with. This can help you access a high standard of care with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
How can I check on the progress of negotiations?
If there's any change before the current agreement expires, we'll update this page. If not, we'll contact you again when the agreement ends.