The Australian Government Rebate
The Australian Government Rebate (AGR) is an amount that the government puts towards your health cover to make it more affordable. Many Australians receive this rebate as a % reduction on their private health cover premiums, but you can also receive it as a refundable tax offset when you lodge your tax return.
Who can apply for the AGR?
Those earning an income of $151,000 or less as a single, or $302,000 or less as a family (see table below), and who are entitled to Medicare can apply for the AGR. It doesn’t apply to those on overseas visitors cover.
How much rebate are you entitled to?
Your AGR amount depends on your income and how old you are. The table below will show how the AGR is calculated, based on the age and income tier that applies to you.
| Base tier | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 | |
| Income thresholds | ||||
| Singles | Up to $97,000 | $97,001 - $113,000 | $113,001 - $151,000 | $151,001 and above |
| Families | Up to $194,000 | $194,001 - $226,000 | $226,001 - $302,000 | $302,001 and above |
| Private Health Insurance Rebate effective from 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2024* | ||||
| Less than 65 years | 24.608% | 16.405% | 8.202% | 0% |
| 65 - 69 years |
28.710% | 20.507% | 12.303% | 0% |
| 70 years+ | 32.812% | 24.608% | 16.405% | 0% |
| Private Health Insurance Rebate effective from 01 April 2024 – 31 March 2025* | ||||
| Less than 65 years | 24.608% | 16.405% | 8.202% | 0% |
| 65 - 69 years |
28.710% | 20.507% | 12.303% | 0% |
| 70 years+ | 32.812% | 24.608% | 16.405% | 0% |
Family tiers apply to single parents and couples (including de facto couples). For families with children, the thresholds are increased by $1,500 for each child after the first.
How often does the AGR change?
The government reviews the AGR every year and adjusts it annually on the 1st of April.
How do you register for the AGR?
Registering for the AGR and nominating your income tier is really simple. Just:
- Log in to your My Medibank account
- Click on the ‘Manage Policy’ tab
- Click on ‘Apply for your Government Rebate’
- Complete the online registration form
Make sure you have your Medicare card handy. You can also apply for your AGR by visiting your nearest store, or calling us on 132 331.
What if my income tier changes?
You can update your income tier by following the same steps as above and clicking on ‘Update your income tier’.
If you choose the wrong income tier on your AGR application, your actual rate will be worked out by the ATO when you lodge your tax return, and you may need to repay any rebate you received above your entitlement at tax time.
For more information on AGR, visit https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/medicare-and-private-health-insurance/private-health-insurance-rebate and you can also go to https://www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/Private-health-insurance-rebate-calculator/ to calculate your rebate.
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Things you should know
* Calculated in accordance with the Private Health Insurance (Incentives) Rules 2012(No.2).
# Where annual income for Medicare Levy Surcharge purposes is over $97,000 as a single (or $194,000 as a couple/family).
Medibank Private Limited cannot advise on financial or tax matters. Any information provided to you is general in nature and does not take account of your individual circumstances. You should obtain your own independent financial advice.
For independent private health insurance advice, visit privatehealth.gov.au. |