First 6 Months30 minutesHealth & Wellbeing
Avoid Lifetime Health Cover loading
If you don't have private hospital cover by July 1 after your 31st birthday, you pay a 2% loading for each year you're late (up to 70%).
Why this matters
The loading stays for 10 years. Getting cover early saves you thousands over time.
How to do it
How to do it
- 1
Check if you're approaching the deadline (July 1 after turning 31)
- 2
Compare hospital cover options at privatehealth.gov.au
- 3
New migrants have 12 months from when they're eligible for Medicare
- 4
Even basic hospital cover avoids the loading
The loading applies for 10 years after you do take out cover. Don't delay.
Time required: 30 minutes
Go to official resource