Health Insurance

Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO)

If you are a member of a private health fund, you can use the Ombudsman's free, independent service to get help with any private health insurance problem or enquiry. Your issue must be about a health fund, a private or public hospital or a doctor (including some dentists). If you are not able to complain yourself, a family member or a friend can do so on your behalf. The Ombudsman does NOT handle Medicare complaints. They are handled by the Commonwealth Ombudsman. The Ombudsman does NOT handle complaints about public hospital services.

They are handled by your State or Territory health complaints body.
Suite 1201 Level 12 St Martin's Tower
31 Market St Sydney 2000
Phone: Complaints Hotline
FreecallT 1800 640 695 (national)
(02) 9261 5855 (Sydney metro)
National Relay service for deaf, hearing and speech impaired - 13 25 44
Translating and Interpreting Service - 13 14 50
Fax: (02) 9261 5937
Email link to Ombudsman
Go to PHIO's web site

How to complain

Ring (or you can write, fax or email). Make sure you have ready (or include) information about your complaint, your health fund membership number and any letters from your health fund. Click to go to the PHIO site to get a copy of the complaint form.