Most Australians with private health insurance currently receive a rebate from the Australian Government to help cover the cost of their premiums. The private health insurance rebate varies depending on your age group and your income. The table below details the different rebate amounts and Medicare Levy Surcharge levels.

The rebate applies to hospital, general treatment and ambulance policies provided by Australian registered health insurers. It does not apply to overseas visitors health cover or other types of insurance.

Most Australians with private health insurance currently receive a rebate from the Australian Government to help cover the cost of their premiums. The private health insurance rebate is income tested. The table below details the different rebate amounts.

The rebate applies to hospital, general treatment and ambulance policies provided by Australian registered health insurers. It does not apply to overseas visitors health cover or other types of insurance. 

The current rebate levels and income thresholds applicable for the 2023-24 financial year (from 1 July 2023 up to and including 30 June 2024) are: 

Single parents and couples (including de facto couples) are subject to family tiers. For families with children, the income thresholds are increased by $1,500 for each child after the first.

How can I work out my rebate entitlement?

You can use the table above or the Private Health Insurance Rebate Calculator on the ATO website, or call the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on 132 861.

Claiming the Rebate

If you are eligible for the rebate, there are two ways you can claim:

• as a premium reduction through your private health insurer (you pay less upfront to your insurer). If you want to claim your rebate as a reduced premium, contact your insurer; or
• as a tax offset when lodging your annual tax return. For more information about claiming your rebate as a tax offset, visit the Australian Taxation Office or call 132 861.

If you choose to receive your rebate through your insurer, you will be asked to nominate the income tier you expect to fall into. You can nominate your tier by contacting your insurer or by filling out the Medicare rebate claim form.

For further information about claiming the rebate please visit the ATO's website: Private Health Insurance Rebate.

What happens if I nominate an incorrect tier?

If you choose to claim the rebate as a premium reduction, you will be asked to nominate a tier based on your estimated income.

If you nominate a higher tier than your actual income, you will receive a lower rebate than your income entitlements. If that happens, you will receive a tax offset through your income tax return for that financial year.

If you nominate a lower tier than your actual income, you will receive a higher rebate than your income entitlements. If that happens, you will incur a tax liability through your income tax return for that financial year. This means you could have a tax debt. There are no additional penalties for estimating your income incorrectly.

Usually your rebate information will be auto-filled as part of your income tax return. You can also request a statement from your private health insurer at the end of the financial year to help you complete your tax return.

Rebate Calculations

From 1 April 2014, the rebate contribution from the Australian Government has been calculated based on a Rebate Adjustment Factor.

The Rebate Adjustment Factor is determined using a formula which takes into account growth in the Consumer Price Index and the industry weighted average premium increase.   

The rebate and Lifetime Health Cover

Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) is a financial loading applied on top of your hospital premium at a rate of 2% for every year you are aged over 30 when you take out hospital cover, up to a maximum of 70%. The LHC loading is removed once you have held hospital cover and paid the loading for 10 continuous years.

If you currently pay a LHC loading, the Rebate does not apply to the LHC component of your hospital cover premiums (as of 1 July 2013). You still receive the Rebate on the standard component of your hospital cover. For information about your policy and for quotes on premiums, please contact your health insurer.