Understanding the Age-Based Discount on Health Insurance

Content OageHero Image CRO Overlay Image

Written by

|

Edited by

Updated 27/02/2024
What changed?
Moderate rewrite for tone and timeliness
|
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.

Written by

Luke Carlino

Updated 27/02/2024

What changed?

Moderate rewrite for tone and timeliness
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.

Compare Health Insurance Policies

Save time and effort by comparing a range of Australia’s health funds with iSelect

I need cover for…

What is the age-based discount, and how long will it apply?
How much could I save on Hospital Cover?
How do these discounts work for couples and families?
Are insurers required to offer age-based discounts?
Do I still get a discount if I transfer insurers?
Where can I find and compare Hospital Cover?

What is the age-based discount, and how long will it apply? 

So here’s the deal: you score a 2% discount for every year you’re under 30, capping at a solid 10% if you’re between 18 and 25. But if you’re still sitting pretty on your family or single parent’s insurance plan and you’re in the 18-29 age bracket, sorry, you’re not getting in on this. It’s strictly for those holding their own policy.  

Whether you’re a seasoned policyholder or just jumping on the insurance train, if your provider of choice offers these age-based discounts, you’re in luck! They’re throwing them out there for both the OGs and the newcomers.  

Your age when you first purchase Hospital Cover with age-based discounts Discount you could score
18–25 10% 
26 8% 
27 6% 
28 4% 
29 2% 
30 0% 

Source: Privatehealth.gov.au – Age-based discount 

How much could I save on Hospital Cover? 

Alright, picture this – you’re 18, just adulting your way into the world. You decide to grab this slick insurance policy deal that starts showering you with discounts on your Private Health Insurance premiums. 

So, let’s break it down. You snag a 10% discount on your premiums every year until you hit 41. That’s more than a decade of savings! Meanwhile, your buddy, who’s still contemplating adulthood and hasn’t hopped on this policy bandwagon, is missing out. 

Let’s crunch some numbers

Let’s say at 25 you buy a policy worth $1,500 per year. You snag a 10% discount on your premiums every year until you hit 41, reducing them to $1,350 per year. You’re saving a cool $150 per year, and over 15 years, that’s a whopping $2250 in your piggy bank. Your friend, who’s still on the fence and has skipped the policy train, is giving you the side-eye like, ‘Why didn’t I jump on that?’

How do these discounts work for couples and families? 

Suppose you’re rolling with your plus one or the whole fam on your insurance journey. If you and your partner are eligible for individual discounts, they don’t just add them up and call it a day. Nope, it’s an average game. Let’s say you’re rocking a solid 10% discount, and your partner’s cruising with a respectable 6% discount. They crunch the numbers, and voila – your power couple discount is a smooth 8%.1Private Health – Age Based Discount  

Are insurers required to offer age-based discounts? 

No one’s cracking the whip on insurers, forcing them to hand out those age-based discounts. It’s not a must-do, but guess what? A bunch of them actually do it anyway.  

Loads of insurers are on board with the idea. So, while it’s not carved in stone, you should be able to find an insurer who’s all about those age-based discounts. 

Do I still get a discount if I transfer insurers? 

If you’re thinking of jumping ship to a new insurer or switching up your policy game, it’s like this: the discount you’re rocking might still come along for the ride, but you’ll have to play detective and ask your future insurer. 

Before you make any moves, hit them up and ask straight up if your discount will stick with the new plan. Insurers have the power to decide if they’ll keep honouring that age-based discount when you make the switch. It’s their call – some might be cool and let it ride, while others might be a bit more picky. So be in the know before you make the move, and make sure your discount doesn’t get left behind in the insurance shuffle. 

Where can I find and compare Hospital Cover? 

At iSelect, we’ve made the whole Health Insurance game as easy as a Sunday morning. No need for a headache-inducing search – it’s just a few clicks to find a policy that suits your needs and budget. Compare Health Insurance policies like a pro so you can see what’s what. 

If you’re not the online type, no worries. Give us a shout at 1800 784 772. Our crew of comparison experts is standing by, ready to chat about your Health Insurance needs.  

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Need help with health insurance?

We can help you find a suitbable 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