How private health cover can help young people

Is private health insurance worth it? Even if you’re young and healthy, our programs and services can help young people take charge of their health.

Whether you’re a busy professional, sports fanatic or parent-to-be, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of the ways you can save money, get the right health support and maximise your health cover.

You could save on tax

If you’re climbing the ladder at work and are now earning more than $93,000 a year, or your family has a combined income of more than $186,000, and you don’t have private hospital cover, you may need to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge – up to 1.5% of your income each year. Sign up for private hospital cover and you could be off the hook.

Support for pregnancy, birth and beyond

We know what it's like to be expectant parents, that's why we're supporting mums and bubs through our online app and telehealth solutions. We’re here to help parents through pregnancy, to birth and beyond. On eligible products, you can claim towards a range of programs and services to support you through pregnancy and parenthood. Programs and services include*:

• childbirth education classes – face-to-face in hospital and access to Birth Beat’s online courses
• breastfeeding consultations
• antenatal and postnatal group physio.

For extra support, you could also claim towards:

• pregnancy compression garments
• breastfeeding support services provided by the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Avoiding extra costs

About to turn 31? If you don’t take out private hospital cover from the year you turn 31, you’ll pay the Lifetime Health Cover loading – 2% extra on top of your premium for every year you’re aged over 30. This means if you take out private hospital cover when you’re 40, you could pay an extra 20% on top of the cost of your cover. This loading will be removed once you've maintained your cover for 10 years.

100% back on popular extras

Need new glasses or due to get a dental check-up? Eligible members can get 100% back on selected glasses and dental check-ups at participating extras providers in our No-Gap network^{^}, providing you’re on an eligible level of cover and haven’t hit your limits. Read details about eligibility.

Support for mental health

More than 75% of mental health problems occur before the age of 25, reports Beyond Blue. Our mental health and wellbeing programs give eligible members great access to the right support and advice on their mental health journey. We’re proud to help connect our members to:

• video chat with experienced clinical psychologists to help you take control of your mental wellbeing in your own space and time with PSYCH2U⁺
• Hello Sunday Morning’s free Daybreak app, with an online peer community to help you change your relationship with alcohol

Through our partnership with GP2U, all HCF members with health cover can access a standard online video GP consultation (up to 10 minutes) for a fee of $50. See hcf.com.au/gp2u for more information. 

Care after an injury or accident

If you’re a keen netballer, cricketer or ballroom dancer, injuries can happen. And even if you’re not, situations like needing surgery for a broken bone can disrupt everyday life.

HCF members with hospital cover can avoid public hospital waiting lists of up to 1.5 years. Plus, extras cover for things like physio and remedial massage can help you save on expenses associated with your recovery.

Have more choice

HCF members have choice – you can often decide the specialist who treats you and where you’re treated. Follow the recommendation of your GP or specialist to find a doctor, or research our Dr Gap tool to find a participating provider.

You can also compare hospitals within our network using our online tool.

Updated June 2022