How does Access Gap Cover work?
Australian doctors can nominate to opt in or out of the Access Gap scheme. That means that if you choose an Access Gap doctor, you're likely to have lower out-of-pocket costs. It's advisable to ask each doctor or specialist if they will treat you under HIF’s Access Gap Cover arrangement. To be eligible for Access Gap Cover the doctor/s must be willing to participate for your particular surgery and the account must be lodged directly with HIF (not Medicare).
Use our new and improved search option to find your nearest Access Gap doctor.
Powered by HealthShare, our online search enables HIF Members to find registered access gap scheme practitioners by name, location, specialty or sub-specialty. Once located, you can then access up-to-date information at a provider level, such as special interests, languages spoken, the ability to take urgent appointments. This comprehensive tool makes it easy to find Access Gap doctors and specialists and view patient ratings, helping you make informed choices when planning a consultation or surgery.
Find an Access Gap Specialist
This access gap cover search functionality has been provided to HIF by HealthShare, enable easy access to gap scheme information.
Please note that access gap benefits may be payable for services provided by doctors who are not included on the search below.
Please contact us if you cannot identify the doctor or specialist you are seeking.
Want to know your benefit in advance? Request a medical estimate prior to receiving treatment.
Before undergoing any hospital treatment, we strongly recommend that you complete our online Medical Estimate Form (or call us on 1300 134 060) to receive a benefit estimate so you know exactly what your gap, if any, might be. This helps to clarify your potential out-of-pocket costs under the Access Gap scheme.
Key questions to ask your doctor:
Will you treat me under Access Gap Cover?
Will I have any out-of-pocket expenses, and if so, can you provide a written estimation of how much?
Will any assisting doctors also use Access Gap Cover and if so, how can I obtain a quote for their services?
- Are you prepared to send your bill directly to HIF through the access gap scheme?
Am I having a surgically implanted device or prosthesis?
Will I have to pay a gap?
If you have any queries about Access Gap Cover Scheme or need guidance on finding gap doctors, please call us on 1300 134 060 or email hello@hif.com.au
Want to know more about the cost of common medical procedures in Australia?
The Department of Health has an online tool called, 'The Medical Costs Finder' that aims to help Australians understand the cost of common specialist medical procedures. You can use this tool to:
- see how much people have paid out of pocket for a procedure
- compare the costs estimated by your Access Gap doctor or other health providers with typical costs for the same service.
This allows you to better understand what is typically paid and whether any out of pocket costs are high or low, compared with what others have paid for the treatment. To find out more, visit the Medical Costs Finder webpage and follow their step by step instructions.
Important, please note: This tool is a general guide to the costs of specialist treatment. It shows general information on typical costs but cannot to be used to determine your actual costs. Before undergoing any hospital treatment, we strongly recommend that you complete our online Medical Estimate Form (or call us on 1300 134 060) to receive a rebate estimate so you know exactly what your Access Gap might be, if any.