Health insurance rewards

1. Finder Rewards

Finder Rewards features regular bonus offers of up to $500 in the form of a Visa gift card which you can spend on anything you like. Rewards often stack with other bonuses from the brand, so they're always worth checking for before you sign up.

Health insurance rewards come and go, so it's worth seeing which ones are live right now.

2. Frequent flyer rewards

Some health insurance funds offer frequent flyer points for every dollar you pay in premiums, as well as sign up bonuses. Here are the biggest funds associated with each rewards program:

• Qantas health insurance offers Qantas Points.
• Medibank lets you earn bonus Velocity points as a member.
• HCF has partnered with Flybuys, which can be converted to Velocity Points
• Bupa offers Everyday Rewards, which can be converted to Qantas Points.

3. Health and wellbeing rewards

Health insurance policies often include incentives such as discounted access to health-related products and services or benefits that reward members for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. AIA Vitality is probably the best-known example, which helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle, and in return rewards you with gym discounts, shopping vouchers or even an Apple watch.

4. Health support benefits

Some health funds are providing practical assistance with health issues in the form of free or discounted access to programs and classes related to specific health issues. For example, Medibank offer members with hospital cover 24/7 mental health and nurse phone services, while Teachers Health offers support like mental wellness and nutritionist sessions for eligible members.

5. Retail rewards and discounts

Lots of health insurers give you discounts on shopping with specific brands and retailers. This can include e-Gift cards, discounted movie vouchers, cash back on flights and hotel bookings you make and money off opticians like Specsavers and OPSM. These are handy extra benefits, but worth less than cash in the hand or discounts.

Frequently asked questions

• Who is eligible for health insurance rewards?

  Most policyholders are eligible for health insurance rewards as long as their policy is active and they meet any specific terms set by the health fund. Some rewards might require a certain level of hospital cover, extras cover or a combination. Always check the specific conditions with your chosen health fund.

• Do health insurance rewards increase my premiums?

  Generally, no. Health insurance rewards are typically offered as an incentive to join or remain with a health fund. The cost of your premium is primarily based on factors like your age, the type of cover you choose, your location and any applicable government rebates or loadings. Rewards are usually a bonus rather than an added cost.

• How do I redeem my health insurance rewards?

  The redemption process varies depending on the health fund and the specific reward. For frequent flyer points these are often automatically credited to your linked account. For discounts on gym memberships, health management courses or retail vouchers you might need to access a member portal, download a specific app or present a membership card. Check your health fund's website or contact them directly for exact redemption instructions.

• Can I get rewards with any level of health insurance cover?

  Not always. While some basic rewards might be available with most levels of cover certain premium rewards such as specific health management programs or higher value discounts could require a particular hospital or extras policy. Always review the terms and conditions for each reward to ensure your cover type qualifies.

• Are health insurance rewards taxable in Australia?

  Generally no. Most health insurance rewards such as frequent flyer points or retail discounts are usually considered non-cash benefits or loyalty incentives and are not typically subject to income tax in Australia for individual consumers. However if you receive a significant cash equivalent reward or if you are using health insurance for business purposes it is always wise to seek advice from a qualified financial professional or the Australian Taxation Office.

• How often do health insurance reward programs change?

  Reward programs can change at any time. Health funds regularly update their offers add new partners or discontinue existing rewards based on their marketing strategies and partnerships. It is a good idea to check your health fund's website or member communications periodically to stay informed about the latest available rewards.

• Should I choose a health fund solely based on its reward program?

  While rewards are a nice bonus they should not be the primary factor when choosing health insurance. It is more important to select a policy that provides appropriate cover for your health needs, your family's needs and your budget. Consider the specific inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods and out-of-pocket costs before factoring in any reward programs. Rewards should complement a suitable policy not replace its core value.

Written by

Angus Kidman

Editor-at-large

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Angus Kidman is Finder’s global Editor-at-Large and an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience in tech, travel and finance. He was previously the editor of Lifehacker Australia and Australian Personal Computer, and is a recognised commentator, appearing on shows like Sunrise and The Project. A two-time IT Journalism Award winner, Angus has written for top publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, the AFR, The Australian and Gizmodo, and is known for his expertise in travel rewards and consumer technology. See full bio

Angus's expertise

Angus has written 243 Finder guides across topics including:

• Frequent flyer
• Travel
• Technology
• Broadband

Co-written by

Gary Ross Hunter

Journalist

Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards. See full bio

Gary Ross's expertise

Gary Ross has written 554 Finder guides across topics including:

• Health, home, life, car, pet and travel insurance
• Managing the cost of living