How to Submit a Teachers Health Claim Form: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Filing an Extras claim doesn’t have to be complicated. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to complete the THF-CF-05/17 Teachers Health Claim Form correctly to ensure fast processing and payment of your entitled benefits. Whether you’re claiming for dental, optical, physio, or other services, following these steps will help you avoid common delays.

Download the Form: Teachers Health Standard Claim Form (PDF)


Before You Start: Essential Preparation

Claim Eligibility & Timing

  • Cover Requirement: You must have active Extras cover with Teachers Health for the service you’re claiming.
  • Waiting Periods: Ensure you have served any applicable waiting periods for the service type.
  • Annual Limits: Check your remaining annual limits via Online Member Services or the app.
  • Claim Deadline: Claims must be submitted within two years of the service date.

Document Checklist: What You MUST Have

Gather these before filling out the form:

  1. Original, Itemised Receipts/Accounts: Each receipt must include:
    • Provider’s full name, address, and contact details on official letterhead.
    • Your full name and address as the recipient.
    • Item number and/or clear description of each service (e.g., “Exam & Scale & Clean – Item 011, 114”).
    • Date of each service.
    • Cost of each service, amount paid, and any balance owing.
  2. Special Case Documents:If applicable, attach these extra forms:
    • Orthodontia: Required treatment plan/quotation.
    • Aids & Appliances: Completed Aids & Appliances Form.
    • Travel/Contraceptive Medication/Healthy Lifestyle: Specific required documentation (check website).
    • In-Hospital Medical Services: The top section of your Medicare Statement of Benefits (without the cheque).
  3. Your Information:
    • Teachers Health member number.
    • Details of your bank account (payments go to the account on your membership).

⚠️ Critical Warning: Cash register dockets, bank statements, or credit card receipts are NOT ACCEPTED. You must obtain a proper tax invoice/receipt from your provider.


Section-by-Section Filling Instructions

Complete the form clearly in black or blue pen. Do not leave sections blank.

Part A: Your Details

This section identifies you as the claimant.

  1. Member Number: Enter your membership number.
  2. Title & Name: Select your title and write your full given names and surname.
  3. Residential Address: Provide your current home address (including suburb, state, postcode).
  4. Updated Contact Info (If Changed):
    • If your phone, mobile, or email has changed since your last claim, update it here.
    • If your postal address differs from your home address, complete the separate postal address fields.
  5. Home Phone, Mobile, Email: Provide current details.

✅ Pro Tip: Keeping your contact details current in Online Member Services prevents issues. Payments are made to the bank account listed on your membership—ensure it’s correct.

Part B: Claim Details

This is the core of your claim. List up to 8 services. Use additional forms if needed.

For each service line, provide:

  • First Name: Of the person who received the service (you or a dependant).
  • Date of Birth: Of that person in DD/MM/YYYY format.
  • Service Type: e.g., Dental, Physio, Optical.
  • Provider/Doctor: Name of the clinic or practitioner.
  • Service Date: Date the service was rendered (DD/MM/YYYY).
  • Service Cost: The full fee charged.
  • Account Paid: Tick Yes only if you have fully paid the provider. If unpaid, tick No—benefits for unpaid services will be sent via cheque to the provider.

⚠️ Important for Student Dependants: Benefits for student dependants aged 21-24 can only be paid once they are registered with the Fund. Update their status online if needed.

Part C: In-Hospital Medical Claim

Only complete this section if you are claiming for medical services (e.g., surgeon, anaesthetist) received while admitted to hospital.

  1. Answer “Yes” to the first question.
  2. Provide the Hospital Name, Admission Date, and Discharge Date.
  3. You must attach the top section of your Medicare Statement of Benefits for these services.
  4. Adding a Newborn? If this claim relates to adding a newborn, complete the gender, date of birth, and full name fields.

Part D: Declaration

This is a legal declaration. Read it carefully.

  1. Workers Compensation: Answer “Yes” only if the services relate to a compensable injury/accident. If “Yes,” you likely need an additional form.
  2. Sign and Date: The member (policy holder) must sign and date the declaration in DD/MM/YYYY format. By signing, you confirm the expenses are yours, the information is true, and you authorise Teachers Health to contact your providers if needed.

Submission Process: 3 Ways to Submit

Once the form is complete and you have all attachments, choose your submission method:

MethodInstructionsBest For / Notes
Member App1. Download “Teachers Health” app.
2. Use the claims function.
3. Take photos of your form AND receipts.
Fastest method. No form needed if claiming via app-only photo receipt upload.
EmailScan the completed form and all original receipts/docs into one PDF or clear images. Send to: submitclaim@teachershealth.com.auQuick digital submission. Keep originals safe for 6 months.
MailPost the original, signed form and original receipts/accounts to:
GPO Box 9812
Sydney NSW 2001
If you prefer physical mail or lack digital access. Send via tracked post.

🚫 Common Mistake: Submitting the form without the required itemised receipts will cause a delay. They must be attached.


After Submission: What Happens Next?

  1. Acknowledgement: If submitting by app or email, you may get an automated confirmation. Postal submissions have no automatic acknowledgement.
  2. Processing Time: Allow several business days for assessment. Incomplete claims take longer.
  3. Assessment: Teachers Health checks your cover, waiting periods, annual limits, and that the services are eligible. They may contact your provider for clarification.
  4. Payment:
    • Paid Accounts: Benefits are deposited into the bank account registered on your membership.
    • Unpaid Accounts: A cheque is made payable to the service provider and mailed to your postal address (you must then give it to the provider).
  5. Explanation of Benefits (EOB): You will receive a statement showing the service claimed, benefit paid, and your updated annual limits.

Crucial Notes & Tips for a Smooth Claim

Before You Visit a Provider:

  • Check Provider Status: Use “Find a Provider” on the Teachers Health website to see if your provider offers member discounts or has preferred status, maximizing your benefit.
  • Get a Quote: For major work (e.g., crowns, orthodontics), ask your provider for a pre-treatment quote to understand likely out-of-pocket costs.

When Completing the Form:

  • Legibility is Key: Write clearly. Illegible member numbers or amounts are a major cause of delay.
  • One Form Per Family/Claim Event: You can list multiple services for multiple dependants on one form if they’re part of the same claim submission.
  • Don’t Staple Receipts: Use a paperclip to attach receipts to the form. Staples can damage documents during scanning.

Avoid These Common Errors:

  • Missing Signature: An unsigned declaration (Part D) invalidates the claim.
  • Incomplete Receipts: A receipt missing your name, the date, or an itemised breakdown will be rejected.
  • Claiming Too Early: Submitting before serving the mandatory waiting period.
  • Using an Old Form: While the May 2017 form is still accepted, always download the latest version from the Teachers Health website to ensure you have current information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I always need to use this paper form?
A: No. The Teachers Health Member App allows you to claim by simply photographing your receipt—no form filling required. This is the fastest, easiest method. Use the paper form only if you cannot use the app.

Q: What if I haven’t paid my provider yet?
A: Tick “No” in the “Account Paid” column in Part B. Teachers Health will send a cheque payable to the provider to your postal address, which you must then deliver to settle your account.

Q: How long does it take to get paid?
A: Electronic claims via the app or email are typically processed faster than mailed paper claims. Allow 5-10 business days for processing and bank transfer once approved.

Q: Where can I check my claim status or annual limits?
A: Log in to Online Member Services on the Teachers Health website or use the Member App. These portals show your claims history, benefit payments, and remaining limits in real-time.

Q: What if I lose my original receipt?
A: Contact your provider immediately and request a duplicate tax invoice. Original documents are required. A handwritten note or bank statement will not be accepted.

Need Help? For questions about your cover, the claims process, or to get the latest forms, contact Teachers Health via their official customer care channels.

By preparing your documents carefully, completing each section accurately, and choosing the right submission method, you can ensure your Teachers Health claim is processed efficiently, getting your benefits back to you without unnecessary delay.

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