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Cheap health insurance for your tax bill and your teeth
There’s a lot of junk out there – so we analysed 400+ plans and found 5 cheap health insurance policies that are actually good.
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I'm Tim, your insurance expert.
Here to help you find the right cover for you!
Step 1/2 - About your cover
Which state do you live in?
QLD
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SA
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What's your age?
Depending on your age, you may be eligible for an
aged-based discount. This is used to estimate your
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Under 65
65 - 69
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What's your household's taxable income?
This is the combined income you and your spouse earn before tax. It's needed to calculate the correct Australian government rebate.
$93,000 and under
$93,001 to $108,000
$108,001 to $144,000
$144,001 and over
What kind of health insurance do you need?
Combined (Extras + Hospitals)
Extras
Hospital
What level of hospital coverage would you like?
You can change this at any time later.
Legend
Covered
Restricted cover, You may be partially covered for
this category.
Not covered. Optional for insurer to include.
*Prices updated September 2024, in line with Finder's database of health insurance policies. Prices reflect the cheapest available for a single individual with less than $97,000 income and living in Sydney with a $750 excess.
What extras cover do you need? (Optional)
Select as many as you want or move to the next step
Preventative & general dental
Major dental & implants
Optical
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Non-PBS pharmaceuticals
Chiropractic
Emergency ambulance
Remedial massage
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To help you find a cheap policy, our health insurance team has analysed hundreds of policies from over 40 funds, as well as the latest Ombudsman report. We've narrowed it down to a handful of policies and developed a list of the cheapest and most comprehensive policies in the Australian market.
HBF Basic Hospital Plus Elevate is good if you want a cheap policy that gives you more for your money, which is why it won the 2024 Finder Award.
Hospital Treatments
Blood Bone joint and muscle Cancer Dental surgery Digestive system Ear nose and throat Gastrointestinal endoscopy Gynaecology Hernia and appendix Joint reconstructions Kidney and bladder Male reproductive system Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy Skin Tonsils adenoids and grommets
Extras Treatments
Extra treatments not covered
HBF won the Finder 2024 Health Insurer of the Year award because it offers better value than any other fund we researched. That means it's one of the cheapest providers on the market but you get more in return for your money. With Basic Hospital Plus for example, it covers 15 treatments including dental surgery, gynaecology, hernia and appendix, joint reconstructions and tonsils, adenoids and grommets. That's 15 more than is required for a basic policy. You're also covered for accidents, ambulances and you get your own private room.
HBF Basic Plus Elevate is within $4 of the cheapest policy available on Finder and lets you avoid the Medicare levy surcharge (MLS).
It's a not-for-profit, meaning money makes goes back to its members. This is one of the reasons it offers such cheap premiums compared to other insurers. Plus, you get access to discounts on movies, fitness, clothes and more.
HBF Basic Plus Elevate isn't the cheapest HBF policy. That's HBF's Basic Hospital Plus plan which only covers 5 treatments but is around $2 less per week.
We selected HBF's Basic Hospital Plus Elevate because it won the 2024 Finder Award for Basic Hospital cover. These awards compared all eligible basic hospital policies on the market. HBF won based on value for money, meaning policies that covered more treatments in a private hospital for a lower premium scored higher.
To be eligible for Finder Awards, policies needed to be available to purchase from a non-restricted provider with at least a 0.5% national market share.
Average prices are updated monthly when we update Finder's database of health insurance policies. Prices are based on a single individual with less than $97,000 income, $750 excess and living in Sydney.
ahm starter bronze and black 50 saver is good if you want a cheap combined hospital and extras policy. It covers 18 treatments more than a typical basic policy.
Hospital Treatments
Bone joint and muscle Brain and nervous system Breast surgery Cancer Diabetes management Digestive system Ear nose and throat Eye excluding cataracts Gastrointestinal endoscopy Gynaecology Hernia and appendix Joint reconstructions Kidney and bladder Male reproductive system Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy Pain management Skin Tonsils adenoids and grommets
It covers the essential extras services including dental, physio, chiro and emergency ambulance (which isn't free in all states). You can also get some free trips to the dentist. It comes with no gap dental check-ups at specific dentists.
With this combined policy, you exempt yourself from the MLS, if you earn over $97,000 a year as a single or $194,000 as a couple (including super and fringe benefits).
This is not the cheapest combined option. Some basic combined policies will cost you less. However, they typically cover very little. For example, Frank Freedom Starter Flexi-Bundle (Basic) is a few dollars a month cheaper. However, the hospital portion covers accidents and emergency ambulance. That's it.
If you need cover for different treatments, you may want to look at bronze+ or silver cover. A bronze policy is required to cover just 18 treatments.
We selected ahm starter bronze + black 50 saver because it was the joint cheapest combined policy in our database of 900+ policies. The other similarly-priced combined option was also ahm – specifically, the starter bronze + choosable 50 teeth option. We selected this ahm policy because it covers more extras services.
Prices are based on a single individual with less than $97,000 income, $750 excess and living in Sydney.
2024 Finder Award winner for bronze cover. Scores are determined by policies that cover the most treatments for the cheapest price. We looked at 100+ bronze plans in total. You're covered for 25 hospital treatments – 7 more than a standard bronze policy.
Hospital Treatments
Blood Bone joint and muscle Brain and nervous system Breast surgery Cancer Dental surgery Diabetes management Digestive system Ear nose and throat Eye excluding cataracts Gastrointestinal endoscopy Gynaecology Hernia and appendix Joint reconstructions Kidney and bladder Lung and chest Male reproductive system Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy Pain management Palliative care Medically necessary plastic surgery Podiatric surgery Skin Sleep studies Tonsils adenoids and grommets
Extras Treatments
Extra treatments not covered
It's one of the cheapest bronze hospital insurance policies in our database of over 110 bronze plans.
You get more for your money. It covers 25 hospital treatments. No other bronze policy for that price covers this much.
Phoenix Health Bronze is also around the same price. It only covers 18 treatments though.
It has a higher percentage of complaints compared to other large funds.
We looked at 110+ bronze plans on the Finder database (this includes almost every health insurance policy on the market). We selected HCF because it provided the best value for money, covering more treatments for a lower price than any other policy.
Prices are based on a single individual with less than $97,000 income, $750 excess and living in Sydney.
Bupa's Basic Accident Only Hospital policy is good if you're looking for a very cheap policy that lets you avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) – but it only covers accidents and ambulance fees.
Hospital Treatments
Hospital treatments not covered
Extras Treatments
Extra treatments not covered
Out of 72 basic policies, it's the joint cheapest hospital policy on Finder.
By buying this policy, you can avoid paying MLS if you earn over $97,000 a year as a single or $197,000 as a couple (this includes taxable income, super and fringe benefits).
It covers emergency ambulance and comes with an accident inclusion feature. If you have an accident, Bupa will cover you in a private hospital for treatments that are excluded or restricted on your cover.
Frank Accident Only (Basic) and Entry Hospital (Basic+) are similar in price. The latter covers more than Bupa. You get cover for joint reconstructions, dental surgery, hernia and appendix and gynaecology.
This policy doesn't cover you in a private hospital for most treatments.
We looked at 72 basic policies on the Finder database (this includes almost every health insurance policy on the market.) We selected Bupa Basic Accident because it was the joint cheapest basic hospital policy.
Frank also has a similar-priced policy. However, we selected Bupa because 91.1% of its hospital services have no gap services, according to the latest State of the Health Funds report. 86.7% of Frank's medical services have no gap.
Prices are based on a single individual with less than $97,000 income, $750 excess and living in Sydney.
Bone joint and muscle Brain and nervous system Breast surgery Cancer Diabetes management Digestive system Ear nose and throat Eye excluding cataracts Gastrointestinal endoscopy Gynaecology Hernia and appendix Joint reconstructions Kidney and bladder Male reproductive system Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy Pain management Skin Tonsils adenoids and grommets
Extras Treatments
General Dental Major Dental Endodontic Orthodontic Optical Physiotherapy Chiropractic Acupuncture Remedial Massage
nib Bronze Hospital and Dental Boost could be good for families that don't plan to have more kids – but want cover for common treatments families often need such as ears, tonsils and orthodontics. Keep in mind: this is the price for a single policy. A family policy will cost you more.
It's one of the cheapest hospital and extras insurance policies in our database to cover treatments families commonly need, such as ear, nose and throat, tonsils, adenoids and grommets, and orthodontics.
Your kids can stay on the policy up to the age of 31. This limit applies to non-student dependants.
It covers 18 hospital treatments and 9 extras services including dental, orthodontic and optical.
Every family's needs are slightly different. If you don't need some of these treatments, it may be possible to find a cheaper policy.
This policy isn't for families planning to have more children. For that, you will need pregnancy cover.
We selected nib's policy because it was one of the cheapest combined policies in our database to cover ear, nose and throat, tonsils, adenoids and grommets, and orthodontics.
There were other similarly-priced options from ahm and Frank. However, nib can cover non-student dependants up to 31 years of age. Frank does not. Its limit is 21.
We also selected nib over ahm because nib has a higher percentage of medical services with no gap: 91.7% vs 83.8%.
Prices are based on a single individual with less than $97,000 income, $750 excess and living in Sydney.
What is the average cost of health insurance in Australia?
According to PocketSmith, the price of insurance increased by 12% from 2022 to 2023, significantly more than the rate of inflation. The table below gives you an idea of how much each level of health insurance will cost you right now.
How much does health insurance cost?
We ask hundreds of Australians what they're paying for health insurance every month. Here's what their bill looked like in August 2024.
Extras only: $73
Basic: $92
Bronze: $145
Silver: $176
Gold: $216
Price based on 700+ responses for single hospital or extras insurance.
Why compare health insurance with Finder?
We don't ask for your phone or email to see prices.
With 1 click, you can open your results to nearly every fund in Australia.
You pay the same price as going direct – we charge no fees.
Depending on your age, you may be eligible for an
aged-based discount. This is used to estimate your
rebate.
Under 65
65 - 69
70 or older
What's your household's taxable income?
This is the combined income you and your spouse earn before tax. It's needed to calculate the correct Australian government rebate.
$93,000 and under
$93,001 to $108,000
$108,001 to $144,000
$144,001 and over
What kind of health insurance do you need?
Combined (Extras + Hospitals)
Extras
Hospital
What level of hospital coverage would you like?
You can change this at any time later.
Legend
Covered
Restricted cover, You may be partially covered for
this category.
Not covered. Optional for insurer to include.
*Prices updated March 2024, in line with Finder's
database of health insurance policies. Prices are based
on a single individual with less than $93,000 income and
living in Sydney with a $750 excess.
What extras cover do you need? (Optional)
Select as many as you want or move to the next step
Preventative & general dental
Major dental & implants
Optical
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Non-PBS pharmaceuticals
Chiropractic
Emergency ambulance
Remedial massage
Email me my results (optional)
To get a copy of your results for later, add your email below
You'll pay the same price as going direct - we don't
charge fees
We don't ask for your phone number to see prices
Hang tight - we're fetching policies just for you!
Comparing quotes from 40+ funds...
How can I find cheap health insurance?
What's affordable is different for everyone, but no matter what your budget, these are some universal tips that could help you get more bang for your buck.
Check your coverage. If you already have health insurance and are looking for a cheaper option, consider downgrading your policy. You may be paying for benefits you don't need.
Compare online. Finder compares almost every major health insurance policy on the market. Comparing your options side-by-side gives you a good idea of how much you can expect to pay for a policy.
Look for discounts. Lots of health funds run offers to attract new customers. This could be a reduced-price premium, free coverage for a few weeks or some other reward.
Pay before 1 April. Prices go up on 1 April every year. Pay in advance before this date and you'll lock in last year's rates for a while longer.
Increase your excess. Choosing a higher excess will lower your premium. Just remember, if you're looking to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge or Lifetime Health Cover loading, make sure the excess is no higher than $750 for a single person.
Look for a restricted fund. Restricted health funds offer cover to people working in specific industries as well as their families. These funds aren't run for profit, so they can be cheaper, but you have to find one that you're eligible for.
Check if your employer partners with a health fund. Health funds are allowed to give discounts of up to 12% to companies, which those companies can then pass on to employees.
"Last year my first son was born, so getting affordable health insurance with flexible extras became more than just a tax-related priority. Having lived in Australia for only 2 years, I didn't know much about health providers. Finder's selection of best insurance gave me the confidence to check HBF. HBF's Bronze Hospital Plus with Flex 50 extras had everything I was looking for!"
Franco Fagioli
New parent, NSW
Frequently asked questions
Basic plans are typically the cheapest hospital insurance policies you can get in Australia. They start from around $20 per week. Extras insurance is different. They only cover out of hospital treatments.
The cheapest hospital insurance policy in Australia is around $80 per month in most states. However, the price changes depending on the level of cover you get (basic, bronze, silver and gold) and if you add on extras cover.
The cheapest health insurance policies are available in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. A policy costs as little as $60 and $30 per month, respectively. It's around $80 per month for the same policies in all other Australian states and territories.
Not everyone needs health insurance. As long as you're entitled to Medicare, you'll be covered for free treatment in a public hospital if you're injured, fall ill or develop a medical condition in Australia.
For many people, relying on Medicare is the cheapest option, but there are benefits to having private health insurance, and it can even save some people money.
For example, if you earn over $97,000 a year, or $194,000 a year as a couple, you're hit with an extra tax unless you have hospital insurance. You can buy cover for less than the cost of the tax penalty, so it makes financial sense to get cover, even if you don't want it.
Certain extras policies can also save you money if you regularly spend cash on non-hospital healthcare, such as prescription glasses, dental check-ups or even remedial massage. That's because you can easily claim back more than you pay in premiums over the course of the year.
Remember though, private health insurance doesn't mean you'll get treatment for free. Whether it's a hospital or extras policy, you'll usually have some out-of-pocket costs. The exceptions are no-gap dental and no-gap optical, which are only offered by some health funds.
It's possible that the best way to get a cheaper health insurance policy is to switch to another provider. Switching health insurance is surprisingly easy, with all the hard work done for you, in the background.
No, 2 individual policies are the same price as a couples policy with the same level of coverage. In fact, buying couples health insurance may actually end up being more expensive than if you'd bought separate health insurance policies.
That's because, in a couples policy, both members have to be on the same plan. So if one person wants top tier coverage, the other person has to get it too. If you and your partner want different levels of coverage, it's worth looking into individual policies instead. This is especially useful for health insurance for young adults, where only one of you may need health insurance for pregnancy, which is more expensive.
The cost of private health insurance varies depending on what you're looking for. You can find extras cover from just a few dollars a week, while basic hospital policies will cost you from around $20 per week.
You can avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) by holding any level of hospital cover that has an excess of $750 or less for singles, or $1,500 or less for couples and families. An extras policy does not count, it must be a hospital policy. The cheapest hospital options are typically basic cover policies. However, it can be worth looking at some bronze policies as they tend to cover a lot more and cost only a few dollars extra.
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Angus Kidman as part of our fact-checking process.
Tim Bennett is a Finder insurance & utilities expert. For over 10 years he's reported on news, politics, finance and other topics as a journalist and radio presenter. Tim's roles have included radio news reader and breakfast at the ABC, news producer for SBS and producer for Fairfax Media. Tim regularly appears as a health insurance expert on programs like Sunrise and SBS news, as well as in the Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and more. See full bio
Tim's expertise
Tim has written 121 Finder guides across topics including:
Gary Ross Hunter was an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio
Gary Ross's expertise
Gary Ross has written 699 Finder guides across topics including:
The average Aussie household spends $191 per week on groceries, our data shows – but you could spend much less with these tips and tricks from Finder crew.
We asked 400+ Australians to rate their health insurer for customer service, value for money and more — these are the winners.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
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When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Depending on your age, you may be eligible for an
aged-based discount. This is used to estimate your
rebate.
Under 65
65 - 69
70 or older
What's your household's taxable income?
This is the combined income you and your spouse earn before tax. It's needed to calculate the correct Australian government rebate.
$93,000 and under
$93,001 to $108,000
$108,001 to $144,000
$144,001 and over
What kind of health insurance do you need?
Combined (Extras + Hospitals)
Extras
Hospital
What level of hospital coverage would you like?
You can change this at any time later.
Legend
Covered
Restricted cover, You may be partially covered for
this category.
Not covered. Optional for insurer to include.
*Prices updated March 2024, in line with Finder's
database of health insurance policies. Prices are based
on a single individual with less than $93,000 income and
living in Sydney with a $750 excess.
What extras cover do you need? (Optional)
Select as many as you want or move to the next step
Preventative & general dental
Major dental & implants
Optical
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Non-PBS pharmaceuticals
Chiropractic
Emergency ambulance
Remedial massage
Email me my results (optional)
To get a copy of your results for later, add your email below
