Ouch. But hey, it’s not all bad news. Sure, it might feel like just another annoying adulting moment – but getting your own cover can actually be a pretty smart move.

Here’s what to know (and why going solo might work out in your favour).

How long can I stay on my parents’ policy?

At see-u by HBF, you can stay on a family policy if you’re:

  • Under 23 years old, or
  • Under 25 and a full-time student
  • Not married or in a de facto relationship

Good to know: your income doesn’t affect your eligibility as a dependant. But if you’re starting to tick off any of the above, it might be time to look at getting your own cover.

Why getting your own cover isn’t a bad thing

Here’s what you could gain by taking out your own policy:

  • Cover that actually suits your lifestyle – get covered for the things you’ll actually use
  • Your own benefits, your own way – manage claims and payments yourself
  • You might even save – depending on your age and what your parents are paying to keep you on
  • Score the age-based discount – join before 30 and you’ll get a discount on your hospital premium until you’re 41

Also, if you earn over $101,000? You’ll want to stay covered - whether on your own or your parents’ policy -  to avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge at tax time. (Hot tip: any complying hospital policy counts.)

Signs you’re ready to fly solo

  • You’ve finished studying and aged out of family cover
  • You’re working full-time and financially independent
  • You want extras cover that suits your life (hello physio, goodbye orthodontics)
  • You’re under 30 and want to lock in your age-based discount
  • You’re ready to take your health (and your finances) into your own hands

Not sure where to start?

We’ll keep it simple — answer a few quick questions and we’ll show you the cover that fits where you’re at right now.

Get a quote!

FAQs

Q: What age do I get kicked off my parents’ health insurance in Australia?
A: At see-u by HBF, you can stay on a family policy until you’re under 23, or under 25 if you're a full-time student, unmarried, and not in a de facto relationship.

Q: Can I stay on my parents' health insurance if I earn over $101,000?
A: Yes. Income doesn't affect your eligibility as a dependant – only age, student status, and relationship status do.

Q: Will I pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge if I’m on my parents’ policy?
A: No. As long as you’re covered by any complying hospital policy, including a family one, you won’t be charged the MLS.

Q: Is there a benefit to getting my own policy before 30?
A: Yes – if you take out eligible hospital cover before turning 30, you can access the age-based discount and save on your premiums until you’re 41.

Your offer: up to 8 WEEKS FREE on us!

Join see-u and score weeks of free cover on eligible combined Hospital & Extras — plus we’ll waive your 2-month Extras waiting periods, so you can start using your cover sooner.

More in Your Pocket. Less on Your Mind.

T&Cs apply. Ends 2 Nov. Total weeks free (4, 6 or 8) depends on product selected. 2-month Extras waits waived only. Click here for full details. 

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