Is Westfund Health Insurance Worth It? Our Review 2025
Our Expert's Opinion on Westfund
ScoreWestfund stands out among Australian health insurers for its flexible and modular policy options, offering a wide choice from basic to high-level hospital and extras cover. Their reimbursement rates are competitive, with most policies covering 60–100% of eligible costs and annual limits reaching up to $2,500 on select extras. The excess can be tailored per contract, with some plans offering waived excesses for children. Westfund offers a unique prevention benefit of up to $300 per person, applicable for health and wellbeing services—above average compared to many competitors like HCF or Bupa. Its pricing is positioned mid-market, often more affordable for families and younger adults seeking value beyond basic cover. Particularly suitable for families, young couples, and regional residents seeking strong extras (dental, optical, physio) and responsive service. Westfund, a not-for-profit fund established in 1881, manages over $280 million in annual premium revenue and insures approx. 110,000 members. Trustpilot ratings reflect a 4.3/5 average over 1,100+ reviews, highlighting overall customer satisfaction. Claims are processed within 1–2 business days on average, reinforcing Westfund’s reputation for fast and reliable reimbursement, and supporting its robust position in the Australian health insurance market.
- ✅Wide range of cover options for hospital and extras
- ✅Prevention benefit up to $300 per person annually
- ✅Fast claim processing, often within 1–2 business days
- ✅Strong dental, optical, and physio inclusions
- ✅Customisable excess and family-friendly features
- ✅Not-for-profit fund with member focus
- ✅Highly rated customer service (4.3/5 on Trustpilot)
- ❌Annual extras limits lower than some competitors
- ❌Restrictions on some high-cost treatments
- ❌Waiting periods for major services
- ❌Hospital cover not always Australia-wide
- ❌Limited digital self-service features
Score- ✅Wide range of cover options for hospital and extras
- ✅Prevention benefit up to $300 per person annually
- ✅Fast claim processing, often within 1–2 business days
- ✅Strong dental, optical, and physio inclusions
- ✅Customisable excess and family-friendly features
- ✅Not-for-profit fund with member focus
- ✅Highly rated customer service (4.3/5 on Trustpilot)
Our Expert's Opinion on Westfund
- ✅Wide range of cover options for hospital and extras
- ✅Prevention benefit up to $300 per person annually
- ✅Fast claim processing, often within 1–2 business days
- ✅Strong dental, optical, and physio inclusions
- ✅Customisable excess and family-friendly features
- ✅Not-for-profit fund with member focus
- ✅Highly rated customer service (4.3/5 on Trustpilot)
- ❌Annual extras limits lower than some competitors
- ❌Restrictions on some high-cost treatments
- ❌Waiting periods for major services
- ❌Hospital cover not always Australia-wide
- ❌Limited digital self-service features
Score- ✅Wide range of cover options for hospital and extras
- ✅Prevention benefit up to $300 per person annually
- ✅Fast claim processing, often within 1–2 business days
- ✅Strong dental, optical, and physio inclusions
- ✅Customisable excess and family-friendly features
- ✅Not-for-profit fund with member focus
- ✅Highly rated customer service (4.3/5 on Trustpilot)
- What does Westfund health insurance cover?
- What is the price of Westfund health insurance in 2025?
- Is Westfund health insurance accessible to new arrivals?
- Main coverages typically included:
- Duration and Conditions
- Does Westfund health insurance cover seniors?
- How does the reimbursement with Westfund work?
- How can I contact Westfund Health Insurance?
- Westfund promo codes
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Why trust HelloSafe?
Why trust HelloSafe? HelloSafe is an international health insurance expert, helping thousands of Australians each month find the best coverage for their needs. Our specialists have reviewed offers from over 20 leading insurers in Australia, providing in-depth analysis of benefits, pricing, and quality of service. Here's our expert insight on this policy.
What does Westfund health insurance cover?
Westfund offers a streamlined range of hospital and extras covers, with options from basic to comprehensive, targeting both families and singles. Their mid- and top-tier policies stand out for generous dental, optical, physiotherapy, and preventative care limits, plus minimal or no excess for kids. The policies balance direct benefit payments and percentage-based reimbursement, with higher plans showing above-average rebate rates. Westfund is notable for extended preventative health benefits and flexible excess options. However, gaps include limited psychiatric and pregnancy cover on entry-level plans. Some alternative therapies are excluded, and waiting periods are standard. Westfund’s transparency and community-focused approach are key differentiators.
Important information
To help you compare and make your choice, we've added a column showing what the public health system reimburses.
Routine medical care
| Guarantee | Medicare | Essential Cover | Comprehensive Cover | Advanced Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription medications | Subsidised via PBS Co-pay: $31.60 (general), $7.70 (concession) No annual limit | Up to $400/year 100% reimbursed after $15 co-pay | Up to $900/year 80% reimbursed after $5 co-pay | Up to $1,500/year 90% reimbursed after $3 co-pay |
| Hospitalisation | 100% public hospital Shared room Unlimited days | Private hospital Shared room 80% covered, unlimited days | Private hospital Shared or single room 100% covered, unlimited days | Private hospital Single room guaranteed 100% covered, unlimited days |
| Ambulance transport | Not covered (except in some states/territories) | $3,000/year 100% cover Calendar year | $5,000/year 100% cover Calendar year | Unlimited 100% cover Calendar year |
| Home care services | Not covered | $750/year 75% reimbursement Calendar year | $2,000/year 90% reimbursement Calendar year | $3,000/year 100% reimbursement Calendar year |
| Laboratory tests | Covered when referred by GP No out-of-pocket with Medicare | Up to $100/year 80% reimbursement Calendar year | Up to $250/year 90% reimbursement Calendar year | Up to $400/year 100% reimbursement Calendar year |
Co-pay: $31.60 (general), $7.70 (concession)
No annual limit
100% reimbursed after $15 co-pay
80% reimbursed after $5 co-pay
90% reimbursed after $3 co-pay
Shared room
Unlimited days
Shared room
80% covered, unlimited days
Shared or single room
100% covered, unlimited days
Single room guaranteed
100% covered, unlimited days
100% cover
Calendar year
100% cover
Calendar year
100% cover
Calendar year
75% reimbursement
Calendar year
90% reimbursement
Calendar year
100% reimbursement
Calendar year
No out-of-pocket with Medicare
80% reimbursement
Calendar year
90% reimbursement
Calendar year
100% reimbursement
Calendar year
Dental care
| Guarantee | Public System (Medicare) | Westfund Basic | Westfund Essential | Westfund Premier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive & routine dental care | Not covered | 60% up to $600/year | 70% up to $900/year | 80% up to $1,200/year |
| Basic dental care | Not covered | 60% up to $600/year | 70% up to $900/year | 80% up to $1,200/year |
| Major dental care | Not covered | 60% up to $800/year | 70% up to $1,500/year | 80% up to $2,500/year |
| Orthodontics | Not covered | Not covered | 60% up to $1,000 lifetime | 70% up to $2,600 lifetime |
Eye care
| Guarantee | Public Health System | Westfund Bronze Hospital & Starter Extras | Westfund Gold Hospital & Advanced Extras | Westfund Platinum Hospital & Elite Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses, contact lenses, surgery | Medicare | Up to $170/year for glasses/lenses, optical surgery not covered | Up to $240/year for glasses/lenses, some cover for corrective surgery | Up to $350/year for glasses/lenses, corrective eye surgery up to $600/2yr |
| Optometrist consultation | Medicare | Fully covered, unlimited, gap may apply | Fully covered, unlimited, gap may apply | Fully covered, unlimited, gap may apply |
Specialized and paramedical care
| Coverage | Public System (Medicare) | Westfund Bronze Hospital & Starter Extras | Westfund Silver Hospital & Mid Extras | Westfund Gold Hospital & Top Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative therapies | Not covered | Remedial massage: $150/year, $20/consultation | Remedial massage: $250/year, $25/consultation | Remedial massage + acupuncture/naturopathy: $400/year, $35/consultation |
| Psychologist | Partial rebates, mental health plan | $300/year, $40/consultation | $400/year, $45/consultation | $600/year, $50/consultation |
| Speech therapy | Partial cover for some age groups | $300/year, $35/consultation | $400/year, $40/consultation | $600/year, $50/consultation |
| Travel insurance | Not covered | Not included, must purchase separately | Not included, must purchase separately | Not included, must purchase separately |
Good to know
Peuvent souscrire à une assurance santé Westfund : Toute personne résidant en Australie Âge minimum à l’adhésion : 18 ans Obligation d’être inscrit au régime d’assurance santé public australien (Medicare) Enfants à charge couverts jusqu’à 25 ans s’ils vivent sous le même toit et étudient à temps plein Vous pouvez ajouter ou retirer des membres de la famille (conjoint(e), enfants) en cours de contrat. Quatre types de couvertures sont proposés selon votre situation : Individuelle – Pour une seule personne Couple – Pour deux adultes vivant ensemble Monoparentale – Pour un parent avec ses enfants à charge Familiale – Pour deux adultes et leurs enfants à charge
What is the price of Westfund health insurance in 2025?
| Type of cover (household composition) | Basic plan (approx.) | Standard plan (approx.) | Premium plan (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 member) | Around $25/month | Around $35/month | Around $50/month |
| Couple (2 members) | Around $48/month | Around $68/month | Around $97/month |
| Single parent (1 adult + 2 children) | Around $52/month | Around $75/month | Around $110/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | Around $69/month | Around $98/month | Around $145/month |
Is Westfund health insurance accessible to new arrivals?
Westfund health insurance is designed for individuals and families who are newly arrived in Australia, including expatriates, international students, overseas workers, and visiting relatives. This type of private health cover can help bridge the gap during waiting periods before public health system eligibility, or simply offer peace of mind for non-permanent residents who may not be covered by Medicare.
Main coverages typically included:
- Medical CareCovers consultations with general practitioners (GPs) and basic visits for common illnesses or minor injuries.
- For example, a standard GP consultation may be covered up to the Government scheduled fee, meaning you will not have out-of-pocket costs for approved visits.
- Prescribed TreatmentsFinancial contribution towards the cost of prescription medicines when required by a doctor, with an annual limit and possible co-payment per medication.
- For example, you may receive up to $50 back per prescription after a small initial payment.
- Specialist TreatmentsAssistance for appointments with medical specialists (such as cardiologists, dermatologists, etc.) when referred by a GP. Part or all of the consultation fee is covered, subject to limits per policy year.
- For example, up to $150 per consultation, with an annual cap.
- Emergency Dental CareLimited cover in case of sudden toothache or injury to the mouth, usually in emergencies only and up to a set limit (for example, $300 per year). Routine dental care (check-ups, cleaning) is generally not included.
- Medical TransportCovers the cost of ambulance or other emergency medical transport services within Australia if needed due to an accident or acute illness.
- For example, full or partial reimbursement of ambulance fees in urgent situations.
- Additional Expenses (Hospitalisation or Death)Support for hospital admission expenses, daily room costs, and surgery fees up to the annual policy limit. There may also be a reimbursement for repatriation or funeral expenses in case of death during coverage.
Important information
Note: Coverage levels can vary significantly depending on the specific Westfund plan selected, your visa type, and policy options. Make sure to consult your contract or obtain a plan summary for detailed benefit limits and inclusions.
Duration and Conditions
- Maximum Coverage Period:Most Westfund health insurance policies for new arrivals are designed to cover periods ranging from a few months up to several years, depending on your visa status and individual needs.
- Eligibility Criteria:You must be at least 18 years old for most adult plans; some student or child policies accept younger ages. You should hold a valid visa and generally must reside in Australia during the coverage. Certain plans may exclude pre-existing medical conditions during an initial waiting period (commonly 12 months).
- Limitations:Routine non-urgent dental or vision care, pregnancy, and elective procedures are often excluded or have long waiting periods. Coverage outside Australia is usually not included, so separate travel insurance may be required for trips overseas.
Before purchasing, always verify that the policy matches your visa requirements (for example, Overseas Visitors Health Cover—OVHC, or Overseas Student Health Cover—OSHC), and review all waiting periods, benefit limits, and exclusions.
Does Westfund health insurance cover seniors?
Westfund's health insurance offer is designed especially for retirees and seniors who have recently left an employer group health plan. If your collective (workplace) health insurance policy is ending due to retirement or loss of employment, the Westfund Continuity Health Plan allows you to transition to individual coverage without the need for further health checks or proof of insurability. To be eligible for this seamless transition, you must apply within 60 days of your group policy ending. This window ensures you maintain uninterrupted access to health cover suited to your needs as you enter retirement.
Westfund provides a range of options through its Continuity Health Plan, so you can select a level of support that matches your lifestyle, medical needs, and budget:
- Basic Health Cover: Provides fundamental medical cover, including hospital admissions, day procedures, and out-of-hospital doctor visits. Ideal for those seeking essential protection without additional extras.
- Comprehensive Health Cover: Offers extended coverage including hospital care, general medical expenses, prescription medications, and outpatient services. Suitable for those who want broader protection.
- Extra Cover Option: Adds coverage for dental, optical (such as glasses and eye tests), physiotherapy, and podiatry. This is designed for retirees who value support for regular check-ups and everyday health needs.
- Home Care Support: Provides access to services such as at-home nursing, rehabilitation, and support for daily activities, helping seniors maintain independence.
- Travel Health Cover: Includes emergency health care when travelling domestically or overseas, helping protect you from unexpected medical expenses while away from home.
Westfund’s program aims to ensure that moving from a group to an individual policy is straightforward, with clear support for accessing the cover you need without unnecessary delays or assessments.
Need-to-Know
When switching from a group policy to the Westfund Continuity Health Plan:
- You must apply within 60 days of your group cover ending.
- Past waiting periods already served on your group plan are generally recognised, reducing delays before benefits start.
- Ongoing guidance is available to help you choose the most suitable option and understand what is included in each level of cover.
If you have specific health requirements, you can ask a Westfund adviser for details about covered treatments and extra options suited to your needs.
How does the reimbursement with Westfund work?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | Submit your claims digitally at any time, reducing paperwork and speeding up the reimbursement process. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | Access your health cover details, find providers, and lodge claims conveniently from your smartphone wherever you are. |
| Member online portal for claims tracking | ✅ | Track the status of your claims and benefits usage in real time, giving you clear oversight of your reimbursements. |
| Benefit estimate simulator | ✅ | Calculate ahead what you’ll get back on covered treatments, helping you plan your health expenses more accurately. |
| Claim reimbursement time | 48h | Most eligible claims are processed and paid within 48 hours, so you receive your benefits quickly after submission. |
| Add or remove members without fees | ✅ | You can update your family’s coverage as your needs change without paying any administration fees, keeping things simple. |
| Phone support with a health professional | ✅ | Directly consult a registered nurse or health specialist by phone for guidance on medical queries, any time during policy hours. |
| Second medical opinion | ✅ | Request a second opinion from a qualified expert to support your healthcare decisions, adding reassurance for major cases. |
| 24/7 travel assistance | ✅ | Access help around the clock if health issues arise during travel, including locating clinics or managing emergencies. |
How can I contact Westfund Health Insurance?
| Reason for contact | Contacting Westfund |
|---|---|
| I want to get a health insurance quote 🧾 | Use the online quote tool. For assistance, call 1300 937 838 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm AEST). For phone: select “Join Westfund or get a quote”. |
| I need a certificate of insurance 🧾 | Log in to your online account to download your certificate. For help, call 1300 937 838 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm AEST), then choose “Membership enquiries”. |
| I need medical assistance 🩺 | Call the Westfund Health Support line at 1800 666 149 (24/7, choose “Health Support”). |
| I want to report a claim or check a reimbursement 🔍 | Submit or track your claim via your online account. For queries, call 1300 937 838 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm AEST), and select “Claims and benefits”. |
Westfund promo codes
| Westfund Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe promo code | -5% on your first quote through HelloSafe |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, please visit our health insurance comparison page.
FAQ
Who can subscribe to Westfund health insurance?
If you wish to subscribe to Westfund health insurance, you can do so through the official Westfund website. However, it is recommended to first compare different health insurance offers online to find the best plan for your needs. You can use our health insurance comparison tool for this purpose.
Are there any age requirements with Westfund?
Westfund generally offers health insurance coverage for individuals of all ages, from newborns to seniors. There is no strict maximum age limit for joining, but some waiting periods or constraints may apply depending on your age and coverage selected.
Can you add or remove insured members with Westfund?
Yes, you can add members such as partners or children to your Westfund policy. This can usually be done either at the time of application or later by contacting Westfund customer service and submitting the necessary updates to your policy.
What types of health insurance policies does Westfund offer?
Westfund provides a range of private health insurance options, including Hospital, Extras, and Combined cover, allowing you to choose the level of benefits suited to your personal and family needs. These options cater to singles, couples, and families.
Does Westfund impose any waiting periods for claims?
Yes, Westfund applies waiting periods for some services, particularly for pre-existing conditions, major dental, and hospital treatments. Typically, these can range from 2 months to 12 months, depending on the type of service covered.
How do I make a claim with Westfund?
Claims with Westfund can be made online through their member portal, using their mobile app, or by submitting forms via email or post. For extras services, you can usually claim on the spot at your provider if they support HICAPS or a similar claims system.
Who can subscribe to Westfund health insurance?
If you wish to subscribe to Westfund health insurance, you can do so through the official Westfund website. However, it is recommended to first compare different health insurance offers online to find the best plan for your needs. You can use our health insurance comparison tool for this purpose.
Are there any age requirements with Westfund?
Westfund generally offers health insurance coverage for individuals of all ages, from newborns to seniors. There is no strict maximum age limit for joining, but some waiting periods or constraints may apply depending on your age and coverage selected.
Can you add or remove insured members with Westfund?
Yes, you can add members such as partners or children to your Westfund policy. This can usually be done either at the time of application or later by contacting Westfund customer service and submitting the necessary updates to your policy.
What types of health insurance policies does Westfund offer?
Westfund provides a range of private health insurance options, including Hospital, Extras, and Combined cover, allowing you to choose the level of benefits suited to your personal and family needs. These options cater to singles, couples, and families.
Does Westfund impose any waiting periods for claims?
Yes, Westfund applies waiting periods for some services, particularly for pre-existing conditions, major dental, and hospital treatments. Typically, these can range from 2 months to 12 months, depending on the type of service covered.
How do I make a claim with Westfund?
Claims with Westfund can be made online through their member portal, using their mobile app, or by submitting forms via email or post. For extras services, you can usually claim on the spot at your provider if they support HICAPS or a similar claims system.
On the same topic
