Things to think about before you cancel
Waiting periods
If you cancel your Medibank cover and don't join another fund straight away, you may need to serve fresh waiting periods if you take out heath insurance again.
If you've changed your mind
When you join Medibank, or change your cover, you're entitled to a 30-day "cooling off" period (as long as you haven't made any claims).
Who can cancel
Only the policy holder, or someone with third-party authority for the policy, can cancel.
If you feel you can't afford health insurance right now
Whether it's the cost of living or a change in your circumstances, we understand that things can sometimes get tough. Here are some options that could help.
Can I suspend my health insurance?
There are circumstances, including financial hardship, where you may be able to suspend your policy.
Am I still on the right cover?
Sometimes, all you need is to change your cover. We can help you find the right level of cover for your changing needs.
What if I can't pay my premium?
We understand that there are times when you may need some flexibility or breathing room. With a little notice, we may be able to delay a payment.
Reasons to keep your health insurance
You could pay less tax
If you earn over $97K as a single, or $194K as a single parent, couple, or family, you could save on tax with hospital cover. Find out more.
More choice
Hospital cover lets you choose your own doctor and private hospital.
You could have elective surgery sooner
With private hospital insurance, there are generally shorter wait times on a wide range of in-hospital elective procedures in a private hospital.
Help paying for your in-patient hospital treatment
Hospital cover pays benefits towards the cost of in-patient hospital treatments included in your policy (after you've served any waiting periods that might apply).
You could get a private health insurance rebate
The Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance is an amount that the government puts towards the cost of your private health cover to make it more affordable. Find out more.
You could pay less for cover when you’re older
Are you under 31? You may have to pay LHC if you don't take out hospital cover before July 1st following your 31st birthday, and don't maintain hospital cover after that date. Find out more.
How does the "cooling off" period work?
We give you 30 days from the date your new or changed cover begins to review your cover and make sure you’re happy with it. If you change your mind during that period and haven’t made any claims, we can either transfer you to a more appropriate cover from the original beginning date or cancel it altogether and refund your premiums. During the cooling off period, you generally can’t return to a cover that Medibank has closed.
Why stay with Medibank?
We are one of Australia’s leading health insurers*, trusted by millions of members.
An Australian brand, we know all about supporting our customers and community – after all, we've been doing it since 1975.
And that's just the beginning.
Outstanding health insurance
4.1 million members trust us for the health services they need.
Lots of cover options
Many products and services for your health and wellbeing to choose from.
1000s of extras providers in our network
Help reduce your out of pockets with one of the largest Extras provider networks in Australia.
Awesome rewards program
Points and perks for your healthy actions.
Member health programs
Programs to help manage your health conditions and give you access to more affordable care options.
On-app claiming
Claim for many services quickly and easily with My Medibank.
You could save $200 on your premium with Live Better rewards
Eligible Medibank members with hospital and/or extras cover** who have signed up to Live Better rewards could save $200 on their premium by completing everyday healthy actions and redeeming 25,000 Live Better rewards points^.
How we're supporting members
With nearly 50 years of experience, we understand what better health means for our 4.1 million members.
100% back on dental check-ups twice a year on eligible extras=
Here’s something to smile about – Medibank members with eligible extras cover for two months or more get 100% back on up to two dental check-ups every year, including x-rays, at any Members’ Choice Advantage dentist.=
100% back on optical on eligible extras±
At Medibank we think you deserve to see the world clearly. That’s why when you join eligible Medibank extras you get 100% back on optical items at all recognised providers up to annual limits.±
Accident cover boost
Medibank members with hospital cover get the benefits of Gold level cover no matter what level of hospital cover you have, thanks to our Accident Injury Benefit.1
24/7 Medibank Nurse Support
Medibank health insurance members can call 1800 644 325 or chat online to a registered nurse at no extra cost2, anytime of the day or night, 7 days a week.
Useful information
Grab your share of our member perks
Squeeze your cover for all it’s worth with heaps of rewards, offers, services, and health programs to help you realise your awesomeness to the fullest.
Making the most of your health cover
Tips to ensure you’re getting the most value out of your Medibank hospital and extras cover.
How to get more from your extras
You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to use your extras. Here are some ways to get the best value from your extras cover.
* Based on the number of policies set out in APRA’s Operations of Private Health Insurers Annual Report 2021 for Medibank Private Limited.
** Must be 16 years or over to register for Medibank Live Better rewards in the My Medibank app. Some program partners and earning activities require a person to be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to earn and/or redeem a reward. Must be a Medibank member with hospital cover, extras cover, or hospital and extras cover, and be up-to-date with premium payments. Excludes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Ambulance only cover, ahm covers and other selected covers. Live Better Management Pty Ltd, ACN 003 457 289 has entered into commercial arrangements with Medibank Live Better program partners and may receive commissions. Please choose carefully as rewards will not be amended, cancelled, exchanged or refunded due to change of mind. Points earning activities and rewards are subject to change without prior notice and may be subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions may apply to points earning activities and rewards. See full Medibank Live Better terms.
^ Medibank Live Better Challenges & Goals Earning Policy: The participant of a Medibank Live Better Challenge or Goal may not receive Live Better rewards points or may have their already credited Live Better rewards points reversed in accordance with the Medibank Live Better terms and conditions. To earn Live Better rewards points, the participant needs to properly complete 100% of the eligible Challenge according to the instructions. The number of Live Better points available for Medibank Live Better Challenges and Goals is subject to change without prior notice. The maximum number of Live Better rewards points that each Medibank Live Better member can earn from successfully completing health and wellbeing Challenges, Goals or any Onboarding action in a calendar year is 40,000 Live Better rewards points. To the extent of any inconsistency between this Policy and the Medibank Live Better terms and conditions, the terms and conditions will take precedence.
= Eligible members on Medibank extras (excluding Healthy Living Extras and Gold Ultra Health) can claim a maximum of two 100% back dental check-ups per member, per year at a Members’ Choice Advantage provider (including bitewing x-rays where clinically required). For members on eligible extras, the first two check-ups do not count towards your annual limit. Members with Healthy Living Extras can get 100% back on one dental check-up each year at a Members’ Choice Advantage provider (including up to two bitewing x-rays, where clinically required) or at a Members’ Choice provider (excluding x-rays). Members with Gold Ultra Health can get 100% back on up to three dental check-ups at a Members’ Choice or Members’ Choice Advantage provider. Members’ Choice and Members’ Choice Advantage providers are not available in all areas. Two month waiting period applies. Some products may have other dental benefits, check your cover summary for details.
± Excludes Healthy Living Extras and select products that are no longer available for sale (for more information check your cover summary or check this page). Applies to prescription glasses and select contact lenses. Some glasses lens coatings and contact lenses are excluded. To find which specific items are included or excluded, call us on 132 331. 6 month waiting period applies.
1 For Accidents that occur in Australia after your cover starts. Must seek medical treatment within 7 days, and receive hospital treatment within 12 months, of the Accident occurring. Excludes claims covered by third parties and our Private Room Promise. Out of pockets may apply.
2 Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.