Australians are waiting months, and paying hundreds, for mental health appointments.
Today, GMHBA has launched SmartCare Extras, offering rebates of up to 60% back on psychologists, counsellors, mental health social workers and mental health nurses – with cover starting from just $4.85 a week.
Unlike many health funds, GMHBA has designed this product to tackle the two biggest barriers to mental health care, cost and access, by offering more providers, more formats, and more flexibility.
Telehealth and flexibility mean members can get help sooner, while lower out-of-pocket costs remove one of the biggest reasons Australians delay or abandon treatment.
CEO David Greig says it's about "removing barriers before people hit crisis point".
How GMHBA SmartCare Extras stacks up:
| Feature | GMHBA SmartCare Extras | Typical Health Fund Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Range of mental health providers covered | Psychologists, Counsellors, Mental Health Social Workers, Mental Health Nurses | Usually Psychologists only |
| Session formats | Face-to-face, telehealth, group sessions | Often face-to-face only |
| Limits | Per-person limits, each member has their own | Shared household limits |
| Rollover of unused extras | Yes, into next calendar year (excl. optical) | Rarely offered |
