⚠️ Health insurance premiums rise 1 April 2026 — average 4.41% increase. Review your cover now →
Queensland

Health Insurance in Queensland

From Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Cairns and Townsville — Queenslanders have access to a strong network of private hospitals. Here's what you need to know about getting the right cover in QLD for 2025-26.

$101k
Income where MLS makes hospital cover essential
24.288%
Govt rebate — reduces your real cost (2025-26)
Age 31
LHC loading kicks in after this birthday

Private Health Insurance in QLD: What You Need to Know

Private health insurance rules are national — same four hospital tiers (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold), same government rebate, same waiting periods — whether you live in Brisbane, Cairns, or the Sunshine Coast. What differs is the local hospital network and which specialists participate in gap cover.

South East QLD: well-serviced private sector
Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast have a well-developed private hospital network. Most major funds have strong coverage in South East QLD with a wide choice of facilities.
Regional QLD: network check is critical
Outside South East QLD, private hospital options become more limited. Townsville and Cairns have private facilities, but smaller regional centres may not. Our agents verify your nearest hospital is in-network before you sign up.
Gap cover: competitive but variable
Queensland has a large private specialist market. Gap costs for surgeons and anaesthetists can be significant. Choosing a fund with a broad QLD gap cover network protects you from bill shock.

Government Rebate for QLD Residents (2025-26)

The Australian Government rebate reduces your premium by up to 24.288% for singles earning $101,000 or less. Claim it as a premium reduction — no tax return needed. Source: privatehealth.gov.au — Insurance Rebate.

Income (singles)Income (families)Rebate (under 65)
≤$101,000≤$202,00024.288%
$101,001–$118,000$202,001–$236,00016.192%
$118,001–$158,000$236,001–$316,0008.095%
>$158,000>$316,0000%

Rebate rates apply 1 July 2025 – 31 March 2026. Higher rebate % at ages 65–69 and 70+. Source: privatehealth.gov.au.

Find the right cover for Queensland

Our agents compare policies for QLD residents — showing your real price after the government rebate, with hospitals in your area included.

Compare QLD cover

Medicare Levy Surcharge — QLD High Earners

Earn above $101,000 (singles) or $202,000 (families) without hospital cover? You're paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge — 1%–1.5% of taxable income — to the ATO instead of into cover that benefits you. Source: privatehealth.gov.au — MLS.

The MLS calculation on a $130,000 salary
MLS rate (income $118k–$158k)1.25%
Annual surcharge$1,625/year to ATO
Bronze hospital policy (approx. after rebate†)~$99–$136/month
Annual policy cost~$1,188–$1,632/year — AND you get cover

†Silver hospital estimate. Actual premiums vary by fund, age, excess. MLS avoided entirely with any qualifying hospital cover.

Private Hospitals in Queensland

Brisbane
Wesley Hospital, Greenslopes Private, Mater Private Brisbane, Holy Spirit Northside Private, St Andrew's War Memorial
Gold Coast
John Flynn Private Hospital, Pindara Private, Southport Private, Gold Coast Private Hospital
Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, Buderim Private, Nambour Selangor Private
Cairns / North QLD
Cairns Private Hospital, Mater Private Hospital Townsville, Townsville Private Hospital
Toowoomba / Darling Downs
St Vincent's Private Hospital Toowoomba
Regional QLD
Limited — our agents verify your nearest facility is in-network before you commit

Right Cover by Life Stage — QLD

Under 30
Bronze hospital + basic extras
Lock in the 10% youth discount, avoid LHC loading. ~$70–$100/month after rebate†. Source: privatehealth.gov.au — Youth Discount.
Couples planning a family
Gold hospital
Obstetrics is Gold-only with a 12-month waiting period. Start at least 15 months before your planned due date.
Active adults (30s–50s)
Silver hospital + extras
Silver covers cardiac, spinal, joints, and most common surgical needs. Extras for dental and physio become more valuable each decade.
Seniors (65+)
Silver hospital + strong extras
Silver covers all realistic senior hospital needs. Strong dental and optical extras are the priority — costs in these categories increase significantly with age.

†After government rebate (Base tier) and 10% youth discount. Actual premiums vary by fund, age, excess, and state. Youth discount info.

QLD cover, compared for free

Our agents find the right policy for your situation in Queensland — real price after your government rebate, hospitals near you included, no obligation.