While premiums do go up due to inflation and other factors, the 30% rebate has made cover much more affordable. In fact when we compare the cost with average weekly earnings, the rebate means health insurance costs us no more in real dollars than it did in 1998.

Private health fund premiums may vary in accordance with the cost of health care and the type of cover you have.

Choosing a fund

1. Assess your own needs

You might feel spoilt for choice when you first look for the perfect health insurance and because there are so many options it’s a good idea to know exactly what you need before you start. Things to consider include age, relationship status, lifestyle and budget.

Singles: Many funds offer basic cover for singles at lower premiums or extras cover tailored to your specific needs.

Couples: Health funds can offer basic cover or lower level of extras cover to suit your budget. Families can tailor their own policies to meet their specific needs or upgrade to include services such as orthodontics.

Seniors: The older you are the greater your health needs may be, so it’s smart to choose a package that covers the widest range of medical services. This is where comprehensive insurance with extras cover and fewer exclusions is important.

Questions to ask yourself before choosing private health insurance:

•	Do you have children or are you thinking of starting a family in the near future?
•	Do you need ambulance cover?
•	Do you want physiotherapy cover for sports injuries etc?
•	Are you happy to pay an excess in exchange for lower premiums?
•	Do you want to use alternative therapies?
•	Will you need dental cover?
•	Do you want a package that will help pay for prescription glasses or contact lenses?

Questions to ask health funds when shopping for a policy:

•	Which hospitals have agreements with this fund?
•	Can I choose my own doctor?
•	How long do I have to wait before I’m covered?
•	What will this give me that Medicare won’t?
•	What level of hospital and medical benefits are paid under this cover?
•	What out-of-pocket expenses will I have to pay for?
•	Is ambulance cover included in the hospital cover?
•	Can I take out, say, dental cover for my children and not for my partner and myself?
•	Does the fund offer protection against increases in rates?
•	Do special limits apply to my general treatment cover?

2. Australian health funds

Want to contact a health fund? All funds on the following list are members of the Australian Health Insurance Association and all are registered health benefits organisations under the National Health Act of Australia.

(*This information was last reviewed and updated on 8 June 2010. As this information is subject to change - please check with the relevant health fund for the most up-to-date details.)

3. From Overseas and need Health Cover?

All members of the Australian Health Insurance Association are registered as health benefits organisations with the Commonwealth Government and therefore comply with Government standards and regulations on benefits and solvency.

If you wish to join a health fund, or wish detailed information about what our members offer, try the links below: