Under 30

Health Insurance Under 30

Your 20s are the best time to lock in health insurance. You get a discount for being young, you avoid a permanent financial penalty, and entry-level cover is genuinely affordable. Here's everything you need to know.

10%

Youth discount at age 18–25

LHC loading per year after 31

10 yrs

How long loading sticks once applied

The LHC Deadline: The Most Important Date in Australian Health Insurance

If you don't take out hospital cover by 1 July following your 31st birthday, you pay a 2% Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading for every year you delayed — for the next 10 years. Once applied, it only goes away after 10 continuous years of cover.

Age when you first join	LHC loading	Extra cost on $1,200/yr policy†
30 or under	0%	$0 extra
35	10%	+$120/yr
40	20%	+$240/yr
45	30%	+$360/yr
50	40%	+$480/yr

†Example only. Source: privatehealth.gov.au — Lifetime Health Cover

Youth Discount: A Real Saving Right Now

While the LHC penalises waiting, the age-based discount rewards you for joining young. It applies automatically — you don't need to ask for it.

Your age	Discount on hospital premium	How long you keep it
18–25	10%	Until you turn 41, then phases out 2%/yr
26	8%	Until you turn 41, then phases out
27	6%	Until you turn 41, then phases out
28	4%	Until you turn 41, then phases out
29	2%	Until you turn 41, then phases out
30+	0%	No discount

Source: privatehealth.gov.au — Age-based discount

How close is your LHC deadline?

Tell us your date of birth and we'll show you exactly how much you save by getting covered today vs waiting — and find the best Bronze cover for your budget.

See my savings →

What Cover Should You Get in Your 20s?

Our take for most under-30s

Bronze hospital + basic extras. Bronze covers 18+ clinical categories including bone/joint, ENT, cardiac, and cancer — the real risks for an active person in their 20s. Basic extras adds dental, optical, and physio. Satisfies the LHC requirement. Qualifies for the youth discount. After rebate, typically $80–$120/month.†

Do NOT get Gold in your 20s

Gold adds obstetrics, IVF, joint replacements, and cataracts. Rarely needed in your 20s. You're paying for cover you won't use. Upgrade to Silver or Gold later when circumstances change — your waiting periods carry over.

Silver is fine if your budget allows

Silver adds cardiac, spinal, and back cover to Bronze. Worth considering if you have a family history of heart conditions or are a serious athlete. Not necessary for most people under 30.

†Estimated after government rebate for singles earning $101,000 or less. Actual premiums vary by fund, state, and policy details.

Common Questions

I'm 29 — do I still get the youth discount?+

Yes — 2% discount at age 29. It's smaller than at 25 (10%) but still applies. More importantly, getting covered at 29 means you avoid any LHC loading. Get covered before 1 July after your 31st birthday.

Does the youth discount make a big difference?+

On a $1,200/year policy, 10% = $120/year saved. Multiply that over the years you maintain cover. Combined with avoiding LHC loading, the total financial benefit of joining young is significant.

What if I can't afford cover right now?+

Entry-level Bronze cover after the government rebate is typically $80–$120/month. If budget is tight, find the cheapest qualifying Bronze policy that meets your needs — any cover is better than no cover when the LHC clock is ticking.

I'm still on my parents' policy — what do I do at 25?+