A Guide to Private Health Insurance for Singles Under 30

When you're under 30, health insurance might seem unnecessary. But getting covered early can save you money, help you access care faster, and even boost your long-term financial health. 

So, whether you're studying, working, travelling or just planning ahead — now is a great time to consider your options.

Why should I consider private health insurance under 30?

Taking out health insurance for singles under 30 can save you money over the long run, give you faster access to healthcare, and help you avoid extra tax.

Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• You could lock in a youth discount of up to 10% on your hospital premium.

• You’ll avoid Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading, which adds 2% for every year you delay after 30.

• If your income goes above $97,000, you’ll avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge.

What’s the difference between hospital and extras cover? 

There are two main types of private health insurance for singles under 30:

• Hospital cover helps with costs associated with in-hospital treatment as a private patient. You can typically choose your doctor and avoid long wait times for elective surgery.

• Extras cover helps with costs associated with out-of-hospital treatments like dental, optical, physio, and mental health support.

🎯PRO TIP!

Many under 30s find value in extras. But if you’re planning for surgery, want to start a family, or are earning a higher income, hospital cover is worth considering too. Source: ABC

How much is health insurance for singles under 30? 

The cost of private health insurance under 30 depends on the type of cover you choose — hospital, extras, or a combined policy — and your individual health needs. 

While many younger Australians assume it's out of reach, entry-level policies are often more affordable than expected, especially with age-based discounts.

That said, it’s important to know that premiums tend to rise each year due to annual health insurance price increases. 

So comparing singles policies regularly can help make sure you're still getting good value for money.

Can I stay on my parents’ health insurance policy for free? 

Many funds let you stay on your parents’ policy until you're 31. If you’re a full-time student, this may be at no extra cost. 

Non-students may be able stay too, but it may require an extended family policy with a higher premium.

So, if you’re over 25 and no longer studying, it could be cheaper to get your own cover — especially if you qualify for the youth discount and full health insurance rebate.

What is Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading and how does it affect under 30s? 

LHC is a government loading that kicks in if you take out hospital cover after you turn 31. 

For every year you delay, you’ll pay 2% more on your premium — and that surcharge sticks around for 10 years.

Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) Loading

Ben’s Story

Ben turned 34 before taking out hospital cover for the first time. That delay means he now pays 8% more every year until he’s 44. 

He thought he was saving money by not taking out private health insurance while he was under 30. But now he’ll be paying higher premiums for the next 10 years.

Will I pay more tax without health insurance? 

If you're single, earning more than $97,000, and don’t have hospital cover, you’ll be hit with the Medicare Levy Surcharge, which could add 1% to 1.5% of your annual income to your tax bill. 

Medicare Levy Surcharge Rates (2024–25)

🎯PRO TIP!

Extras-only cover won’t exempt you. You need an eligible hospital policy to avoid the MLS.

Source: Bupa

Are there health insurance discounts for under 30s?  

If you take out health cover before you turn 30, you could be eligible for discount on your insurance premiums. 

You’ll generally keep your discount until you turn 41, then it will gradually reduce. Health insurance discounts for under 30s

🎯PRO TIP!

If you're under 30 and earning $97,000 or less per year, you may be eligible for the government’s private health insurance rebate that reduces the cost of your premiums. Source: Australian Taxation Office

What if I’m planning a family or already have kids? 

Planning ahead matters.

If you want to go private for pregnancy or IVF, hospital cover must be in place 12 months before giving birth. 

For two-parent families, kids are usually covered for free under a family policy. 

For single parents, some health funds may offer discounted coverage. 

❗Learn more about health insurance for single parents. 

What’s the best health insurance for singles under 30?

The best health insurance for under 30 depends on your lifestyle and budget. 

If you’re active and want cover for physio, dental or optical, a combined hospital and extras policy could offer value. 

If you’re mainly focused on avoiding tax or locking in discounts, a Basic hospital-only policy may be all you need.

❗Learn more about the best health insurance for singles under 30. 

Want to find affordable health insurance for singles under 30? Compare Club’s experts have saved over 239,000 Australians an average of $295* by helping them compare health cover in the last 10 years.

SOURCES

Commonwealth Ombudsman

Australian Taxation Office

PrivateHealth.gov.auPrivate Healthcare Australia

GMHBA

*$295 based on 239,107 sold over the past 10 years (From 2015 to 2024).

Disclaimer: 

Compare Club Australia Pty Ltd ABN 29 634 600 007 of 222 Pitt Street Sydney (Ph: 1300 904 624) owns and operates compareclub.com.au and its associated websites. The information contained in this email is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. We compare selected products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market. 

Related Article

Compare private health insurance for single parents

Best Private Health Insurance For Singles

Can my adult children stay on our family health cover?

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).