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.
Key Points
Taking out cover for under 30s can lock in premium discounts and avoid long-term penalties.
Hospital cover can shorten wait times, protect against tax penalties, and support future plans like having a family.
Extras cover helps with out-of-hospital treatments like dental, optical and physio — services Medicare doesn't cover.
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.
Learn more about health insurance with these guides
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
Age when you first get hospital cover | Lifetime Health Cover loading you’ll pay | Extra cost on premium (based on $2,000 annual premium) |
30 or under | 0% | $0 |
31 | 2% | $40 per year |
35 | 10% | $200 per year |
40 | 20% | $400 per year |
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.
What's new in health insurance - Jun 2025
Biggest hike in years: Health insurance premiums rose by 3.73% on April 1 — the largest hike since 2018 and noticeably higher than last year’s increase of 3.03% (in 2024).
Most Aussies face higher hikes: Compare Club’s data suggests that due to the five largest funds holding nearly 80% of the market, the average increase for the majority of policyholders is closer to 4.25%.
Review your policy: Now’s the time to check if your policy still fits—better deals could be available.
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)
Annual income (singles) | MLS rate |
$97,000 or less | 0% |
$97,001 – $113,000 | 1% |
$113,001 – $151,000 | 1.25% |
Over $151,001 | 1.5% |
🎯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
Your age when you take out hospital cover | Discount you could get |
18-25 | 10% |
26 | 8% |
27 | 6% |
28 | 4% |
29 | 2% |
30+ | 0% |
🎯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.
COMPARE & SAVESOURCES
PrivateHealth.gov.auPrivate Healthcare Australia
*$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.
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Things You Should Know
*$295 based on 239,107 sold over the past 10 years.
As our customer you'll be provided with quotes directly from the insurer for the product you intend to purchase. We manage the application and deal with the administration work and insurer. We do not charge you a fee for the service we provide, the insurer simply remunerates us in return for setting up your policy. The financial and insurance products compared on this website do not necessarily compare all features that may be relevant to you. Comparisons are made on the basis of price only and different products may have different features and different levels of coverage. Compare Club does not compare all policies available in Australia and our partner insurers may not make all policies available to Compare Club.
This guide is opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial/medical professional before making any decisions.
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).