Why compare with us
-
You'll pay the same price as going direct - we don't charge fees
-
We don't ask for your phone number to see prices
Private health insurance gives you access to the same hospital services covered by Medicare – but you get access to your own doctor, private room and waiting times are significantly shorter.
Extras insurance cover does cover healthcare costs that aren't typically covered by the public healthcare system, such as dental, physiotherapy and optical.
If you go to a private hospital as a private patient, Medicare will pay 75% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee. Your health insurance covers the other 25%, plus accommodation costs and theatre fees. Sometimes there's a gap between the MBS fee and the total cost of your procedure. You may need to pay this unless your health insurance has no gap cover.
Not sure if private health insurance is worth it? Here are some key differences between the public and private healthcare systems in Australia:
Public system | Private health insurance | |
---|---|---|
Doctor | A public hospital will allocate a doctor for you. You don't get to choose. | You can choose which doctor you see. |
Private room | You'll likely end up in a shared room in a public hospital. | Insurance gives you access to a private room if there's one available. |
Waiting lists | Waiting lists for elective treatments can range from a few weeks to a few years. | Private insurance usually involves a shorter wait. For some procedures, you may even be able to pick your date. |
Treatment types | Medicare doesn't cover most dental, hearing aids or other out-of-hospital treatments. | Extras can give you cashback on out-of-hospital services such as optical, dental, psychology and hearing aids. |
Ambulance costs | In most cases, Medicare won't pay for your ambulance except in Queensland and Tasmania. | Most health funds include cover for an emergency ambulance, even on Basic policies. |
Private hospital insurance covers all the same treatments as Medicare. The difference lies in the standard of care. It's kind of like choosing between a dependable budget car or something flashier. Both will get you from A to B but one is a faster and nicer place to be.
Gary Ross Hunter
Insurance and innovations editor
I've always been a big proponent of private health cover - and geez I was glad I had it when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. With any unexpected serious illness, the type of treatment - and crucially the speed of it - could make all the difference.
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Freelance finance journalist
Health insurance is heavily regulated in Australia, which makes it easier to compare health insurance policies like-for-like. That said, funds still have different products and prices, so it's still important to make sure you're getting the right cover for you and your family.
Tim Bennett
Finder health insurance publisher
"Getting health insurance had been on my to-do list for the longest time, but I found it very confusing. I realised it was actually split into two parts - hospital cover (anything in the hospital and the more expensive part) and extras cover (for the dentist and those new specs). I've actually switched policies 3 times in the last 4 years to take advantage of the sign up offers funds give when you join. I've saved around $800 so far."
What is the LHC loading, the MLS and the Private Health Rebate? These terms could make the difference between whether or not you can afford your private health premiums in the future.
ahm offers a broad range of policies with affordable premiums, but if you’re looking for the lowest price possible, cheaper options are available.
With reasonable prices and strong benefits, several Medibank policies were highly commended in the 2024 Finder Health Insurance Awards.
Our experts compared 30+ funds and analysed hundreds of policies to help you find the best health insurance.
Get affordable cover for ambulance transport if you are not already covered under Medicare. Compare quotes from Australian funds to decide which level of protection is best for you.
Mental health issues are serious and can be costly, which is why Australian health funds are legally obligated to offer cover for treatment.
What does private health insurance typically cost? Our comprehensive guide will tell you.
Benefits of selecting a restricted health fund as your health insurance provider.
Find out about the latest health insurance deals and special promotions.
Learn how to get cheap health insurance and what you can expect for your money.
I am currently insured with Australian Unity. I have Classic Hospital with $750 Excess Silver Plus, with 64% loading. My annual membership is due next week and it will be $4094.99. So my question is are there health insurance providers that are cheaper. I will need to be covered for joint replacements.
Thanks
Hi Nellie, The cost you’ll pay will depend on your age and income, as well as the loading involved. There are certainly silver plans with a lower base cost in our database – if you take the quiz at the top of this guide, you can compare your options. You might also find our guide to health insurance for joint replacement useful. Hope that helps.
Hello,
I have been switching health funds every year for the past few year’s now.
I’d like to think that I’ve saved some but life is getting expensive.
My question is, is this a short term gain? Or is there a possibility of getting a member discount if I stick with one fund for longer?
Hi Angus, Health funds raise their fees annually, and you’re unlikely to score a direct discount just because you’re a long-term member. That said, many health funds do have loyalty schemes that offer increased cover for some extras or specialist treatments – we have a full guide on what’s on offer there. That could provide a reason for sticking with one fund, but otherwise shopping around can still make sense, provided you’re not resetting waiting periods on services that matter to you.
Could you kindly break down the cost for me per person.
For myself I need a very basic Health insurance plan 33 year old male.
For my Wife something that will cover pregnancy, scans etc should that be our luck to fall pregnant.
And then something for a minor , 3 year old that would cover xrays scans, doctor visits etc.
Hi Julian,
The premium is calculated based on all of you as a family. Usually, it doesn’t cost any extra to add a child to a policy. Things like GP visits are generally covered by Medicare and most doctors bulk bill for under 16s, meaning these visits have no cost.
As for you and your wife, as you have different needs, you could look at taking our two seperate policies: yours basic, hers more fully featured to cover pregnancy etc. However it is often cheaper to get a couples policy.
Note that extra are optional, you may want to go without extras cover to reduce the cost of your premiums.
Hope this helps!
Hi, could I please ask which insurance covers HPV treatments, including wart treatment, pap smear and other HPV related treatments if needed?
Hi Hta,
All of these treatments would be managed through a GP, which is linked to Medicare. You would need to go to your GP or a sexual health clinic for treatment, and you would be eligible for Medicare rebates if you’re entitled to Medicare Benefits.
Health insurance could provide some cover if you ever need day surgery related to HPV, but you would still likely be out of pocket (hospital excess, gap payments and doctor’s fees) even with insurance. So if that was your primary reason for taking out health insurance, the financial benefit might not be enough incentive, considering the high cost of premiums.
Of course this is a personal decision, and you have to consider things like your income and the medicare surcharge (more info here if you’re not aware).
Hi Jason, thanks for your question.
Health insurance premiums will be going up by 3.03% on average in 2024. The government has to approve these increases each year – this year took a little longer for that to happen. The price rise should happen on April 1 2024.
Be sure to check the news article I linked – it’s got the breakdown of how much each health fund is increasing premiums. 3.03% is just an average across all funds – your fund will probably be slight more or less than that.
Have a good one!
Tim