If you think private health insurance is only for people who get hospitalised or hit a certain age... surprise! It’s actually one of the smartest things you can sort out in your 20s or 30s - even if you feel totally fine right now.
At see-u, we’re all about keeping things simple and helpful. Here’s why hospital and extras cover is a low-key adulting move that pays off in more ways than you think.
It’s not just for when you’re sick
Hospital cover is (importantly) there for the big stuff — like surgeries, emergencies, or unexpected hospital stays. But that’s not where it ends.
With private hospital insurance in Australia, you can:
- Have the choice of doctors and specialists who treat you
- Often get treated sooner than you might in the public system, where non-urgent procedures can have longer wait times
- Request a private hospital room if it’s available
When you take out an appropriate level of extras cover, you can also claim on:
- Dental (because fillings are expensive)
- Physio, chiro, osteo (when your neck’s cooked from sleeping wrong)
- Glasses and optical
- Mental health support
- Massage and acupuncture
If you’re claiming even a couple of these each year, your cover could more than earn its keep.
It could help with budgeting and financial planning
A big part of adulting is managing your money — and private health insurance can help you plan for health costs and avoid surprise bills.
With the right cover, you can:
- Get money back on everyday services like dentist or physio
- Avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge if you earn over $101,000 as a single or $202,000 as a couple/family
- Avoid paying the Lifetime Health Cover loading later in life— if you take out hospital cover after 1 July following your 31st birthday, you’ll pay 2% more for every year you delay (up to 70%), and that higher rate can stick for up to a decade depending on how long to wait to take out cover
- Potentially reduce wait times for certain procedures compared to the public system
- Have predictable, regular costs instead of giant unexpected invoices
- Choose the type of care and provider you want
Bonus for under 30s: You could pay even less for hospital cover with the age-based discount. Join earlier, lock it in, and keep it right through to age 41 — as long as you hold onto your cover.
If you’re going to invest in anything, your health is the best place to start.
Why mid-year is the perfect time to join
Wondering when to get private hospital cover? Mid-year is actually ideal because:
- EOFY is done, so you’re probably reviewing your budget
- You’re halfway through the year — a good time to make sure your benefits don’t go to waste
- Joining now can help you avoid part of the Medicare Levy Surcharge for the next financial year
- If you’re under 30, joining earlier means more savings through the age-based discount
The takeaway?
Private health insurance isn’t just for the older, the injured or the ultra-organised. It’s a smart, grown-up investment that helps you take control of your life, your money, and your health — and if you’re under 30, it could cost even less than you think.
Your health is the one thing worth every cent.
FAQs
Q: Do under 30s get cheaper private health insurance?
A: Yes. If you’re aged 18–29, you could get an age-based discount on eligible hospital cover. The discount is applied to your premium when you join and can stay with you up until your 41 years old - as long as you maintain your cover throughout.
Q: Can private health insurance reduce my wait time for surgery?
A: Private hospital cover can often mean you’re treated sooner for certain procedures compared to the public system, where public hospital wait times for non-urgent surgery can be longer. Exact wait times vary, but with private cover, you can usually choose your specialist and schedule treatment a lot sooner.
Q: What’s the difference between hospital cover and extras cover?
A: Hospital cover helps pay for treatment and accommodation if you’re admitted to hospital, while extras cover helps with everyday health costs like dental, physio, glasses, and some allied health services. You can have hospital cover, extras cover, or both.
Q: Is private health insurance worth it if I’m healthy?
A: Even if you rarely get sick, private health cover can give you more choice over who treats you, faster access for certain procedures, and money back on everyday health services through extras cover. Plus, joining before 30 can lock in age-based discount savings for years.
Q: What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge?
A:The Medicare Levy Surcharge is an extra levy for Australian taxpayers who earn over $101,000 (singles) or $202,000 (couples/families) and don’t have an eligible level of hospital cover. Getting hospital cover can help you avoid paying it.
Last updated: August 2025 – Information in this article, including Medicare Levy Surcharge thresholds, is current for the 2025–26 financial year. Thresholds and eligibility criteria can change, so check the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for the latest details.
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