• No additional cost to you
  • We can save you hours on research

Written by

|

Edited by

|

Reviewed by

Last Updated 30/05/2024
What changed?
Reviewed by Dr Jill Gamberg and tip added, and referencing style updated.
|
Fact checked
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.
|

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

Last Updated 30/05/2024

What changed?

Reviewed by Dr Jill Gamberg and tip added, and referencing style updated.
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.

Edited by

Ellie Garran

Reviewed by

Dr Jill Gamberg

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

Check out our range of private health funds

ahmAustralian UnityBupaFrank Health InsuranceGMHBA Health InsuranceHCFLatrobe HealthnibPeoplecare Health InsuranceTUH Health Fund

iSelect does not compare all providers in the market or all policies offered by our partners in your area. Not all policies or special offers are available to all customers and some may only be available over the phone or on the website. Learn more.

What is Couples Health Insurance?

Just like you might share a house with your partner, Couples Health Cover means you could share Health Insurance too. It’s one policy that covers two adults. Different health funds may have their own definition of a couple but usually it covers married, de facto or otherwise registered couples, no matter if it’s only been for a short time. 

What could it cover?

Couples Health Insurance explained 

Understand the basics of Couples Health Insurance in less than two minutes. 

Convenience of only one premium and account 

If you struggle to keep track of when bills are due, even with direct debit, or simply don’t want to deal with an extra password, Couples Health Cover could keep things streamlined for you and your partner.  You only have to pay one premium and keep track of and deal with one policy and insurer. 

Could make updating cover easier as you age

Whether you dream of holding hands in matching rocking chairs or seeing all the modern wonders of the world, adjusting your Couples Health Cover as you grow old together could be more straightforward than dealing with two policies.

Aim for that higher Private Health Insurance Rebate

Since you’ll now be doing the maths with two incomes rather than one, the threshold you need to skim under to get the maximum rebate is $194,000 as of 1 July 2024.1Australian Taxation Office – Income thresholds and rates for the private health insurance rebate 

See if you can skip that Medicare Levy Surcharge

Assuming you’ve got an appropriate level of Hospital Cover (that has an excess of $1,500 or less for couples),2Australian Taxation Office – Appropriate level of private patient hospital cover your combined income could mean you’re paying zilch on that surcharge. As of 1 July 2024, the threshold is conveniently also $194,000.3Australian Taxation Office – Medicare levy surcharge income, thresholds and rates

Reduced flexibility and choice

We all have our own unique health challenges, whether it’s fighting hay fever every spring or something more serious. As Couples Health Cover means sharing the same level of cover, you may find you’re left wanting or with more cover than you feel you need. 

Cover ends with your relationship

Since a Couples Policy is based around you two being a couple, you’ll need to look for a different policy for yourself if it ever comes time to decide who keeps the good cast-iron cookware.

They’re really no cheaper than 2 single policies

You’d be forgiven for thinking that joining forces would mean you’d get a discount, but sadly you’d be wrong. Generally, a couples policy is no cheaper than two single policies with the same level of cover. Given you’re not going to get a discount, if you have different medical requirements, having two separate policies could be more practical. 

Need to upgrade to a family policy

When it’s time for your family to go from two to three, you typically won’t be able to add baby onto your Couples policy. Instead, you’ll need to jump onto a Family Policy. This shouldn’t be too hard though, your insurer should have a clear pathway ready for you, just give them a call for the next steps. 

Helpful Tip:

If you already have a ‘Singles’ Health Insurance policy, then you might not have to go through the entire application process again to add your partner. There are many insurers who will let you add your partner to an existing policy — you’ll just need to call them to find out. Some of them have an online portal where you can do it all in just a few minutes! It might be worth comparing your options first, as your current insurer may not offer the best value when it comes to a couples policy to meet both your health needs 

Dr. Jill Gamberg

GP, Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach

Tips for choosing a Couples Policy

Learn from history

Thinking about your own health, including hospital admissions and your families’ health histories, could help you figure out the level of cover you’d like to share with your partner. 

Balance, rather than break, your budget

Break out the coffee and calculators to figure out what you’re both comfortable paying to help you narrow down your options further. 

Compare policies to find more value

While it might have been love at first sight for you and your partner, being picky with your Couples Health Cover could pay off in the end.

How users rated our service

Frequently Asked Questions

How are premiums calculated for Couples Policies?

Is a Couples Policy cheaper than two Singles Policies?

If I have Couples Health Insurance, do I still have to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge?

How does the Lifetime Health Cover Loading work with Couples Health Insurance?

Can a divorced couple share a policy?

Can you add dependents or children to a Couples Policy?

What if one person has a pre-existing condition on a Couples Policy?

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Need help with health insurance?

We can help you find a suitable product for your needs

iSelect does not compare all health insurance providers or policies in the market. The availability of policies will change from time to time. Not all policies available from its providers are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements, your stated needs and circumstances, not all policies compared by iSelect are available to all customers. Some policies and special offers are available only from iSelect’s contact centre or website. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers