Comparing health insurance: some things to think about
When you're comparing different health funds, how much you pay is just one part of making a choice. Here are some things to think about before you buy or switch.
Hospital cover, extras cover, or both?
You can choose to take up one or the other, or to package your cover. Whatever you choose, make sure there are options to suit you and your circumstances.
Are there waiting periods?
If you're buying a new policy or upgrading an existing one there are usually waiting periods on most services. If you're switching funds and are getting the benefits or services, we'll recognise the waiting periods you've already served. Either way, make sure you're across the waiting periods that may apply to you.
Should I just get the cheapest health insurance?
"Cheap" and "value for money" are two different things. Whether you decide to get basic cover or pay a little extra, make sure the cover suits your needs.
How easy is it to make a claim?
Making a claim should be as simple as possible. Paperwork is unavoidable for some claims, but for others you should be able to do it on-the-spot at your Extras provider, online, or on your smartphone.
How easy will it be to upgrade or switch my cover?
As life goes on, your health needs change. So you should be able to switch your cover with minimum hassle.
What other types of insurance are on offer?
Some health funds let you bundle your insurance and may offer member discounts on other types of insurance that you might want, like travel, pet, or life.
Read more: How to compare health insurance
Got a quote from a comparison site?
If you’ve got a quote from a comparison site, get in touch! We’d love to chat about what we can offer and help find the best private health insurance product for you.
How does Medibank stack up?
We don't mean to boast (well, maybe a bit).
We are Australia's largest health insurance provider*, 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 there's heaps more. All for you.
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.
Why choose Medibank private health insurance?
With nearly 50 years of experience, we understand what better health means for our 4.1 million members.
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 members2 can speak to a registered nurse about their health concerns, at no extra cost3. Anytime of the day or night.
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.±
Awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance 16 years running
We're proud to deliver outstanding value health insurance products designed to suit your needs. But don't just take our word for it.
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^.
Hospital & Extras offer - Want 6 weeks free and up to $500 in gift cards?
Join and maintain eligible Bronze hospital and extras cover or above and you could get 6 weeks free plus 50,000 Live Better points (couples and families) or 25,000 Live Better points (singles and single parents) to redeem on rewards like gift cards. We’ll also waive 2&6 month waiting periods on extras. Use promo code: 6WEEKSPLUS. Offer ends 21 November 2024. New members only.€
Get a quote Find out more
Useful information
Hospital and extras cover explained
Our handy guide to how hospital and extras cover work.
* By membership and policy numbers, based on the data set out in APRA’s Operations of Private Health Insurers Annual Report 2022/23 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.
€ For new members on new memberships who join and start eligible combined Bronze hospital and extras cover or above from 1 July – 31 July 2024 and who have not held Medibank health cover in previous 60 days (unless they are dependents coming off their parent’s cover). Must quote promo code ‘6WEEKSPLUS’ and set up direct debit when joining. Excludes Basic cover, Corporate covers, Hospital only cover, Extras only cover, Accident Cover, Overseas Visitors Health Cover, Overseas Workers Health Cover, Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC), Ambulance Cover, ahm covers, and other selected covers. Not available to Medibank employees. Not available with any other offer. Medibank reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time.
= 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 OSHC members can call the Student Health & Support Line on 1800 887 283.
3 Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.