Support for members experiencing domestic and family violence

At Hunter Health Insurance, we are committed to supporting our members affected by family and domestic violence and encourage members to reach out for a confidential discussion about how we can help.

For your safety, open this page using a secure device or in a private window. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. If you need crisis support, visit respect.gov.au.

How we can help

• Updating or making changes to your HHI policy or helping you take out your own policy if you are not the main policy holder.

• Additional layers of password protection to your account, to keep your personal and sensitive information safe and confidential.

• Including a confidential note on your file, so that you only need to explain your situation to us once and so that subsequent staff who support with your policy are aware of your situation.

Help when you need it

HHI has a zero tolerance to domestic and family violence. We believe everyone has a right to feel safe at home, in the workplace and in our communities.

Regardless of the type of policy you have with us, we can help you review your cover options, and advise on how to keep your policy, account details and personal information safe and secure.

Any conversations you have with us (in person, over the phone, or digitally) about your situation are confidential – we won’t share the details with anyone else, even if they’re on the same policy as you, unless you’ve previously granted them authority, which can be revoked at any time.

 

Protecting your personal information

Asserting control over your financial information and personal information may feel daunting when leaving a violent or unsafe situation.

Ways that we can help protect your privacy include updating:

  • passwords or login details
  • contact details (email address, phone number and address)
  • communication preferences (including policy updates, claims data)
  • bank details.

Can’t talk on the phone?

You can visit us in store at Cessnock, contact us via email or private message us through our Facebook or Instagram social media pages.

 

My family or relationship status has changed, what do I do next?

If your relationship status changes or you’re experiencing a dispute with someone you share cover with, please contact us immediately.

If you have changed your address, let us know your new address. You may wish to use a trusted friend or family member’s postal address as a short-term solution if you are staying somewhere temporarily. Australia Post also have free PO Box and mail redirection services available for those affected by family and domestic violence.

Do I need to be the primary policy holder to make changes to my cover?

If you are not the main policy holder, taking out a new policy of your own and removing you from an existing policy is the quickest and easiest way to ensure the security and privacy of your information with HHI.

Please note the main policy holder will be made aware of any changes we help you make to an existing policy. They will not have access to the reasons changes have been made, or any new personal information such as your address or contact number, simply the fact that changes have occurred. This is required as changes may impact their premium amount for example.

I’ve been removed from a policy without my knowledge. What can I do?

If you have been removed from a policy without your knowledge, contact us as soon as possible to review your cover options. If you anticipate difficulties in paying for your premium, we can also discuss support options for financial hardship.

Who can see my claims history?

  • If you’re aged 18 and over, we will only discuss your claims information with you unless you grant claims authority to the policy holder.
  • If you’re aged 15 to 17, your claims information can be discussed with the policy holder until you request otherwise.
  • Your benefit statement may indicate the location of services or providers that have been used and may be visible to the policy holder, if you have previously provided claims consent. This consent can be reviewed or removed at any time.

Contact us to update your details and learn more about account authority at HHI.

Where can I get further advice and assistance?

Consider contacting the following providers for further assistance:

The below resources are also available to victims of family and domestic violence.

 

1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 A free 24-hour hotline for any Australian to confidentially access counselling and support in relation to family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Interpreters and translators available on request.
Lifeline 13 11 14 A free support hotline for any Australians experiencing a personal crisis or contemplating suicide.
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 A free 24-hour phone and online counselling for men and boys.
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 A free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people between 5 and 25 in Australia.
Elder Abuse Help Line 1800 353 374 A free support service for people that have experienced or witnessed elder abuse.
13YARN 13 92 76 A free and confidential crisis support service run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 A free hotline for confidential, independent financial advice.
Women’s Legal Services Australia [email protected] A national network for community centres specialising in women’s legal issues.