EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Statutory Rules 1989 No 334
Issued by the Authority of the Minister for Community Services and Health
Subject - National Health Act 1953
National Health Regulations
National Health Regulation 29AAB, which was made to take effect from 31 October 1989, excluded from the definition of “health insurance business” in section 67 of the National Health Act 1953 such business where it related to certain groups such as sports persons, volunteer workers, youth groups and overseas residents temporarily present in Australia.
Health insurance catering for the overall needs of these groups is not readily available from registered health benefits organisations although partial cover is available from some such organisations. National Health Regulation 29AAB, however, was designed to allow commercial insurers to provide benefits covering these circumstances.
It was not intended that the Regulation would prevent registered health benefits organisations from offering benefits for these groups. There is some doubt that the the Regulation, by excluding health insurance business for some groups, prevents registered health benefits organisations from offering such insurance cover. The overseas student table, which Medibank Private operates, is of particular concern. The amendments to National Health Regulation 29AAB put the issue beyond doubt.