Adult Dependant Reforms explained

We've increased the maximum age for Student Dependants and Adult Dependants from 24 to 30. Here's everything you need to know.

They grow up so fast, don't they?

Seems like one day they're leaping off the garden shed pretending to be a superhero, and the next day they're asking to borrow the car keys.

Sunrise, sunset.

Still – through all the heart-in-mouth moments, you've helped keep them healthy and safe. And now that your adult child could stay on your health insurance policy until their 31st birthday, you still can.

Whether you decide to keep them on your policy a little longer or that it's time for them to fly the coop with their own cover, we can be there too.

Here's everything you need to know.

The changes

We've increased the maximum age for Student Dependants and Adult Dependants from 24 to 30. This means that your adult children can remain on your health cover until their 31st birthday, as long as they're not married or living in a de facto relationship.

It also means that if your adult child came off your policy at the age of 24, you can bring them back onto your policy where they could stay until their 31st birthday unless they get married or live in a de facto relationship. (Keep in mind your premium may increase if you add them back onto your policy, and you might need to change your cover.)

And no – they don't need to be living with you to be included in your cover.

Your options

Each family is different – that's why these changes are an option for you. In other words, just because your adult child can stay on your health cover until they turn 31, it doesn't mean they have to. It's your choice.

Whether they stay, go, or come back, here's what you need to do:

To keep your adult child on your policy

If your child is an Adult Dependant, there's nothing for you to do: they'll stay on your cover and won't be removed until they turn 31. If your child is a Student Dependant, they'll need to confirm their eligibility each year around their birthday. If they're no longer a Student Dependant, talk to us! They may be able to stay on your cover as an Adult Dependant for an additional cost.

To take your adult child off your policy

Please contact us and we will do this for you. If this is your last child going solo, it's also a good time to chat to us about whether your current policy still meets your needs.                                              

 


 

To add your adult child back onto your policy

Please contact us and we will do this for you. Keep in mind that not all policies allow for Adult Dependants or Student Dependants, so you may need to change your cover. In either scenario, this may mean an increase in your premium.

 

 

Their options

Being on your policy isn't the only way for your adult child to save on private health insurance while they're getting themselves set up. If they're between 18 and 29 years of age, they could also be eligible for the Young Adult Discount.

When they take out an eligible cover and continuously maintain it, your child can receive a discount on hospital cover of up to 10% – depending on their age when they take out the cover. The discount is locked in and ongoing until they turn 41.

What's next?

As your adult children get to the age where you have to hand over the reins of their health care, you might feel a bit apprehensive. Particularly if they think that health cover is one of those boring things only older people have to worry about – ouch.

You might not be able to tell them what to do (you probably learnt that when they leapt off the garden shed) but it's never too early to have a discussion. Here are some questions that may help get the conversation going next time they're up for some serious adulting.

Things you should know

~    This is not available to OSHC members. OSHC members should call the Student Health and Support Line on 1800 887 283.