Hospital admissions often start with a visit to your GP. They’ll assess your condition and if you need to see a specialist for further treatment they’ll provide a referral. Before you decide which specialist to accept a referral to, there are a few things to discuss with your GP.

• What symptoms should I be aware of with my condition?
• Could you tell me more about my condition, tests and treatment?
• Why am I being referred to this particular specialist?
• Are there other specialists who can also treat my condition?
• What is this specialist’s experience in this type of condition?
• Is it possible to have an open referral so I can see the specialist of my choice?

Even if you don’t know what surgery is required at this stage, it’s a good idea to check what your cover includes and any waiting periods before you see the specialist. Give nib a call and we’ll update you.

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It’s a good idea to know the experience - and the fees - of your recommended specialist ahead of your appointment. The specialist’s receptionist should be able to provide this information.

An easy way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses is to attend an nib Agreement Private Hospital (or any public hospital) for your procedure.

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Don't be afraid to ask your specialist questions. You need to feel comfortable with the proposed treatment plan and know what costs to expect for your procedure.

Be sure to download the Going to Hospital PDF at the end of this page. It has a number of important questions for you to ask your specialist - including many that can help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Make sure your specialist gives you the Commonwealth Medicare Benefits Schedule (CMBS) item numbers for your hospital admission during your appointment. You’ll need these to check your cover with nib.

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There’s usually more than one specialist involved in a procedure. Many procedures require an assistant surgeon, or an anaesthetist. You'll want to find out about their fees and out-of-pocket expenses. Ask them to help you complete the Going to Hospital Quote Form - you’ll find it in the downloadable PDF below.

Most hospitals will send you an admission pack once you’ve booked in. This pack outlines the hospital’s facilities, asks some medical history questions and to supply an emergency contact. It’s important to complete and return this promptly as the hospital needs these details to confirm your cover with nib and process your admission.

You'll be asked you to sign a National Private Patient Claim Form and other paperwork before your admission. If you have an excess on your level of cover you’ll be required to pay this to the hospital prior to your admission. Ask the hospital to help you complete the Going to Hospital Quote Form (in the downloadable PDF below) so that all costs have been explained to you before you sign.

The downloadable Going to Hospital PDF below has a 17 point checklist you can use to double check that you're ready for admission.

The downloadable Going to Hospital PDF below has a concise one-page overview of your rights and responsibilities and the responsibilities of your hospital and doctors.

Don’t worry if you don’t see a bill, it simply means nib has paid the entire admission on your behalf. If you do see a bill it could be from one of three sources:

1. Bills from the hospital
2. Bills from pathology or radiology labs associated with the hospital
3. Bills from your specialists

If you receive any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, you may be able to recover them.The downloadable Going to Hospital PDF below has more details.