5 must-haves in your health insurance policy this year
Thinking about switching to a new health insurer? We take a look at some of the must-haves when it comes to picking a new provider in 2026.
Sponsored by Medibank. Whether you need hospital cover, extras cover or both, we've got you. Get outstanding value health insurance with a range of benefits and member perks with Medibank.
With the cost of living on the rise, it's crucial to look for ways to get better bang for your buck. And your health insurance is no exception!
So with this in mind, let's look at how Medibank health insurance can offer you extra value.
1. Introductory offers
Sometimes, health insurers will offer extra value or promotions as part of an introductory offer.
From 14 May to 31 July 2026, Medibank is offering eligible new members up to 12 weeks free€ when you sign up for a hospital, extras or a combined cover policy (subject to eligible and minimum holding periods).
Offers like this can help you save cash long-term, as well as helping you get the cover you're looking for.
2. Value
Of course, value isn't just about money.
It's also about the services you can access through your health insurer, too.
For example, Medibank covers also include:
- Unlimited emergency ambulance for eligible emergencies with all Hospital or Extras covers (conditions apply).^
- 24/7 Medibank Nurse & Mental Health Support - Medibank health insurance members can speak to a registered nurse or mental health professional over the phone or online in relation to a general health or emotional concern at any time of the day or night at no extra cost for eligible services (some referrals may involve out-of-pocket costs).¥¥
- Accident Cover Boost -- If you have an Accident, any Excluded or Restricted Service will be treated as if it is an Included Service, no matter what level of hospital cover you have, thanks to Medibank's Accident Cover Boost (subject to conditions and exclusions). +
You can read more about some of the ways that Medibank offers value right here, too.
Discover a wide range of insurance for your everyday
In addition to health insurance, Medibank also offers a range of other insurance services, including:
- Travel insurance: Get cover for your next domestic or overseas trip.
- Pet insurance: Look after your furry friends with the healthcare they need.
- Life insurance: Make sure that your loved ones are taken care of after you're gone.
3. Earn rewards
Medibank's Live Better Rewards is a health and wellbeing program which is designed to inspire and incentivise you eating better, moving more and looking after your everyday health.
In turn, eligible members can earn points by taking these healthy actions, which can be redeemed for a range of rewards.* Plus, if you shop with Medibank's partner brands, you could earn even more points!
To see more about the Live Better Rewards Program, just hit this link.
4. Discounts for bundled services
When you're a health member with Medibank, you can also get a discount on select other Medibank insurance policies.
For example, as a health member, you're eligible for 15% off Medibank Travel Insurance# all year around.
Offers like this can help you save on other insurance costs without having to compromise on cover.
5. Access to a broad range of extras
One of the most important considerations of any health insurance cover is whether or not it offers the sort of cover you need.
So always make sure you take a close look at the services and annual limits for your cover.
For example, depending on your cover, Medibank offers extras such as:
- Dental
- Optical
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic
- Hearing aids
- Remedial massage
- And more!
You can see a full run-down of extras on the Medibank website.
Get cover with Medibank
€ Hospital and Extras offer: For new members who join and start eligible combined Hospital and Extras cover from 14 May 2026 – 31 July 2026 11:59PM AET and who have not held Medibank health cover in previous 60 days (unless they are dependents coming off their parent's cover). Must quote promo code 12WEEKSPLUS and set up direct debit when joining. Must have Australian residence. Excludes Corporate covers, Hospital only cover, Extras only cover, Overseas Visitors Health Cover, Overseas Workers Health Cover, Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC), Ambulance Cover, ahm covers, and other selected covers. Not available to Medibank employees. Not available with any other offer. Medibank reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time.
12 weeks free terms: Must remain up-to-date with premium payments and hold eligible cover for 42 consecutive days from the policy start date to get initial 6 weeks free, and for 15 consecutive months to receive subsequent 6 weeks free. The initial 6 weeks free will be applied at the next billing cycle after you have held eligible cover for 42 consecutive days. The subsequent 6 weeks free will be applied at the next billing cycle after you have held eligible cover for 15 months. The 6 weeks free will not be issued if you change to an ineligible cover, terminate your cover or suspend your cover during this period. Discounted amount to reflect level of eligible cover at time of discount.
2&6 month waits waived on extras terms: 2&6 month waiting periods on extras waived. Other waiting periods apply (including 12 months on some dental services). Annual limits apply. If you're switching from another fund and you've used any of your current limits (at that fund), that will count towards your annual limits with us. If you've reached your limits at your previous fund you may not be able to claim straight away on extras.
Live Better rewards points terms: Must maintain direct debit and hold eligible product for 42 consecutive days from the policy start date to receive Live Better rewards points. The points will not be issued if you change to an ineligible cover, terminate your cover or suspend your cover during this period. Policyholder will require access to a smartphone and will need to download the My Medibank app. Policyholder will need to have registered a My Medibank account, sign up to Live Better via the My Medibank app and track a Live Better activity within 42 consecutive days from the policy start date. Must be 16 years or over to register for Medibank Live Better. Live Better rewards points could take up to 10 weeks from the policy start date to be loaded to the policyholder's Live Better account. Singles and single parents will receive 15,000 Live Better rewards points, and families and couples will receive 30,000 Live Better rewards points.
Live Better rewards terms: Must be a Medibank member with eligible hospital cover, extras cover, or hospital and extras cover, be up-to-date with premium payments and have signed up to Live Better via the My Medibank app to redeem rewards. Additional terms and conditions may apply to the redemption of a reward depending on the type of reward chosen. Read full Medibank Live Better terms here: https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/rewards/terms/
^ Waiting period applies. For ambulance attendance or transportation to a hospital where immediate medical attention is required and your condition is such that you couldn't be transported any other way. TAS and QLD have State schemes that provide ambulance services for residents of those States.
¥¥ Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.
+ For Accidents that occur in Australia after your cover starts. Must seek medical treatment within 7 days, and receive hospital treatment within 12 months of the Accident occurring. Excludes Private Emergency Department Benefit, hospital bonus, claims covered by third parties and our Private Room Promise. Out-of-pocket costs may apply.
*Must be aged 16+ to register, but some partners require you to be 18+ to earn and redeem. Must hold eligible Medibank hospital and/or extras cover (excluding Overseas Student Health Cover and Ambulance only cover), be up-to-date with premium payments and have signed up in the My Medibank app to earn and redeem points. Live Better Management Pty Ltd ACN 003 457 289 may receive commissions from partners. Points earning activities and rewards may change and may be subject to availability - we'll notify you of changes where possible. Additional terms may apply. See full Medibank Live Better rewards terms <hyperlink to https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/rewards/terms/>.
#Travel insurance
Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. Medibank Private Limited, ABN 47 080 890 259, an Authorised Representative, AR 286089, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited, ABN 73 144 049 230 AFSL 360138 arranges the insurance on behalf of the insurer. The insurer is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Please consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations, visit medibank.com.au/travel-insurance/help/
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