Private Health Insurance Northern Territory

Living in Australia's Northern Territory (NT) often means being in remote or very remote areas. While Medicare provides public healthcare services across the country, access to Northern Territory health services may be limited if you live far from major cities like Darwin or Katherine. This is where private health insurance can provide crucial support.

1. Hospital Cover

Hospital cover helps pay for in-patient treatments in both public and private hospitals. The NT’s public healthcare system is anchored by Royal Darwin Hospital, which provides comprehensive specialist services, including the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre and the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre. 

 Private hospital cover gives you access to:

• The ability to choose your own doctor

• Private treatment and rooms (subject to availability)

• Shorter waiting lists for elective procedures

Additionally, hospital cover can provide exemptions from the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) and allow you to claim the private health insurance rebate.

2. Extras Cover

Extras cover helps with non-hospital services that are not typically covered by Medicare. These include: 

• Dental care, 

• Physiotherapy, 

• Optometry,

• Chiropractic services and more. 

While public dental services in the NT are free only for certain groups, such as those with a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, Extras cover can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for regular consultations.

3. Ambulance Cover

Ambulance services in the NT are not fully covered by Medicare, except for holders of a NT Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card. 

Ambulance trips can cost between $745 and $1,000, making ambulance cover a good investment. You can get ambulance cover through health insurance policies that include this benefit or directly through providers like St John Ambulance.

Northern Territory health care: Public vs Private

Pros and Cons of NT Health Insurance 

Pros:

• Access to private hospitals and reduced waiting times for elective procedures.

• Cover or services not available under Medicare, such as dental and optical.

• Potential savings on taxes, as private insurance can exempt you from the MLS.

Cons:

• Premiums can be expensive, and policies may go unused for extended periods.

• Waiting periods must be met before claiming certain services.

• Out-of-pocket costs may still apply for some treatments, even with your health cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does private hospital insurance cost in the NT?

Despite the lowest take up of private health cover in any state or territory, health insurance is of better value in the NT than anywhere else in the nation - especially for those living in remote areas where your cover can provide greater access to health care.

The table below shows average monthly premiums based on a $750 excess for a single individual earning under $97,000 annually and residing in Darwin:

Source: APRA (2024)

Which are the top health funds in the NT?

Based on market share, the most popular private health insurers - with open membership - in the NT are:

• Medibank

• BUPA

• HCF 

Note: of these, only HCF is a non-profit fund. 

While Medibank and BUPA hold the majority of the market, it’s important to look beyond market share when selecting your health fund. The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO) tracks complaints and customer satisfaction. 

Although Medibank has a large market share, it also receives the most complaints. Smaller funds like NIB often have lower complaint rates relative to their size. 

Find out more about open and restrictive membership here.

Conclusion

In the Northern Territory, private health insurance offers you access to a broader range of healthcare services, which can be especially important for those in remote areas. With appropriate hospital cover, extras cover, and ambulance cover, you can ensure you and your family receive health care when and where you need it. 

Sources

• Commonwealth Ombudsman 2023 State of the Health Funds Report

• PrivateHealth.gov.au: Health insurance policy data

• PrivateHealth.gov.au: Product Tiers

• Parliament of Australia: Private Health Insurance - A quick guide

• APRA: quarterly private health insurance statistics for March 2024

• APRA: Private Health Insurance Annual Coverage Survey

• Northern Territory Health

• Health & Community Services (NT)

• https://nt.gov.au/

• Insured persons

Chris Stanley is the sales & operations manager of health insurance at Compare Club. With extensive experience and expertise, Chris is a trusted leader known for his deep understanding of health insurance markets, policies, and coverage options. As the sales & operations manager of health insurance, Chris leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health insurance needs.

Meet our health insurance expert, Chris Stanley

Chris's top health insurance tips

• 1

  Australia’s public health system is world-class, but wait times for public hospitals can be long, inconvenient - and leave you living in constant pain while you wait.

• 2

  An appropriate private health insurance policy can speed up your surgery, relieving your pain sooner.

• 3

  Family health cover means your children are covered under the same policy as you.

• 4

  Many health insurance policies come with a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related cover, so it’s a good idea to get a family policy organized well before starting your family. This means your child will be covered from birth until at least their early twenties (depending on which health fund you select).