The Right Cover for Every Stage of Life
Your health insurance needs change throughout life. What works at 24 won't be the right fit at 35 or 55. Here's a guide to making smart decisions at every stage.
Cover by Life Stage
Under 25 — First Cover
The Australian Government offers a 2–10% discount for under-25s who take out hospital cover, known as the Youth Discount. This is a great time to start — not only do you save on premium, you also begin serving waiting periods early and avoid building up LHC loading.
Look for: Basic or Bronze hospital with basic extras cover.
Young Singles (25–35)
The priority at this stage is avoiding LHC loading. If you earn over $101,000 per year, hospital cover also saves you money compared to paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge (2025–26 threshold). A mid-tier policy gives you solid protection without overpaying.
Look for: Bronze or Silver hospital, extras with good dental and physiotherapy.
Couples
Two singles on a couples policy is often cheaper than paying separately. Consider whether you both want the same level of hospital cover — if you plan to start a family in the next few years, it pays to think ahead now, as obstetrics has a 12-month waiting period.
Look for: Silver or Gold hospital if planning a family soon. Good dental and optical extras.
Pregnancy & Starting a Family
Obstetrics is only covered under Gold hospital cover, and you must serve a 12-month waiting period before you can claim for pregnancy-related services. Plan ahead — ideally upgrade your cover before you start trying.
Look for: Gold hospital cover, extras with physiotherapy and psychology.
Families
Family policies cover you, your partner, and all dependent children under 25. Family excess caps are a key benefit — you never pay more than one adult excess in a policy year, no matter how many hospital admissions the family has. Children are covered for free on most family policies.
Look for: Gold or Silver hospital, comprehensive extras with dental, optical, and physio for the whole family.
Single Parents
The same family excess cap rules apply — one excess cap covers you and your children for the year. Single parent policies are widely available and priced accordingly. Budget-conscious extras that cover dental and optical for the kids can make a real difference.
Look for: Silver or Gold hospital depending on your needs. Budget-conscious extras.
Seniors & Retirees
Health needs increase in later life, and public hospital waiting lists for elective procedures can be significant. Private hospital cover gives you access to specialists and elective procedures on your schedule. Silver hospital covers the vast majority of what seniors need — Gold is only worth the extra cost if you specifically require weight loss surgery.
Look for: Silver hospital (covers joint replacements, cataracts, cardiac care, and most elective procedures), comprehensive extras with podiatry and hearing aids.
When Should I Get Cover?
The best time to get covered is before you turn 31 — this avoids Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading, which adds 2% to your premium for every year you delay. But it is never too late to join. The sooner you start, the sooner waiting periods begin, and the sooner you can access the services you need.
Switching Funds
You can switch health funds at any time without re-serving most waiting periods. Under Australian law, if you have already served a waiting period with your current fund for a specific service, your new fund must recognise it — you do not start from zero. Switching is often easier and faster than people expect, and it can lead to significant savings or better benefits.
Reviewing Your Cover
Your needs change at every life stage. A policy that was right for you at 25 may not suit you at 35 or 50. We recommend reviewing your cover at every major life change: starting a new job, entering a relationship, having a child, or approaching retirement. An annual review takes 15 minutes and can save you hundreds of dollars per year.