Home Loans
Personal Loans
Car Loans
Business Loans
Credit Cards
Banking
Health Insurance
Home Loans
Personal Loans
Car Loans
Business Loans
Credit Cards
Banking
Health Insurance
Our experts can help you get a better deal on singles health insurance.
Compare singles policies in under 2 minutes, for free
Sit back & save money (we’ll even do the paperwork)
Our dedicated Health Insurance experts are here to help. Updated 23 Mar 2026.
10 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, skip 2 & 6-month waiting periods on Extras. Offer available when you join as a new member on an eligible combined Hospital and Extras policy. You need to maintain cover until 27 May 2026 to receive the 10 weeks free. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
10 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Join Australian Unity through Money.com.au on eligible products and get 10 weeks free (6 weeks free in year 1, plus 4 weeks free in year 2). New members only. Offer ends 30 April 2026. T&Cs apply.*
8 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, 2-month waiting periods waived on Extras. HCF will apply four weeks free after 90 days and another 4 weeks after 12 months. Offer is for eligible members who join HCF via any channel between 17 Feb 2026 and 20 Apr 2026. T&Cs apply*.
6 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Offer available through Money.com.au when you join on an eligible Hospital and Extras policy. In most cases, the 6 weeks free is applied 28 days after you join. New members only. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
6 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, skip 2-month waiting periods on Extras. Offer is only available to a person who purchases an eligible product and opts to pay by direct debit for fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, or six-monthly. Offer ends 30 April 2026. T&Cs apply.*
6 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, skip 2-month waiting periods on Extras. Offer available when you join as a new member on an eligible combined Hospital and Extras policy. Offer excludes Extras-only and Hospital-only policies. Offer ends 9 April 2026. T&Cs apply.*
6 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, skip 2 & 6-month waiting periods on Extras. Join ahm through Money.com.au on an eligible combined policy and get 6 weeks free after maintaining continuous cover for 60 days. New members only. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
4 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, skip 2 & 6-month waiting periods on Extras. Offer available when you join as a new member on an eligible combined Hospital and Extras policy. Offer excludes Extras-only and Hospital-only policies. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
Skip 2 & 6 month waits
On eligible Extras services
Offer available when you join as a new member on a combined Hospital and Extras policy. Offer excludes Extras-only and Hospital-only policies. Offer ends 31 Aug 2026. T&Cs apply.*
Skip 2 & 6 month waits
On eligible Extras services
Offer available when you join as a new member on a combined Hospital and Extras policy. Offer excludes Extras-only and Hospital-only policies. Offer ends 31 Aug 2026. T&Cs apply.*
Skip 2 & 4 month waits
On eligible Extras services
Offer available when you join as a new member on a combined Hospital and Extras policy. Offer excludes Extras-only and Hospital-only policies. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
Singles health insurance is a policy that covers one individual who is the sole policyholder and person covered. A singles policy can be suitable for someone who does not have a partner, or indeed for individual members of a couple who want to be covered separately.
This can also apply after a relationship breakdown, such as divorce or separation, when one person needs to take out their own cover after leaving a couple or family policy.
Singles health insurance is generally different to policies that cover single parents, who may be covered under a family health insurance policy.
But singles private health insurance is really no different to other types of policy. As a single, you can be covered for anything that couples health insurance could cover, including the likes of pregnancy and birth-related treatments, or joint replacements if you're a senior.
Around a quarter (24%) of all Hospital policies are singles policies, according to the most recent health insurance statistics in Australia. We recently surveyed more than 1,000 people and 44% of respondents said they were on a singles health insurance policy.
According to the Private Health Insurance Intermediaries Association (PHIIA) – the national body representing health insurance brokers, agents, comparison sites and independent advisers – singles policies made up the largest share of PHIIA-member sales in 2024–25, accounting for 49%.
Big news for single policyholders: The Federal Government has approved an average private health insurance premium increase of 4.41% for 2026, with new prices taking effect from 1 April.
It’s the largest rise in several years and is being attributed to higher healthcare costs.
According to Money.com.au’s analysis, the average premium increase will add around $144 a year to a combined Hospital and Extras policy for singles. This estimate is based on an average single policy currently costing $3,264 annually.
Singles health insurance can come in the form of Hospital-only, Extras-only or combined Hospital and Extras cover. As the single policyholder, you can opt for the form of cover that best suits you. Here’s what’s covered by each.
This covers costs related to being treated as a private patient in a public or private hospital. For example, it might cover the cost of undergoing surgery, including medical costs and related costs like accommodation, transport and even meals while you’re in hospital.
Singles hospital policies come in various tiers: Basic, Bronze, Silver or Gold. The tiers offer varying levels of cover, with Basic offering the least coverage, and Gold being the most comprehensive. The tiers for singles Hospital policies are the same across all providers, meaning a Basic policy from one provider should closely mirror a Basic policy from another insurer.
Extras policies cover single people for certain out-of-hospital treatments and expenses that are not covered by Medicare (like dental and optical). Like Hospital cover, the inclusions and limits on singles Extras will depend on what level of cover you choose.
There’s generally a greater level of flexibility on Extras cover, meaning as the single policyholder you should be able to closely tailor the cover to what you will actually use.
For example, do you want Hospital-only, Extras-only or a combined policy? Are there any conditions you definitely need cover for, bearing in mind there will likely be a waiting period of up to 12 months on pre-existing conditions. Finding the best health policy is often a case of striking a balance between only paying for the inclusions you are most likely to need, versus having more comprehensive coverage for extra peace of mind.
How much can you comfortably afford to pay in premiums? With this info in mind you do a health insurance comparison among policies in your price range. You might then simply decide to go with the policy that offers the most appropriate level of cover for you, not necessarily the absolute cheapest.
Checking the inclusions on a singles policy is important, but so too is looking at the claim limits on specific services. For example, you might find a policy that ticks all the boxes in what’s covered, but the claim limits may be low. In that case, the policy overall may not be a great fit, or you would need to consider paying more to increase your claim limits.
Singles policies often come with health insurance special offers attached as an incentive for new customers. This might come in the form of money off your premiums in the first year, rewards points, cashback or waived waiting periods on Extras. Finding the best singles policy for your health needs that fits your long-term budget should be the priority, but if you can get a special offer while you’re at it, then why not!
Singles health insurance costs on average $85–$270 per month for hospital cover and $57 per month for extras, according to Money.com.au's analysis.
One of the potential disadvantages of health insurance is cost. The cost of a singles health insurance policy will depend on factors like the level of cover you choose, your income and your age. The provider you choose, and specifics like the excess you opt for on Hospital cover, will also determine how much you pay.
It’s worth shopping around for singles cover, particularly on Extras where there is generally more variation in the types of policies providers offer.
Below are some examples to give an idea of the potential cost of singles health insurance based on quotes sourced from some of Australia’s largest health funds.
The table shows the cost of health insurance for a single person (aged 35) living in NSW, with an income under $101,000. Quotes are for each provider’s most basic level of hospital care and a medium level of Extras covering at least emergency ambulance, general and major dental, optical and physio.
Provider | HBF |
|---|---|
Basic Hospital (per month) | $79.77 (Basic Hospital Accident Only) |
Extras (per month) | $36.57 (Flex 50) |
Combined Hospital and Extras (per month) | $116.34 (Basic Hospital Accident Only and Flex 50) |
Provider | nib |
Basic Hospital (per month) | $79.95 (Basic Accident Hospital) |
Extras (per month) | $37.92 (Core Extras) |
Combined Hospital and Extras (per month) | $117.87 (Basic Accident Hospital and Core Extras) |
Provider | HCF |
Basic Hospital (per month) | $82.51 (Accident Only Basic) |
Extras (per month) | $36.29 (Mid Extras) |
Combined Hospital and Extras (per month) | $118.80 (Accident Only Basic and Mid Extras) |
Provider | Bupa |
Basic Hospital (per month) | $81.39 (Basic Accident Only Hospital) |
Extras (per month) | $41.19 (Core Extras) |
Combined Hospital and Extras (per month) | $122.58 (Basic Accident Only Hospital and Core Extras) |
Provider | Medibank |
Basic Hospital (per month) | $79.88 (Basic Accident and Ambulance) |
Extras (per month) | $49.89 (Growing Family Extras) |
Combined Hospital and Extras (per month) | $129.77 (Basic Accident and Ambulance and Growing Family Extras) |
Provider | GMHBA |
Basic Hospital (per month) | $83.40 (Accident Only Hospital Basic) |
Extras (per month) | $49.20 (Everyday Boost) |
Combined Hospital and Extras (per month) | $132.65 (Accident Only Hospital Basic and Everyday Boost Extras) |
Provider | Australian Unity |
Basic Hospital (per month) | $91.19 (Basic Plus) |
Extras (per month) | $41.60 (Focus Extras) |
Combined Hospital and Extras (per month) | $132.79 (Basic Plus and Focus Extras) |
| Provider | Basic Hospital (per month) | Extras (per month) | Combined Hospital and Extras (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
HBF | $79.77 (Basic Hospital Accident Only) | $36.57 (Flex 50) | $116.34 (Basic Hospital Accident Only and Flex 50) |
nib | $79.95 (Basic Accident Hospital) | $37.92 (Core Extras) | $117.87 (Basic Accident Hospital and Core Extras) |
HCF | $82.51 (Accident Only Basic) | $36.29 (Mid Extras) | $118.80 (Accident Only Basic and Mid Extras) |
Bupa | $81.39 (Basic Accident Only Hospital) | $41.19 (Core Extras) | $122.58 (Basic Accident Only Hospital and Core Extras) |
Medibank | $79.88 (Basic Accident and Ambulance) | $49.89 (Growing Family Extras) | $129.77 (Basic Accident and Ambulance and Growing Family Extras) |
GMHBA | $83.40 (Accident Only Hospital Basic) | $49.20 (Everyday Boost) | $132.65 (Accident Only Hospital Basic and Everyday Boost Extras) |
Australian Unity | $91.19 (Basic Plus) | $41.60 (Focus Extras) | $132.79 (Basic Plus and Focus Extras) |
Depending on your age, you may be subject to the Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading, which is an extra cost on top of the standard premiums applied to people aged over 31 who have never had private health insurance.
The loading is 2% on top of your base Hospital cover premium for every year you are aged over 30, based on your age on the 1 July prior to joining. The maximum LHC loading that anyone can pay is 70%, and the loading expires after 10 years of the policyholder having continuous cover.
The government health insurance rebate helps bring down the cost of singles health insurance premiums with tiered rebates based on income (up to an income cap). Lower income individuals qualify for a higher rebate level, as outlined in the table below. The rebates and income levels are for the 2025-26 financial year.
| Income | Rebate % |
|---|---|
$101,000 or less | 24.288% for under 65s 28.337% for ages 65-69 32.385% for ages 70+ |
$101,001 – $118,000 | 16.192% for under 65s 20.240% for ages 65-69 24.288% for ages 70+ |
$118,001 – $158,000 | 8.095% for under 65s 12.143% for ages 65-69 16.192% for ages 70+ |
If you’re under 30 years old when you take out cover, you may qualify for an age-based discount on your singles health insurance. This is offered by some insurers (not all) and is a percentage discount on your policy premiums.
It’s offered as a 2% discount for every year under the age of 30 you are, with the discount you qualify for at the start of your policy applying until you are 41 years old. After that point it phases out gradually.
This is not a cost of your singles health insurance as such, but a cost you might incur if you don’t have a minimum level of Hospital cover. It operates much like income tax and is deducted by your employer each time you are paid. For singles the Medicare levy surcharge is applied based on an individual’s income as follows, according to the ATO:
| Income threshold | Medicare levy surcharge |
|---|---|
$101,000 or less | 0% |
$101,001 – $118,000 | 1% |
$118,001 – $158,000 | 1.25% |
$158,001 or more | 1.5% |
Some health insurance providers allow you to nominate a higher excess on Hospital policy to reduce your premiums. The maximum excess for singles is $750 per claim. While increasing your excess could lower your premiums, doing this would mean you will have more to pay if you need to make a claim.
If you're insuring yourself under an Overseas Visitor Health Cover policy, this will almost certainly be more expensive than a standard health insurance policy. That's because it's not subsidised by the Australian Government in the same was as cover for residents is.
You don’t have to be single to choose a singles health insurance policy. In fact, it ’s fairly common for people who are in a couple to each get their own singles health insurance policy. This allows each individual to get the level of cover they need.
It’s also generally no more expensive – in terms of the base premiums – to get separate singles policies versus a couple policy.
Here are some other factors to consider when deciding.
Probably the main reason individuals in a couple choose singles health insurance is the greater flexibility it offers each individual.
For example, if one partner has complex health needs, that partner could opt for a higher (more expensive) level of cover, while a lower (less expensive) level of cover might be sufficient for the other partner. In that scenario, getting a high level of health insurance covering both partners may not be necessary and may cost more than purchasing two singles policies.
If you have similar needs to your partner, a couples policy can be more convenient (one end of financial year statement etc). Having combined claim limits on a couples policy can also be handy if one partner uses a particular service a lot.
It may also work out cheaper to get couples cover, depending on your income and age. For example, a higher level of government rebate could apply to a couples policy (benefitting both partners) if just one of the partners is eligible for a higher rebate.
Potentially not, because health funds must recognise waiting periods that have already been served by the same person on a Hospital policy, even if it was with a different provider. The exception is if your new singles policy has extra inclusions or higher levels of cover. In that case, there would be a waiting period on the new and/or increased inclusions.
Yes it can, but you'll need a Hospital policy that includes pregnancy and obstetrics. This is typically only included in the highest (most expensive) levels of cover. There’s usually a 12-month waiting period before you can claim pregnancy benefits.
If you’re looking for cheap singles health insurance, compare policies from different insurers based on the premium charged, while still ensuring the cover will be sufficient for your needs. As a general rule, policies with fewer inclusions and lower claim limits cost less.
Because of how private health insurance works in Australia, if you take out health insurance while you’re younger, you may pay less. That’s because there are a number of incentives available to encourage people to take out cover while they are young (under 31).
It’s worth also keeping an eye out for promotions or discounts that insurers regularly offer.
We have a range of health insurance partners including:
Please note, we do not compare all health funds in the market, or all policies from our partner funds, and at times certain funds or products might be unavailable.
Not necessarily, but it can still be worth it. Having Hospital cover means you might avoid the Medicare levy surcharge and the Lifetime Health Cover loading i(f you sign up before age 31). Plus, having cover gives you more choice and be able to skip public waiting lists if something unexpected comes up.
Then there’s Extras cover, which can be beneficial regardless of your age and the state of your health, as it covers the likes of dental care, optical and physio.
Yes, many policies now include support for mental health through psychology or counselling benefits. Just check the details, as some services are covered under Hospital policies, others under Extras.
Most GP visits are covered by Medicare, not private health insurance. However, some Extras policies may cover things like vaccinations, telehealth services or allied health that complements GP care.
Yes, you need an eligible Hospital policy that meets the government’s minimum standards. Specifically, the Hospital cover must be held with a registered health insurer and cover some or all of the fees and charges for a stay in hospital, with a maximum permitted excess of $750 for singles.
Indeed you can. Singles Extras policies often include general dental (check-ups, cleans, fillings) and sometimes major dental (crowns, dentures). The level of cover depends on the policy and usually comes with annual limits and waiting periods.
That depends. Standard wait periods are typically two months for general treatments and 12 months for major treatments or pre-existing conditions. However, if you’re switching from another fund at the same or lower level of cover, your waiting periods may be waived.
You can usually claim straight away using your fund’s app, website or by swiping your membership card at the provider. Most insurers make it quick and easy, and some even offer same-day payments into your account.
You can cancel at any time, but you might lose benefits like waiting periods you’ve already served. If you plan to rejoin later, keep in mind you could have to start those waiting periods again.
If you want private health insurance that covers pregnancy, you’ll need a Hospital policy that specifically includes pregnancy and birth services. Make sure to upgrade at least 12 months before you plan to use it, as waiting periods apply. However you don’t necessarily need to be on a couples policy to be covered for pregnancy. If you’re having the baby but your partner is not covered under a policy, you will still be able to claim benefits if you have a singles policy that includes pregnancy cover.
You technically can, but it’s like to wind up being a somewhat pointless waste of money if the policies cover the same things. You can only claim once for each treatment no matter how many policies you have.
Where separate policies for a single person might make sense is having your Hospital policy with one provider and your Extras cover with another.
This really depends on what peace of mind means to you. If it’s simply knowing you have a level of cover that means you won’t be paying more tax, then a Basic policy might be enough. If peace of mind means being covered for health events that might occur, you’ll need to think about your current and future healthcare needs before deciding.
Not usually. Most health funds only cover services provided in Australia by registered providers. If you’re heading overseas and want to be covered if something goes wrong, you would need a separate travel insurance that includes medical cover.
Some insurers let you suspend your policy if you're going overseas for more than a few months. But there will be a limit (e.g. two years) to how long you can suspend your policy by. You’ll usually need to let your fund know in advance to be eligible for a suspension.
In Australia, you can typically remain on your parents' health insurance policy until you turn 31, provided you are not married or in a de facto relationship. This applies to both full-time students and non-students, although non-student dependants may incur an additional premium. It's important to note that not all health funds have adopted this change, so you should check with your specific insurer to confirm their policy.
If you marry or enter a de facto relationship, you generally become ineligible to remain on your parents' health insurance policy, regardless of your age. In this case, you'll need to take out your own health insurance cover (singles or a couples policy with your partner) to maintain continuous coverage.
If money’s tight, consider a Basic Hospital policy just to avoid the Medicare levy surcharge and public hospital waitlists. Then add a low-cost Extras plan if you use dental, optical or physio occasionally. Keep it simple and upgrade later if your needs change.
Yes, there are a few smart ways to reduce your premiums. Choosing a higher excess on your Hospital cover will usually lower your monthly costs (just make sure you can afford it if you need to claim). If you’re under 31, you might qualify for an age-based discount with some insurers. Not all providers offer age-based discounts so it’s worth seeking out those that do.
You should also compare policies regularly. Health funds change prices and offers often, so switching could save you money or score you perks like waived waiting periods or cashback. Sometimes being with a not-for-profit fund rather than a for-profit can be better value because of their higher premium returns and paying out more in benefits. Finally, only pay for cover you’ll actually use. If you don’t need things like pregnancy or major dental, don’t pay for them.
Sean Callery is the Editor of Money.com.au. He has over 15 years of international experience. He is qualified with a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821) and is compliant to provide general advice in Tier 1 General Insurance (RG 146) products.
Jared Mullane is a finance writer with more than a decade of experience at some of Australia’s biggest finance and consumer brands. His areas of expertise include energy, home loans, personal finance and insurance. Jared is qualified with a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821).
Select the offer you're interested in to view full T&Cs.
The information on this page is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information provided and the nature of any product is suitable for you and seek independent advice if necessary.
We do not compare all health insurance providers and products available in Australia and we do not guarantee that our product comparisons include all product features and attributes relevant to you.
In providing general information on this page, we are not providing you with a recommendation or suggestion about a particular product. You should read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents before deciding whether to apply for or continue to use a particular product.
However, when a customer requests that we contact them regarding health insurance, after being on the Money.com.au website, we will take the information they provide into account when providing the customer with a range of health insurance product options.
We have partnered with The ItsMy Group (ABN 85 167 289 965) to form our panel of health insurance providers. If a Money.com.au insurance advisor helps you find a more suitable product and you join that health insurer, IMG receive a payment from that fund, which they pass on to us. This is normally a one-off fee but it can also be paid in increments over time.
There is no charge to consumers to use the service, and any payment we receive does not change the price you pay for the product. Our health insurance advisors do not know how much we are paid by the fund they recommend.
Both Money.com.au and The ItsMy Group are members of the Private Health Insurance Intermediaries Association (“PHIIA”) and are have signed up to the PHIIA Code of Conduct.
Our customers have access to offers from a range of health insurance partners:
Please note, we do not compare all health funds in the market, or all policies from our partner funds, and at times certain funds or products might be unavailable.
At Money.com.au, we aim to provide you with the highest level of service, but we also understand that occasionally you may not be 100% happy with us. If that’s the case, you can let us know by emailing us at support@money.com.au
If we can’t resolve your issue immediately, a senior manager will respond to you at the latest by the next business day from receipt of your enquiry. If we are still unable to resolve the matter within three days, it will be escalated to the attention of the CEO.
You could also contact your health fund or the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman’s office (PHIO):
Our Australian-based call centre is open weekdays between 9am and 5pm (AEST) with our team of experts ready to help!
You can reach us on 1300 001 359 or (02) 8528 1995.
