How to make the most of health insurance for type 2 diabetes

Do you have health insurance for type 2 diabetes management? Medibank can help you manage the condition with support programs, recipe inspiration and hospital and extras cover.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 85-90% of all diabetes cases in Australia¹. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle modifications and prescribed medications. While there is currently no cure, research shows that it is possible for some people to achieve type 2 diabetes remission.

Here are some tips to help manage type 2 diabetes with exercise and diet, and, if you’re an eligible member with Medibank, your health insurance might be able to help.  

Talk to your GP about a diagnosis for type 2 diabetes

If you think you might have type 2 diabetes, your first step should be to visit your GP to discuss your symptoms. They may refer you to have some diagnostic blood tests, then pending those results refer you on to other health professionals to help in the management of your condition, such as an endocrinologist, credentialed diabetes educator, dietitian, podiatrist, or optometrist. It’s important to note that any diagnostic, GP and pathology services will not be claimable under your private health insurance cover and will incur out-of-pocket costs. If you are a Medibank member on an Overseas cover, you should contact us before treatment to see if some of these services can be claimed.  

If you do have diabetes, a health professional can register you with the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS). The NDSS provides information and support services, as well as diabetes-related products at subsidised prices to people with diabetes, and registration is free.

Ask about the Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program

Medibank’s Type 2 Diabetes Program is designed to help eligible members^* lose weight and better manage their diabetes.

Developed with support from leading medical research groups The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute  and Austin Health, the program offers participants a tailored care plan and up to 10 consultations with a dedicated team of dietitians.

There is no charge or enrolment fee for eligible members^* to participate in the program. However, if you consult your own GP or specialist as part of routine diabetic check-ups during the program, there may be a cost if they don’t bulk bill.

Follow a type 2 diabetes diet

An accredited dietitian can prescribe tailored nutritional advice for medical conditions such as diabetes.  If you have eligible extras cover with Medibank, you may be able to claim benefits towards consultations with a dietitian^{^}. Log in to My Medibank to check if Dietetics is included in your cover.

Another great way to improve what you’re eating and easily follow a type 2 diabetes diet is to plan your meals and cook for yourself. Check out Medibank’s Live Better website for plenty of delicious healthy recipe ideas.

If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s a good idea to consult your GP before making any changes to your diet to help monitor your blood sugar levels and insulin requirements.  

Managing type 2 diabetes with exercise

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly are key to preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Not only does exercise make you feel better, it also plays an important role in managing your body weight, regulating insulin, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Medibank’s Health Support Benefits on selected extras products can pay towards some gym memberships, exercise classes, and personal training sessions where the services are intended to help manage a disease, injury, or condition. If you’re looking for fun social events or something you can do at home to get your body moving, check out our Live Better activities. 

If you are new to exercise, consult your GP before you start and make sure to take it slowly at first and build up your fitness over time.   

Look after your feet

Diabetes can affect the circulation and nerves in your feet so it’s important to take care of those toes – especially if you have been living with the condition for a long time. A podiatrist can provide advice on how to look after your feet, as well as provide ongoing nail and skin care when required.

If you have Podiatry included in your extras cover with Medibank, you might be able to get help with the costs associated with your treatment.

Protect your eyes

Vision and eye health can be affected by diabetes so book regular check-ups with an optometrist. Your optometrist visit should usually be covered by Medicare.

If your eyes are otherwise healthy but you need glasses and have extras cover with optical it can help with the cost of glasses. In fact, Medibank members with eligible extras get 100% back on optical items (up to your annual limit) at any recognised provider. Some glasses lens coatings and contact lenses are excluded and waiting periods apply.^~

If you need to go to hospital

In some cases, complications from diabetes can lead to hospitalisation. If you have a planned hospital admission, make sure you’re fully informed beforehand. Medibank’s Hospital Assist is a valuable resource to prepare you for your hospital admission.

For more information, or to check that you have the best cover for your condition, talk to our team on 1300 982 407 or chat to our friendly staff online 24/7 for advice and help with your health cover. For members interested in finding out more about health programs, call 1300 733 338.