Getting started
There may be different times in your life when you need to think about health insurance, but it may be complicated if you're new to it. This guide will help answer your questions.
Frequently asked questions
![](/content/dam/retail/marketing-assets/spacer.gif)
All health funds have waiting periods. In short, a waiting period is a period of time you need to wait after taking out your cover before you can receive benefits for services or items covered.
You’re not able to receive benefits for any items or services you might have obtained while you’re serving a waiting period or before you joined Medibank.
The Australian government provides the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance to encourage people to take out private health insurance. Find out more about the Australian Government Rebate.
Extras cover gives you money back for non-hospital services such as dental, physio, optical and more.
The amount of money you can claim back depends on the level of cover you have.
Generally speaking, the higher the level of cover, the higher your annual limit and higher the percentage you can claim back.
Read more: Is Extras cover worth it?
A cover that helps with the cost of a member's hospital stay as a private patient including:
- hospital accommodation on the ward,
- in-patient medical treatment; and
- associated appliances provided during the admission e.g. approved internal prostheses
Read more: What's the difference between Medicare and private health insurance?
![](/content/dam/retail/marketing-assets/lifestyle/img-child-doctor-smiling.jpg)
How much will my procedure cost?
Want to know what some common procedures are for someone like you? Use our Procedure Cost Estimator to find out what they are, and how private health insurance can help you to manage the cost.
Still confused about health insurance?
Below are some helpful links to help you understand and how to use your health cover.
Information for young adults
What is Hospital and Extras Cover?
What's the difference between health insurance and Medicare?
I’m single and earning over $97,000
I’m turning 31 soon
What is Lifetime Health Cover Loading?
Do I need health insurance if turning 31?
I’m planning a family
Understanding your hospital birth options
Understanding the costs of having a baby
What cover options are there for me?
How do I ... ?
Using your cover