Health 28 Jul 2025

Why Private Health Insurance Matters, and How to Choose the Right Cover for You

Whether you're looking to avoid long public wait times, plan for a growing family, or simply gain more control over your healthcare needs, having the right health insurance cover can make all the difference.

Private health insurance can play a vital role in helping Australians access quality healthcare faster, with more choice and greater peace of mind. 

 

Whether you're looking to avoid long public wait times, plan for a growing family, or simply gain more control over your healthcare needs, having the right health insurance cover can make all the difference.


What is Private Health Insurance?

Private health insurance is a policy that may help cover the cost of medical services and hospital treatments outside of the public Medicare system. It typically comes in two types:

 

  • Hospital Cover

May assist in meeting treatment costs as a private patient in a hospital, potentially providing you a choice of doctor and reduced waiting periods.


  • Extras Cover

May assists with meeting costs of everyday health services not included under Medicare, such as dental, physiotherapy, optical and more.

 

You can also consider taking a combined cover, which includes both hospital and extras benefits, which is a popular choice for many. 

 


Is Health Insurance Worth It?

Key benefits of holding private health insurance can include:


Faster Access to Treatment

Avoiding long waiting lists in the public health system and getting the treatment you need sooner.
 

More Control Over Your Healthcare

Accessing greater flexibility around healthcare with the ability to choose your doctor, your hospital, and when you receive treatment.

 

Cover for Services Outside Medicare

Extras cover may assist in managing the costs of common health treatments like dental, physio, and optical care.

 

Tax and Financial Benefits

Holding an eligible private hospital policy can help you avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) and reduce the impact of Lifetime Health Cover loading.



How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Policy

Every Australian has different health needs. Whether you're single, part of a couple, or raising a family, it’s important you find a policy that matches your lifestyle and budget. 

 

Below are some factors to consider:


Your Life Stage

Young singles may benefit from a basic hospital + extras packages, while families might look for cover that includes pregnancy, paediatrics, and orthodontics.

 

What You Want Covered

Think about the services you use most, such as dental check-ups, physio sessions, or specialist consultations – you might want cover for these in your extras.

 

Your Budget

Premiums vary based on level of cover, age, and income. Choose a policy that offers you value for money while meeting your healthcare expectations.

 

Waiting Periods

Check if any waiting periods apply, especially if you’re switching funds or upgrading your cover.



Why Choose insurance.com.au?

At insurance.com.au, we make it simple to find private health insurance by partnering with nib to offer comprehensive health insurance solutions and benefits. 

 


Ready to Take Control of Your Health?

Explore your options for private health insurance today to protect your health, your family, and your future. Learn more today

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This article has been prepared by insurance.com.au Pty Ltd (insurance.com.au) ABN 27 163 909 073, an Authorised Representative (AR Number 443422) of Insurance House Pty Ltd ABN 33 006 500 072 AFSL 240954. A copy of insurance.com.au’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) is available here.  

 

The information in this article is of a general nature and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision based on any of the information, you should consider whether it is appropriate to your particular circumstances. You should also obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and, where available, Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decision to acquire a financial product.  


The information is current at the time of publication. While every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information, insurance.com.au, its officers, representatives, employees and agents disclaim all liability (except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained in this material for any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on the information.

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