Singles health insurance
Get peace of mind with GMHBA singles cover.
Singles health insurance
Singles health insurance really means health insurance for one. Having singles cover doesn't need to have anything to do with your relationship status. Private health insurance for singles gives you the flexibility to tailor your own health cover to your own health needs. That's what it's all about: taking control of your health journey.
Health insurance for singles simply means one person per policy. That’s it. It’s individual cover for a single individual. But that doesn’t mean you have to be ‘single’ to get it.
One of the big perks of singles health insurance is being able to tailor your cover to your needs. So even if you’re a couple, there might be times when it makes more sense to take out two single policies. That way, you both get the right level of cover.
Like any other form of private health insurance, singles cover is comprised of extras only cover, hospital only cover, or a combination of the two. You can purchase hospital and extras cover on their own or bundle them into one policy. It’s up to you.
Singles hospital cover insures you for treatment in a hospital, whereas extras policies are for out-of-hospital services, like dental, physio and optical, that are generally not covered by Medicare.
Understanding hospital cover
Hospital cover is all about choice. It’s a more flexible way to support your health.
While Medicare is a good public health system, it doesn’t always suit everyone. In public hospitals, non-emergency treatment or surgery may face lengthy wait times. With GMHBA hospital cover, depending on your cover, you can choose to have your elective surgery performed at a private hospital as a private patient instead. It pays benefits towards inpatient medical costs like surgeons and anaesthetists, as well as patient accommodation and meal costs.
You have the following treatment options;
| Accommodation Type | Choice of hospital | Choice of doctor |
| Public patient, public hospital | No | No |
| Private patient, public hospital | No | Yes |
| Private patient, private hospital | Yes | Yes |
Why choose GMHBA for singles cover?
Accidents happen. That’s why when you take out any new GMHBA hospital cover you get accident protection.
All GMHBA hospital covers come with emergency ambulance cover as standard for eligible states.
In 2024, GMHBA has claimed the Canstar Outstanding Value Award – Hospital Cover (VIC) for the third consecutive year.
For over 90 years, we’ve believed that health insurance should be run to benefit members, not shareholders.
Join the GMHBA family with our Healthier Together newsletter, podcast and community events.
Unsure? We offer new members 60 days to get to know us and we’ll refund any premiums as long as you haven’t made a claim.
Cost of singles health insurance in Australia
The cost of singles health insurance depends on a few factors such as;
- The level of cover you choose (and whether this includes hospital and/or extras cover).
- Are you eligible for age-based discounts or the Australian Government Rebate?
- If you select hospital cover, are you eligible to avoid certain government levies and surcharges (such as the Medicare Levy Surcharge or Lifetime Health Cover Loading)?
- Other things that can impact your total cost can be excess amount as well as any out-of-pocket expenses.
The age-based discount is a perk for the under 30s. It's a 2% reduction on premiums for each year that a person is aged under 30 when they purchase eligible hospital cover. The highest age-based discount that can be applied is 10% for 18 to 25 year olds.
If you have singles private health insurance hospital cover, you may be eligible for the Australian Government Rebate on Private Health Insurance. The Australian Government provides an income-tested rebate to help people with the cost of private health insurance. If eligible, you can either use it to reduce the cost of your premiums up front, or you can pay the standard premium amount and get a refund at tax time, it’s your choice.
Without hospital cover, you may incur additional surcharges and loadings.
The first of these is the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS), which is an additional levy paid by higher income earners who do not hold an appropriate level of private health insurance hospital cover, designed to encourage the uptake of private health insurance hospital cover and to reduce the load on the public healthcare system. If you're a higher income earner and you simply want the lowest premiums while avoiding the Medicare Levy Surcharge, selecting a hospital cover like our Accident Only Hospital (Basic) might be for you. For information on the MLS rates and thresholds, find out more here.
The second is Lifetime Health Cover Loading (LHC). This is an age-based penalty introduced by the Australian Government. If you don’t take out hospital cover before 1 July following your 31st birthday, you’ll incur a 2% loading on your premium that grows by an additional 2% every year you go without cover (up to a maximum of 70%).
What type of cover is right for you?
Trying to decide if singles cover is right for you? You'll need to determine what level of cover you need and what inclusions you're after. You may also want to consider your partnership status and whether there may be any benefits to getting a couples policy. Find out more below.
This often comes down to your age and lifestyle. If you’re under 30, your healthcare needs might be relatively simple, in which case Accident Only Hospital (Basic) could fit the bill. This gives you some peace of mind, should accidents happen, and helps you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (if you’re a high income earner) and Lifetime Health Cover Loading (if your nearing 31). And if you’re aged between 18-29, you may be eligible for the aged-based discount.
Alternatively, you may enjoy the benefits of extras services (such as physio and optical), in which case a combined hospital and extras policy, like our Basic Plus Starter Hospital and Mid Extras Set Benefits would be more suitable. This policy provides entry level hospital cover with a set amount back on popular extras.
As always, it’s important to read the inclusions, exclusions, and limits of each policy thoroughly to make sure you’re getting the right benefits, and the right level of protection for you.
Is it cheaper to purchase two singles policies, or one combined couples plan?
That’s a tricky question to answer because there are more things to consider than just cost. Singles health insurance gives you maximum flexibility and control over your healthcare needs. This means you have more control over your policy as to what type of coverage you want. You can also change it based on your health requirements as your circumstances change, without having to worry about your partners needs.
Alternatively with a couples policy, you’ll both receive the same level of benefits, whether you need them or not. Some find couples policies easier to manage knowing you both have the same level of hospital and/or extras benefits for peace of mind, in which case, a couples policy may be better suited to your needs.
Switching to GMHBA
Find the right cover for you
View our range of hospital and extras products, and choose the cover that best suits your needs.
We'll do the paperwork
We’ll cancel your old membership, request the transfer certificate from your old insurer and handle all of the paperwork for you.
You won't re-serve waiting periods*
We'll recognise the waiting periods you served with your previous fund.
*Waiting periods apply for increased cover, must join within 30 days of ceasing your previous cover.
New to health insurance?
The world of singles health insurance can be a little overwhelming, especially if this is your first time looking at private cover. But don’t worry, we’ve put together a handy guide on how to join.
Frequently asked questions about singles cover
That’s really up to you, but here are some factors to consider. Singles health cover is a great way to get peace of mind and have more control over your health care. Hospital cover can help with the cost of private hospital treatments, as well as providing additional comfort with your choice of specialist, and you can be seen as soon as you and your specialist are ready (subject to hospital waiting lists).
Having hospital cover can also help you avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge (if you’re a high income earner). And, if you get hospital cover before 1 July after your 31st birthday, you will avoid paying the Lifetime Health Cover loading on your premium. For more information see our Lifetime Health Cover Loading page.
Extras cover is insurance for services that generally may not be covered by Medicare. If a service is included in your extras cover, you’ll receive some of the cost back from your insurer. Refer to your fact sheet for inclusions.
There really is no ‘best’ singles health insurance. Only what’s best for you. Private health insurance is a personal choice and choosing the right level of hospital and/or extras cover will depend on your personal needs, your priorities, and your budget.
Whether you’re an extreme sports person, or prefer to keep two feet on the ground, you can choose a cover that gives you peace of mind. GMHBA has a range of singles hospital and extras cover to suit any lifestyle and budget.
You can compare health cover online, or chat with us to get some advice. You should also check out some of the benefits of private health insurance.
When you choose to get private health insurance is up to you. But if you haven’t had hospital cover before, you may want to consider the Lifetime Health Cover Loading. You have until 1 July following your 31st birthday, otherwise you may need to pay the loading.
You may also want to consider getting hospital cover if you’re a higher income earner, as you can avoid paying Medicare Levy Surcharge by taking out an appropriate level of hospital cover for the full financial year. All GMHBA’s hospital covers meet these requirements.
If your child has been covered on your family policy, and they’re turning 21 and no longer eligible as a student dependent, they may want to consider their own singles cover (student dependant). After your child turns 25, they will need to secure their own cover regardless of student status.
Don’t forget, the age-based discount is a perk for the under 30s. It's a 2% reduction on premiums for each year that a person is aged under 30 when they purchase eligible hospital cover. The highest age-based discount that can be applied is 10% for 18 to 25 year olds. Importantly, you need to consider your health requirements for now and in the future. Will you find extras cover beneficial or do you want comprehensive cover with hospital for peace of mind? These are all things to consider when choosing to buy singles cover.
We always say it’s never too late to get singles health insurance. But the longer you wait, the more expensive it gets!
The cost of your health insurance depends on the type of cover you decide to go with. You also need to factor in things like Australian government rebate, excesses, lifetime health cover loading, age-based discount and the Medicare levy surcharge.
It depends on you and your partners’ health needs. It may make more sense (and potentially save you money), to take out two singles policies. On the other hand, if you have similar requirements and prefer the ease of managing one policy between the two of you, a couples policy might work better for you.
Get a quick quote to compare different combinations and see what works for you. Remember, you need to balance up not just the financial gains, but also security, benefits, and peace of mind.
Definitely, but if by moving from a singles policy to a couples policy which has upgraded cover, you’ll need to serve waiting periods for new services and pre-existing conditions, unless the couples policy is an equivalent level of cover or lower than the singles policy.
At GMHBA, we try to keep things as flexible as possible, so you can move between singles, couples and family policies, depending on your needs. You’re never locked in to one plan forever.
Just keep in mind, if you’re looking for pregnancy cover as a single (or a couple), there is a 12-month waiting period. Pregnancy cover is also only available on our top-tier Gold Optimum Hospital plan.
If you're a high income earner and want to avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS), you’ll need either hospital only or combined (hospital and extras) cover. Any level of hospital cover will do, but keep in mind that extras-only policies will not exempt you from the MLS.
Of course! Singles health insurance is for everyone, regardless of their health status. Just be aware though, hospital cover does come with certain waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
A pre-existing condition is defined under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 as "any ailment, illness, or condition where, in the opinion of a medical adviser appointed by a health insurer, the signs or symptoms of that illness, ailment or condition existed at any time in the period of 6 months ending on the day which the person became insured on the policy."
If you have a pre-existing condition that needs treatment, you’ll need to hold the appropriate level of hospital cover for 12 months before you can claim eligible benefits. This means you need either forward planning or a comprehensive cover for ‘just in case’ scenarios.