We want to keep you informed about important developments relating to the future of RBHS and how we continue to support your health-cover needs.
RBHS currently relies on external service providers to support the delivery of member services and the existing Management Services Agreement (MSA) with Peoplecare is approaching its scheduled end. Over recent months, the RBHS Board has been carefully reviewing the best long-term options for our members. Throughout this process, our focus has been to make sure your health cover remains stable, high quality and sustainable well into the future.
To support continuity and an orderly transition, RBHS has made arrangements for Peoplecare to continue supporting member services during this period, ensuring there is no disruption to members while longer-term arrangements are explored.
Following an extensive assessment and due-diligence process, the Board has identified GMHBA as the preferred potential partner and has entered into a non-binding Heads of Agreement with them.
This allows both organisations to explore detailed arrangements. No final decisions have been made, and any changes would be subject to the required regulatory approvals.
GMHBA is Australia’s leading regionally based not-for-profit private health insurer. With values closely aligned to those of RBHS, GMHBA have more than 90 years’ experience putting the health and wellbeing of their members first. Beyond health insurance, GMHBA also provides dental, eye care, GP, physiotherapy and chronic condition support services, helping members access broader health and wellbeing support.
It is still too early to share more detailed information. We are working through the remaining steps and expect this work to progress over the coming months. We anticipate providing members with a further update around the end of June, once there is more clarity on next steps.
In the meantime, nothing changes for you. Your cover, your service experience, and the way you use your membership all remain exactly the same. You do not need to take any action.
For more information, please continue to read our FAQ.
FAQ
1. Why is RBHS considering this transfer?
RBHS currently relies on outsourced arrangements to deliver private health insurance services, and these arrangements are nearing their scheduled expiry.
After carefully considering available options, the RBHS Board determined that GMHBA Health Insurance can offer a secure and sustainable way to ensure continuity, stability, and quality of cover for members.
2. Who is GMHBA?
GMHBA is an Australian not-for-profit health insurance and care company. As a mutual organisation, GMHBA has no shareholders and all profits are reinvested into improving services, member value, and community health programs.
GMHBA have served the community since 1934, and with more than 90 years experience, they have become Australia’s leading regionally based not-for-profit private health insurer and support more than 316,000 Australians through the GMHBA and Frank Health Insurance brands. Through their personalised approach and exceptional customer service, GMHBA put the health and wellbeing of their members and communities first.
Beyond health insurance, GMHBA also provides dental, eye care, GP, physiotherapy and chronic condition support services, helping members access broader health and wellbeing support.
RBHS has entered into a non‑binding Heads of Agreement with GMHBA to explore detailed options, subject to regulatory approval.
3. What does “non‑binding Heads of Agreement” mean?
It means RBHS and GMHBA have agreed to explore options in detail, but no final decision has been made and changes cannot proceed unless all regulatory approvals are obtained.
4. What happens to my cover right now?
Nothing changes at this time:
- RBHS remains your health insurer
- Your policy, benefits, premiums, and entitlements stay the same
- You can continue to use your cover as normal
- Claims and member services continue without interruption
- You do not need to take any action
5. Will my premiums or benefits change because of this proposal?
No.
Until any changes are approved and take effect (if it proceeds), there are no changes to premiums, benefits, or policy terms. Any changes to premiums would continue to occur only as part of the normal annual cycle mandated by legislation, which take effect on 1 April each year.
6. Who is overseeing this process?
Any changes are subject to a comprehensive regulatory approval process, including review by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
7. What if the changes do not proceed?
If an agreement is not reached - whether due to regulatory approvals not being granted or the parties deciding not to proceed with the final agreement - we will:
- Keep you fully informed about any future changes, well in advance, and
- Work to ensure any alternative solution maintains continuity, quality and support for members.
8. Will I be able to ask questions before anything changes?
Yes.
Before any change occurs, you will:
- Receive clear and timely information
- Be advised of the proposed effective date
- Have opportunities to ask questions and understand your options
9. Do I need to do anything now?
No. There is no action required from you at this time.
10. How will I be kept informed?
RBHS is committed to keeping members informed throughout the process. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
11. Where can I get more information or ask questions?
For more information, please email info@myrbhs.com.au or contact us on 1800 027 299.