Compare — hospital cover policies across every tier and insurer
Takes just 5 minutes and is 100% obligation free
Hospital cover is private health insurance that pays for treatment in private hospitals as a private patient. It covers accommodation, theatre fees, and medical services for procedures listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). With hospital cover, you can choose your doctor, avoid public waiting lists, and access private hospital facilities across Australia.
Hospital cover is available in four government-mandated tiers—Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Basic—each covering different clinical categories. Gold covers everything, while Basic covers emergencies and a limited range of treatments. Most Australians choose Silver or Gold for comprehensive protection.
If your income exceeds $97,000 (singles) or $194,000 (families), hospital cover helps you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). Additionally, if you don't take out hospital cover before age 31, you'll pay a 2% Lifetime Health Cover loading for every year over 30.
Policies:—
From:—
Average:—
4 Tiers:Gold, Silver, Bronze, Basic
Prices shown are estimates for singles. Actual premiums may vary based on your age, location, income, and chosen excess. Government rebate percentages are current as of March 2026 and subject to change. This is general information only. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing.
Hospital inclusions
Private hospital accommodationChoose a private or shared room in a private hospital
Theatre fees and medical equipmentCosts associated with surgery and procedures
Doctor and specialist feesMedicare covers part; your policy may cover the gap
Intensive careTreatment in intensive care units when medically necessary
ProsthesesArtificial body parts like hip replacements, heart valves, and pacemakers
Emergency ambulanceVaries by state; some policies include nationwide cover
RehabilitationPost-surgery or injury rehabilitation (on Silver and Gold tiers)
Psychiatric careInpatient mental health treatment (on most tiers)
What's not included
GP visitsBulk-billed under Medicare or pay privately
Dental, optical, physiotherapyRequires Extras cover
Pharmaceuticals (outpatient)PBS medications outside of hospital
Non-hospital proceduresAnything not requiring hospital admission
Cosmetic surgeryUnless medically necessary and covered by your tier
Pre-existing conditions12-month waiting period appliesHospital cover isn't mandatory, but it's essential for certain groups and highly beneficial for most Australians who want to avoid public waiting lists and choose their doctors.
If you earn over $97,000 (singles) or $194,000 (families) and don't have hospital cover, you'll pay an extra 1-1.5% tax on your taxable income. For many people, the cost of hospital cover is less than the MLS penalty.
If you're planning hip replacement, cataract surgery, or other procedures, hospital cover can significantly reduce wait times and out-of-pocket costs.
Elective surgery waiting times in public hospitals can range from weeks to years depending on urgency. With hospital cover, you can book procedures at your convenience in private hospitals.
In public hospitals, you're assigned a doctor. With private hospital cover, you can choose your surgeon, specialist, and hospital.
After your 31st birthday, you'll pay a 2% Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading for every year you delay taking out hospital cover, up to a maximum of 70%
Pregnancy and birth services require Gold or Silver Plus hospital cover, with a 12-month waiting period. Planning ahead ensures you're covered when you need it.
Hospital cover costs vary by tier, insurer, and your personal circumstances. Here's what you can expect to pay based on your profile.
Average: —. Tip: Higher excess = lower premium.
The Australian Government mandates four hospital cover tiers, each covering specific clinical categories. Understanding these tiers helps you choose the right level of coverage.
| Tier | Categories covered | Who it suits | Price range |
|---|
| Category | Basic tier | Bronze tier | Silver tier | Gold tier |
|---|
Covered
Restricted
Optional
Optional, restricted
—
| Compare | Insurer ▾ | Cover | Tier ▾ | Premium /week ▾ |
Excess ▾ | Features |
|---|
—
5 stars from 1,717 reviews
Plain-English guides that go deeper on the parts of hospital cover people ask about most.
— policies.
47 funds.
Free.
Always.
No registration · No paywall · Last updated 7 April 2026 · Or talk to an expert · Data compiled and powered by GeneX
