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Cancellation Policy

Understanding our cancellation terms, timeframes, and procedures

Policy Overview

CarerNest understands that circumstances can change, and sometimes you may need to cancel or modify your care bookings. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both clients and carers while ensuring quality care services.

24+ Hours

Free cancellation

No fees or penalties

2-24 Hours

50% cancellation fee

Partial compensation to carer

Under 2 Hours

100% cancellation fee

Full session charge

Cancellation Timeframes

24+ Hours Before Session

Free cancellation with full refund

What You Get:

  • • Full refund of any payments made
  • • No cancellation fees
  • • No impact on your account standing
  • • Option to reschedule with same carer

How to Cancel:

  • • Use the CarerNest app or website
  • • Call our support line: 1800 CARERS
  • • Contact your carer directly (they'll update the system)

2-24 Hours Before Session

50% cancellation fee applies

What You Pay:

  • • 50% of the total session cost
  • • Platform fee (if applicable)
  • • Refund of remaining 50% within 3-5 business days

Reason for Fee:

This fee compensates the carer for their reserved time and helps maintain the quality of our service by encouraging advance planning.

Under 2 Hours Before Session

100% cancellation fee (full session cost)

What You Pay:

  • • Full session cost (100%)
  • • All applicable fees
  • • No refund available

Reason for Full Fee:

Last-minute cancellations prevent carers from accepting other bookings and result in lost income. The full fee ensures fair compensation.

Emergency Exceptions

We understand that genuine emergencies can occur. In certain circumstances, we may waive or reduce cancellation fees at our discretion.

Qualifying Emergencies

Medical Emergencies

  • • Sudden illness requiring hospitalization
  • • Medical emergency of client or immediate family
  • • Unexpected medical procedures
  • • Mental health crisis requiring immediate care

Safety Emergencies

  • • Natural disasters (floods, fires, storms)
  • • Home emergencies (gas leaks, electrical issues)
  • • Security threats or safety concerns
  • • Transportation emergencies

Family Emergencies

  • • Death in immediate family
  • • Serious accident involving family member
  • • Child care emergency
  • • Urgent family crisis requiring immediate attention

Documentation Required

Medical Emergencies

  • • Hospital admission records
  • • Doctor's certificate or medical report
  • • Emergency department discharge summary
  • • Specialist medical documentation

Other Emergencies

  • • Police reports (for safety incidents)
  • • Insurance claims documentation
  • • Death certificates (family emergencies)
  • • Official emergency service reports

Submission Process

  • • Submit documentation within 48 hours
  • • Email to [email protected]
  • • Include booking reference number
  • • Response within 2 business days

Recurring Care Cancellations

Recurring care arrangements have different cancellation terms to account for the ongoing commitment between clients and carers.

Individual Session Cancellations

Same Day Cancellation

  • • Standard cancellation fees apply
  • • 24+ hours: Free cancellation
  • • 2-24 hours: 50% fee
  • • Under 2 hours: 100% fee

Rescheduling Options

  • • Move session to another day same week
  • • Add extra time to next session
  • • Credit towards future sessions
  • • No fees for rescheduling with 24+ hours notice

Ending Recurring Arrangements

Notice Requirements

  • • 14 days notice for permanent termination
  • • 7 days notice for temporary pause
  • • Immediate termination for safety concerns
  • • Written notice required via app or email

Final Billing

  • • Complete all scheduled sessions during notice period
  • • Final payment processed after last session
  • • Refund any prepaid unused sessions
  • • No early termination fees

How to Cancel Your Booking

1

Online Cancellation (Recommended)

Use the CarerNest website or mobile app for instant cancellation.

  • • Log into your CarerNest account
  • • Go to 'My Bookings' section
  • • Find the booking you want to cancel
  • • Click 'Cancel Booking' and confirm
  • • Receive instant confirmation email
2

Phone Cancellation

Call our support team for assistance with cancellation.

  • • Call 1800 CARERS (1800 227 377)
  • • Available 24/7 for urgent cancellations
  • • Have your booking reference ready
  • • Confirm your identity for security
  • • Receive email confirmation
3

Contact Your Carer

Your carer can help process the cancellation through their app.

  • • Message through CarerNest app
  • • Call your carer directly (if you have their number)
  • • Carer will update the booking status
  • • System automatically applies cancellation policy
  • • You'll receive confirmation notification
4

Email Cancellation

Send an email for non-urgent cancellations (processed within 2 hours).

  • • Email: [email protected]
  • • Include booking reference number
  • • State reason for cancellation
  • • Provide your contact details
  • • Response within 2 hours during business hours

Refund Process

Refund Timeframes

Credit/Debit Cards

  • • Processing time: 3-5 business days
  • • Refund appears on original payment method
  • • Bank processing may take additional 1-2 days
  • • Email notification when refund is processed

Bank Transfer

  • • Processing time: 1-2 business days
  • • Direct deposit to original account
  • • Faster processing for same-bank transfers
  • • SMS notification when funds are transferred

Digital Wallets

  • • PayPal: 1-2 business days
  • • Apple Pay: 3-5 business days
  • • Google Pay: 1-3 business days
  • • In-app notification when refund is complete

Refund Calculation

24+ Hours Notice

Session Cost: $80.00

Platform Fee: $4.00

Total Paid: $84.00

Refund: $84.00 (100%)

2-24 Hours Notice

Session Cost: $80.00

Platform Fee: $4.00

Total Paid: $84.00

Cancellation Fee: -$40.00 (50%)

Refund: $44.00 (52%)

Under 2 Hours Notice

Session Cost: $80.00

Platform Fee: $4.00

Total Paid: $84.00

Cancellation Fee: -$84.00 (100%)

Refund: $0.00 (0%)

Special Circumstances

Carer-Initiated Cancellations

When Carer Cancels

  • • Full refund regardless of timing
  • • No fees charged to client
  • • Priority rebooking with alternative carer
  • • Compensation credit for inconvenience

Emergency Replacement

  • • CarerNest will attempt to find replacement
  • • Same rate guaranteed for replacement carer
  • • Option to decline replacement and receive refund
  • • No additional fees for emergency replacement

Weather & External Factors

Severe Weather

  • • Free cancellation for severe weather warnings
  • • Includes storms, floods, extreme heat
  • • Official weather bureau warnings required
  • • Safety of carer and client prioritized

Public Health Emergencies

  • • Lockdowns and movement restrictions
  • • Quarantine requirements
  • • Health department directives
  • • Special policies may apply during emergencies

Important Reminders

Plan Ahead: To avoid cancellation fees, try to provide as much notice as possible when you need to cancel or reschedule.

Emergency Documentation: Keep important documents (medical records, emergency contacts) easily accessible in case you need to provide emergency cancellation documentation.

Communication: Always communicate directly with your carer when possible. They understand your situation and may be able to help find solutions.

Recurring Care: If you have recurring care arrangements, consider the impact on your carer's schedule and income when making changes.

Alternative Options: Before cancelling, consider if rescheduling to another time might work better for both you and your carer.

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