Private Health Insurance For Singles

Health insurance for singles protects you against the rising costs of medical treatments, and ensures you get more control over your healthcare when it matters most. But finding the best health insurance for singles can be tricky. It all depends on the type of cover you need. For example, appropriate hospital cover provides comprehensive protection for in-hospital treatments and surgeries, while extras cover includes support for out-of-hospital services like dental, physiotherapy, and glasses/contact lenses. useful.

Costs of health insurance for singles

The cost of single health insurance varies depending on your chosen level of coverage, age, and location. 

• Coverage level: Basic hospital cover offers limited protection and lower premiums, while comprehensive plans with extras cover typically cost more.

• Age: Premiums for a particular cover are generally not related to your age, however singles over 50 may require more comprehensive levels of cover, which can cost more.

• Location: Premiums can vary by state, as healthcare costs and demand differ across Australia.

On average, singles might expect to pay between $75–$150 per month for basic hospital cover, with comprehensive policies – including extras like dental and optical – potentially costing $200 or more. 

Cover suited to younger individuals cost less while older singles may need a more comprehensive policy. Key cost factors include:

For example, a 25-year-old single individual in Queensland may pay around $80 per month for basic hospital cover, while a 55-year-old single in New South Wales with top hospital and extras cover could pay approximately $220 per month.

Benefits of private health for singles

While the best health insurance for singles depends on your personal needs and budget, appropriate private health insurance offers several advantages for singles.

• Shorter wait times: Private hospital cover allows faster access to hospital treatments, reducing wait times compared to the public system.

• Choice of provider: You can usually choose your preferred doctors and hospitals to ensure continuity of care.

• Coverage for non-Medicare services: Extras cover may include dental, physiotherapy, and optical services that Medicare does not cover.

• Avoid LHC loading: Taking out appropriate private health insurance before turning 31 helps you avoid LHC loading. If you wait until after your 31st birthday to purchase cover, you’ll face an extra 2% on your hospital cover premium for every year you were uninsured after age 31, up to a maximum of 70%. 

If you’re looking for the best health insurance for singles over 50, comprehensive extras cover can help maintain health with preventative services like dental check-ups and eye exams. 

Waiting periods

Waiting periods are the designated times you must wait after taking out health insurance before claiming certain benefits. These periods vary between insurers, and some insurers may offer promotions that reduce or waive waiting periods, particularly on extras cover. So it’s important to compare options before committing. Typical waiting periods include:

State based costs & differences

There are generally three types of health insurance for singles. Each type of coverage comes with different premiums, inclusions, and exclusions:  

1. Hospital coverage: Hospital-only policies cover in-hospital treatments and surgeries, with costs varying based on the level of cover. The Basic tier is the most affordable but offers limited coverage, while Bronze and Silver tiers cover progressively more treatments. The Gold tier is the most comprehensive and thus the most expensive, covering all Medicare recognised procedures.

2. Extras coverage: Extras cover provides benefits for out-of-hospital services not covered by Medicare, like dental, optical, and physiotherapy. Costs vary based on the range and level of services covered, with basic extras plans being the least expensive and comprehensive extras plans costing more.

3. Combined coverage: Combining hospital and extras cover offers a more comprehensive plan, bundling in-hospital and out-of-hospital services into a single policy. Combined plans tend to be more expensive than hospital-only or extras-only coverage, as they offer a broader range of benefits across both categories.

Health insurance premiums can also vary by state and territory. Here is an overview of monthly premium price ranges for single health insurance across Australia:

Source: PrivateHealth.gov.au (assessment carried out in November 2024) *Based on combined hospital and extras coverage for a single person aged 31-64 earning less than $93,001 with a minimum level of bronze hospital cover. 

Key Terms

Excess: An upfront amount you agree to pay when making a hospital claim. Higher excesses generally lower your premium but increase out-of-pocket costs at claim time.

Extras cover: Offers benefits for services not included in standard hospital cover, such as dental, physiotherapy, and optical.

Pre-existing condition: Any condition you had signs or symptoms of in the six months prior to taking out insurance or upgrading your cover Waiting periods for these conditions may vary by insurer.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a young professional or a single over 50, single health insurance provides essential support and financial protection against unexpected healthcare costs. 

By considering your health needs and comparing policies across providers and regions, you can choose a policy that suits both your budget and lifestyle. 

And by joining at a younger age and avoiding the LHC loading, health insurance is a sound investment for singles looking to manage their healthcare expenses.

Frequently asked questions

How much is private health insurance for a single person?

The average cost for singles varies widely, with basic policies ranging from $75 to $150 per month. Comprehensive policies, including extras, may cost up to $250 monthly.

What is the best health insurance for singles over 50?

For singles over 50, a more comprehensive policy that includes hospital and extras cover is typically beneficial. These policies offer coverage for age-related health needs, including physiotherapy, dental, and optical services.

How do I know if I have the right level of cover?

Choosing the right cover depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. Generally, if you’re young and healthy, a lower or mid-level hospital cover may suffice. For those with specific healthcare needs or chronic conditions, a more comprehensive cover can offer broader support.

Additional resources

• Check your Private Health Insurance Rebate based on your  income and age

• Calculate your potential LHC loading

• Make a complaint against your health insurer 

Sources

Department of Health and Aged Care

MoneySmart

ACCC

PrivateHealth.gov.au 

Chris Stanley is the sales & operations manager of health insurance at Compare Club. With extensive experience and expertise, Chris is a trusted leader known for his deep understanding of health insurance markets, policies, and coverage options. As the sales & operations manager of health insurance, Chris leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health insurance needs.

Meet our health insurance expert, Chris Stanley

Chris's top health insurance tips

• 1

  Australia’s public health system is world-class, but wait times for public hospitals can be long, inconvenient - and leave you living in constant pain while you wait.

• 2

  An appropriate private health insurance policy can speed up your surgery, relieving your pain sooner.

• 3

  Family health cover means your children are covered under the same policy as you.

• 4

  Many health insurance policies come with a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related cover, so it’s a good idea to get a family policy organized well before starting your family. This means your child will be covered from birth until at least their early twenties (depending on which health fund you select).