Hospital cover
What is hospital cover?
Hospital cover is a type of private health insurance that helps cover the cost of treatment and accommodation if you’re admitted to hospital. It’s designed to give you more healthcare options, like choosing your doctor, accessing private hospitals, and avoiding potentially long public waitlists. Depending on your level of cover, it can also include things like theatre fees, intensive care, and even some specialist services.
It’s all about giving you more options when life throws the unexpected your way. Whether it’s a planned procedure or an emergency, hospital cover means you’re not just relying on the public system; you’ve got a safety net that may help you get the care you need, when you need it. And with different levels of cover available, you can choose what best suits your health needs and budget.
What are the benefits of hospital cover?
Hospital cover isn’t just about having insurance – it’s about having options, support, and a level of assurance for when you need it most. From choosing your own doctor to accessing private hospitals and reducing waiting times, hospital care can give you more healthcare options. And depending on your level of cover, it can also help with the cost of a wide range of treatments and services.
Key features and benefits of hospital cover:
- More choice and healthcare options: Choose your preferred doctor, hospital, and timing for treatment.
- Private hospital access: Skip long public waitlists and get treated in a private hospital (depending on your cover).
- Comfort and privacy: Enjoy the option of a private room during your hospital stay (subject to availability and level of cover).
- Wide range of treatments: Cover may include procedures like joint replacements, heart surgery, cataract operations, and maternity care.
- Essential hospital services: Includes hospital accommodation, theatre fees, and in-hospital specialist services.
- Lower out-of-pocket costs: Helps reduce the cost of hospital stays and certain treatments.
- Tax savings: May help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge if you earn above a certain income. Always seek professional advice.
- Lifetime Health Cover loading: Take out cover before age 31 to avoid higher health insurance premiums later on.
As we get older, the need for hospital care often increases, and costs can add up quickly. For example, according to the Australian Government’s Medical Cost Finder, the average cost of a private hospital admission in Australia can range from several thousand dollars depending on the procedure. Even basic treatments can come with unexpected costs. The good news? Hospital cover can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and may even help you avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge at tax time, if you earn an income above a certain amount. It can be a smart way to not only protect your health but your wallet too.
Compare hospital cover features and benefits
Hospital Cover in Australia is generally grouped up into 4 standard tiers, as set out by the government. The table below outlines common health services typically included in each tier of hospital cover.
Basic Hospital | Bronze Hospital | Silver Hospital | Gold Hospital |
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Restricted services:
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The information above is a summary and should be used as a guide only. Always check policy documents for specific details.
Thinking of switching?
Switching health insurance is simple, and can potentially save you money, while giving you better cover. Whether your health needs – and goals – have changed or you’re just looking for more value, Choosi is here to help you compare options, so you can make the move with confidence.
Ambulance cover
Ambulance cover can help protect you from the often unexpected (and costly) fees that come with emergency transport. Medicare doesn’t cover ambulance services, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per trip, however if you’re a Queensland or Tasmania resident, the state government covers the cost. Whether it’s ground transport, treatment at the scene, or interstate travel, depending on where you live, ambulance cover can help reduce or eliminate these out-of-pocket expenses. Some policies cover all ambulance travel, while others may have limits based on location or type of service.
Learn more about health insurance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQsFrequently Asked Questions)
Health insurance costs in Australia can vary widely depending on your stage of life, health needs, and the level of cover and excess you choose. Whether you're a young adult looking for basic protection, a family needing broader cover, or planning for retirement, there are options to suit your lifestyle and budget. You can select hospital cover, extras (like dental, optical, and physio), or a combined policy – giving you the freedom to select your preferred level of cover. Compare options available through Choosi for your current needs online today.
Private health insurance is not tax deductible in Australia. However, you may be eligible for the private health insurance rebate, which helps reduce the cost of your premiums based on your income and age. You can claim this rebate as a premium reduction or as a refundable tax offset when lodging your tax return. Additionally, after you turn 30, having eligible hospital cover may help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge if you earn above a certain income threshold.
Medicare may cover anaesthetist fees in a private hospital, but only partially. If the anaesthetist charges more than the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee, you could face out-of-pocket costs. Cover depends on the procedure and whether it's eligible under Medicare. Private health insurance may help cover the gap, so it's important to check with your insurer and anaesthetist before treatment.
Medicare doesn’t cover the full cost of surgery in a private hospital. While it may subsidise part of the doctor’s fees (such as your surgeon or anaesthetist), it doesn’t cover hospital charges like accommodation, theatre fees, or other private hospital costs. That’s where hospital cover comes in – it can help pay for these kinds of costs. Always check with your insurer and healthcare provider to understand what’s covered and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Many health insurers offer family health insurance policies that can cover you, your partner, and your financially dependent children.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Family health insurance policies typically cover the policyholder, their partner (if listed), and their children.
- Couples cover is available for two adults without children.
- Single parent cover is also an option for one adult and their children.
- Children can usually stay on a family policy until they turn 22, or up to 31 if they’re full-time students and meet certain criteria.