Step Flex orthotics are a medical device with enormous benefits. This style of orthotics has been available in the USA since 1974, in Australia since 2004 and in New Zealand since 2007. We've contacted nearly all health insurance funds in Australia. Many have welcomed our presentation and extended their rules to ensure good rebates are paid on our orthotics. Other health funds have refused to even talk with us, let alone deviate from their custom-made and/or podiatrist only rules.
Whether or not you can claim a benefit from your health fund or other organisation is a matter between you and them. We suggest you apply for a refund. If they reject your claim then we suggest you write a letter to the Manager of Ancillary Benefits (or equivalent) of your fund, asking them to change their policy. Unfortunately, many of these organisations seek their advice only from podiatrists, and close their eyes to alternative methodologies.
When you buy from us, you are buying from the manufacturer. Although we train and supply the doctors, chiropractors, therapists, etc, we are not ourselves doctors. We do not operate from a clinic. As such we have not been issued a 'provider number' by most health insurance funds or agencies.
However, even if you cannot get any compensation or refund, be aware that Step Flex orthotics work out to less than $40 per year over their typical life. That's less than one cup of coffee per month. In the big picture, they are not expensive.
The following information is provided to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to confirmation by each fund and subject to change. Please note that benefits also depend upon your level of cover and any previous claims. Information about health funds can be found on the Australian government website at privatehealth.gov.au
The following list is of registered health funds. Many additional 'brands' of health insurance are underwritten and/or managed by one of the following funds. If you can't find yours in the list below, try searching for it (typically 'Control S').
= Recommended. We recommend these funds, since they pay reasonable benefits on our orthotics. If you intend to claim, please tell us at the time of purchase the name of your health fund, so we can include necessary information on the receipt.
= Change Funds. We recommend you change to a more understanding and co-operative health insurer.
Please note that health insurance funds are legally required to honour, for a similar level of cover, qualifying periods already served at your exisiting fund. You are free to take your health cover to a more obliging insurer. Check the specifics of this with each health fund before transferring, and be sure to get your ‘clearance certificate’ from the old fund.
AAMI RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed that they will pay a rebate on our orthotics. The amount depends on your cover. Claims are processed and paid by NIB. See NIB details on this page regarding making a claim. Updated 19/11/21 ACA Health Benefits Fund RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed verbally that they will pay up to 80% (limit $400) provided that the invoice/receipt shows the supplier's ABN and that you have a letter from a doctor. Updated 18/07/22
This is a Restricted Membership Fund. Visit their website for more information. link
AIA Health Insurance
They are owned by the Chinese AIA Group. We've had no contact with them but they appear to have an association with GMHBA, so we presume they will pay benefits only for custom-made orthotics provided by a podiatrist or orthotist. Updated 14/11/21
Apia RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed that they will pay a rebate on our orthotics. The amount depends on your cover. Claims are processed and paid by NIB. See NIB details on this page regarding making a claim.
Updated 19/11/21
AHM
AHM will not pay benefits on preformed orthotics. We recommend you consider changing to AHM's associated fund, Medibank (see below), who do pay benefits on our product. Updated 14/11/21
Australian Unity RECOMMENDED
You can claim from Australian Unity if your ancillary cover includes orthotics, and either:
a) you have a detailed invoice/receipt on official stationery from a registered general practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or podiatrist, or
b) you have a receipt issued by Step Flex with our Provider Number 21036902 AND a letter of recommendation dated before our invoice from a registered general practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or podiatrist.
If your therapist is not one of the above modalities then discuss your intended claim with the therapist and/or us before you claim, to arrange the correct documentation. Updated 16/03/22
This is an Open Membership Fund. Visit their website for more information. link
BUPA
BUPA (a UK-owned for-profit health fund) now owns the following brands of health insurance:
HBA, Mutual Community, ANZ Health Insurance, MBF & MBF Alliances (SGIO, SGIC & NRMA).
They will not pay any benefits for our orthotics (although we've been told that some Corporate Members on old plans may still be covered, but don't count on it). BUPA has refused our request to present our orthotics for review, and have confirmed they will not pay a rebate for them.
This also applies to the following funds, which we believe are owned by, or underwritten by, BUPA: ANZ Health Insurance, HBA, MBF, Mutual Community, NRMA, SGIC & SGIO.
We recommend you transfer to an Australian-owned fund. Updated 08/12/14
CBHS Health Fund
They verbally advised that they will not pay benefits for our orthotics as they are a small fund and not interested in changing their product offering. Updated 24/03/09
Cessnock District Health Benefits Fund (CDH)
They have verbally advised that they will not pay benefits for our orthotics. Updated 24/03/09
CUA Health (In 2022 CUA Health was sold to HBF - see details below for HBF)
They have verbally advised that they will not pay benefits for our orthotics (24/03/09), however, on 10/11/10 a customer successfully claimed an 80% rebate due to our orthotics being registered as a medical device with the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). On 24/05/12 a customer advised that they received a 60% rebate and another customer made a successful claim on 24/08/13.
Defence Health RECOMMENDED
Defence Health will pay a benefit for Step Flex orthotics when provided by a health professional. The benefit will be available under the Foot Orthotics sub limit within the Medically prescribed devices and supports category. The rebate will be a maximum of $300 depending on the level of cover held. Check your Defence Health product guide for full details.
Our receipt must be endorsed, just beneath your name(s): 'Defence Health provider PRO76338 & item F-09446'. If your supplier is a medical professional, their receipt must state 'Step Flex orthotics', plus the endorsement. Updated 28/09/22
This is a Restricted Membership Fund. Visit their website for more information.
Doctors’ Health Fund RECOMMENDED
They have not replied to us in writing, but have confirmed verbally that they will pay up to 75%, subject to various limits. A referral letter is required from a GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The Step Flex Provider No is N0015420 and this should be quoted on your receipt. Updated 23/02/22
This is a Restricted Membership Fund. Visit their website for more information. link
Frank
A subsidiary brand of GMHBA.
GMHBA
They have confirmed to us in writing that they will NOT pay benefits for our orthotics. They will pay benefits only for custom-made orthotics provided by a podiatrist or orthotist. They will not pay a benefit even if they are provided by a chiropractor, physiotherapist, osteopath or a surgeon. This also applies for their budget brand 'Frank'. Updated 12/07/21 GU Health RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed that they will pay a rebate on our orthotics. The amount depends on your cover. They do not require a letter from a medical practitioner.
If your doctor or therapist is supplying you, then the receipt must be from them, on their proper commercial stationery (not a generic stationery shop receipt) and it must include the phrase "Step Flex GU Health Provider number 21223714". Step Flex cannot provide you with a receipt if the orthotics are purchased from someone else.
If your orthotics are supplied direct from Step Flex tell us, at the time of purchase, that you wish to claim through GU health so we can include the provider number on your receipt.
Although GU Health is owned by NIB, claims are processed on a different system. The NIB provider number is not valid for GU Health claims, and vice versa. Updated 06/12/22.
This is a Corporate Fund. Visit their website for more information. link
HBF Group
They have confirmed in writing that they will NOT pay benefits on our orthotics. They will pay benefits only for custom-made orthotics provided by a podiatrist. They will not pay a benefit even if they are provided by a chiropractor, physiotherapist, osteopath or a surgeon. They have indicated that they would be more likely to change their policy if they receive enough complaints from their members who wish to claim Step Flex. Insist that your request is registered as a complaint or it will not be noticed. The HBF Group includes HBF (Perth), GMF (Kalgoorlie), Healthguard (Kalgoorlie), & CUA Health. Updated 05/08/16
HCF
HCF have confirmed they will pay $40 per pair on our orthotics, provided you have a letter from a chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist, sports physician or podiatrist prescribing (or recommending) Step Flex orthotics. Note this letter must be dated before our receipt, and cannot be from a General Practitioner. Updated 08/02/21
Health Care Insurance RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed to us in writing that they will pay benefits up to $260 (Premier Extras) , provided our receipt is accompanied by a referral letter from a doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or similar professional. This letter must be dated no later than 2 weeks after the date on our invoice/receipt. The Provider Number for Step Flex is P1901153. The Item Number, which must be on the Invoice, is F267 Updated 12/01/2023
This is an Open Membership Fund. Visit their website for more information. link
Health Partners
They have not replied to us in writing, but have advised verbally that they will not pay a benefit for our orthotics.
HIF
They have not replied to us in writing, but have advised verbally that they will not pay a benefit for our orthotics.
LaTrobe
They confirmed in writing that they pay benefits only for orthotics provided by a podiatrist. They refused our offer to present Step Flex to them. Updated 05/08/16
Medibank Private RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed to us in writing that they will pay benefits under either of two situations:
a) our detailed receipt is sufficient when claiming from your Package Bonus, and/or
b) our detailed receipt along with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner, chiropractor, physiotherapist or osteopath when claiming as orthotics. The prescription must be dated prior to the date of purchase.
Benefit depends on your level of cover and claims history.
The Item Number is F240 (a preformed orthotic).
We do not have a provider number, nor is one required.
Updated 19/11/21
This is an Open Membership Fund. Visit their website for more information. link
Mildura District Hospital Fund
They have confirmed to us in writing that they will not pay a benefit for our orthotics. Updated 26/02/15
Navy Health
They have confirmed to us verbally that they will not pay a benefit for our orthotics. Updated 12/08/16
NIB RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed that they will pay a rebate on our orthotics. The amount depends on your cover. They do not require a letter from a medical practitioner.
If your doctor or therapist is supplying you, then the receipt must be from them, on their proper commercial stationery (not a generic stationery shop receipt) and it must include the phrase "Step Flex NIB Provider number 10270952". Step Flex cannot provide you with a receipt if the orthotics are purchased from someone else.
If your orthotics are supplied direct from Step Flex tell us, at the time of purchase, that you wish to claim through NIB so we can include the provider number on your receipt.
NIB issues health insurance for NIB, Qantas, AAMI, Apia and Suncorp, under the same conditions. For GU Health, see the separate entry above. Although owned by NIB, GU Health runs on a different system with a different provider number. Updated 06/12/22
This is an Open Membership Fund. Visit their website for more information. link
Nurses & Midwives Health
They are 'backed by Teachers Health'. Updated 14/11/21
Peoplecare
They confirmed in writing that they will not pay a benefit for our orthotics. This includes OneMediFund. Updated 26/05/10
Phoenix Health Fund
We have no information about this fund.
Police Health
They have confirmed to us in writing that they will pay benefits of 50% up to $200 (Top Hospital or Platinum Health only), provided the receipt specifies “orthotics” and is accompanied by a referral letter from a General Practitioner. Police Health have issued us neither an item number nor a provider number. Updated 31/05/22
NB: Police Health are conducting an internal review. Until it is concluded, they are honouring the payment of benefits detailed above. There is a risk that they may cease payment of benefits for our orthotics. We encourage you to contact them to insist that they continue to include Step Flex orthotics for rebates. Updated 14/09/22.
This is a Restricted Membership Fund. Visit their website for more information. link
QANTAS RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed that they will pay a rebate on our orthotics. The amount depends on your cover. Claims are processed and paid by NIB. See NIB details on this page regarding making a claim. Updated 19/11/21 Queensland Country Health RECOMMENDED
They have advised that they pay a benefit for Step Flex orthotics when provided by a health professional. The benefit will be available under the sub limit for Foot Orthoses and Orthopaedic Shoes. The rebate will be a maximum of $150 depending on your cover.
When buying from one of our Medical Distributors, ask them to arrange a Certificate of Supply when they order the orthotics. You'll need this Certificate, along with your provider's receipt, to claim your rebate. Updated 28/02/22
Visit their website for more information. link
Reserve Bank Health Society
They advised verbally that they will not pay benefits for our orthotics unless provided by a chiropractor. Updated 30/04/10
RT Health
Their website indicates that they will not pay benefits on our orthotics. Updated 09/02/22
St Lukes RECOMMENDED
They will pay a rebate on our orthotics. The amount (up to $200) depends on your cover. A referral from a medical practitioner is NOT required. Our provider number is A4000849. The item number is F267 and must be written on the receipt. Updated 15/02/22
Visit their website for more information. link
Suncorp RECOMMENDED
They have confirmed that they will pay a rebate on our orthotics. The amount depends on your cover. Claims are processed and paid by NIB. See NIB details on this page regarding making a claim. Updated 19/11/21 Teachers Health
They advised verbally that they will not pay a benefit for our orthotics or any other pre-formed orthotics although we have heard of several successful claims. Do not confuse Teachers Health (Teachers Federation Health Fund, based in Sydney) withTUH (Teachers Union Health, based in Brisbane). Updated 12/07/21
TUH
They confirmed in writing that they will not pay benefits on our orthotics. They'll pay only on orthotics which are custom-made or modified 'to fit the the individual' regardless of customer preference or outcome. Do not confuse 'TUH' (Teachers Union Health, based in Brisbane) with 'Teachers Health' (Teachers Federation Health Fund, based in Sydney). Updated 05/03/22.
Transport Health
They advised verbally they do not pay a benefit on our orthotics or any other pre-formed orthotics. Updated 11/09/14
Westfund RECOMMENDED
The following Westfund policies offer benefits for Step Flex orthotics: Platinum, Platinum 500 (annual limit $300 per policy – not per person), Gold, Gold 500, Gold Extras, Sterling Silver and Silver (annual limit $200 per policy – not per person).
The tax invoice/receipt must identify the orthotics as "Item F240 - preformed orthotics".
You need a letter of recommendation from any Medicare registered practitioner stating that it is for the support, alignment, prevention or correction of issues relating to the feet. The letter must include the practitioner’s Provider Number and be dated prior to the date of purchase. Updated 14/02/22
Visit their website for more information. link
Government Agencies
DVA (Department of Veteran Affairs)
After many years of DVA happily paying for Step Flex orthotics, they will now pay only for orthotics custom-made by podiatrists. We recommend you complain to them about your lack of choice.
WA - Department of Health
A pair was requested by a hospital podiatrist, resulting in an official purchase order being raised by the Department of Health (02/09/09).
WorkCover (or similar)
Since 2010 we have had several instances in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia where WorkCover organisations have purchased our orthotics for their clients. We suggest you approach your case worker with your footprint and the size details to request they purchase a pair for you.
Transport Accident Commission (or similar)
We have had no formal discussions with any of the state-based transport or motor agencies, however in 2011, approval was granted for the purchase of a pair of our orthotics for a Victorian accident victim. We suggest that you seek the support of your medical supervisor in approaching your State TAC branch to approve the purchase of a pair for you.
Other Sources
Employers
We have a growing number of employers who have purchased our orthotics for their employees, as they recognise this not only as a benefit to the employee but also to the productivity and morale of their work force. Reduction of lost days alone make this an attractive program. We recommend you approach your employer with such a request.
Social & Community Groups
We can make an interesting and educational presentation to your group, followed by a personal fitting and test walk on our orthotics. This can be structured as a fund-raiser that benefits not just the individuals but also the entire group. It is suitable for social clubs (office, factory, etc), community groups (Rotary, Lions, Probus, etc), institutions (schools, kindergartens, retirement villages, military, etc), sports clubs (football, gymnasiums, tennis, cricket, athletics, etc) and private groups (neighbourhood walking clubs, etc). Contact our national office on 09 828-2850 for further information.