Major Australian Healthcare Insurance Companies Now Support Apple Wallet

A number of the largest healthcare insurance companies in Australia now allow their customers to add their insurance cards to their digital Apple Wallet on their iPhone and Apple Watch, giving healthcare patients ease of access of by using their ‌iPhone‌ and Apple Watch instead of their plastic insurance card.

hicaps apple wallet support
Bupa, Medibank, nib, and GU Health have announced support through electronic payment and claims system HICAPS, and in a press release, say that thanks to digital cards and Apple Wallets, overall customer experience will now be made easier with shortened wait times and quicker cash processing times. Tania Motto, the National Australian Bank executive for Business Everyday Banking, called the new feature an "exciting enhancement."

The move allows customers to make a health insurance claim by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch near any HICAPS terminal in Australia – creating a true digital wallet experience. Customers can also pay for gap payments simply and securely using Apple Pay.

NAB Executive for Business Everyday Banking, Tania Motton said: "We're excited to offer health practitioners the ability to accept digital health insurance membership cards through iPhone and Apple Watch at all HICAPS terminals across Australia.

"Digital technology is rapidly changing the way merchants receive payments – with more customers choosing contactless over cash. This is an exciting enhancement that will further support those who prefer a more digital experience.

"Claims made using this method help reduce the time spent on manual processing for practitioners due to forgotten plastic cards, while putting money back in customers' bank accounts quicker," said Ms Motton.

Apple Wallet integration will work across Australia at HICAPS terminals, and specific instructions can be found on the HICAPS website.

(Thanks, Richard!)

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Top Rated Comments

anthorumor Avatar
43 months ago

Even as an Australian, I don't see how this story is front page worthy for the whole world to read about lol xD
Looks like plenty of Aussies are on this site to warrant front page news! We’ve had other countries feature here, so why not us too?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wanted797 Avatar
43 months ago

What about Myki or Opal in NSW?

I wish VIC government would just get everything digital, carrying a wallet to travel either in my car or on public transport is so annoying.
I’m in NSW. Opal is one I don’t have, haven’t had to use it since COVID and work from home.

But they’re trialling it now. Also you can just tap on and off with your bank card so you can already use you phone/watch if you want to.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A.wang28 Avatar
43 months ago

It sounds like you are being sarcastic.. and completely first world problems.
But just in case you're not.. you no doubt also have digital car and home keys? Both are available - for a price.

Apple will love you btw, because just imagine the pressure of you having their tech on you at all times.
Imagine that one time you lose your phone, or better yet.. the battery simply needs to drain and you can't do anything - at all.
the only reason I carry my wallet with me these days is because of the that VIC drivers licence.
Cash - no need
Medicare - Medicare app
Other memberships - all either in the Apple wallet (Woolies, Qantas) or simple barcode scanner (Flybuys)
Myki - I am driving already!

So yea, typical VIC Gov, taking its sweet time.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SurferPup Avatar
43 months ago
I can‘t wait for my private health insurer to provide me with a digital card. For sometime now I do not carry my physical wallet.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Starship77 Avatar
43 months ago
Nice! Worked here super easily. Just opened the myBupa app and it asked right away if I wanted to add the card. Done.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
oldmacs Avatar
43 months ago

but for this specific addition to the iPhone, I don’t see how necessary it could be.
If I go to the dentist, reception can swipe my private health insurance card and work out what I will be covered for.

After my appointment , they swipe the card, put in the service provided code and the health fund pays them instantly and I only have to pay the gap (if there is one).

This just means that instead of carrying my card, I can use my phone instead which is great since I don't carry a wallet and I have to remember to take my private health insurance card each time I go to an appointment for something covered under private health insurance.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)