FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Do I need hospital cover?

It's entirely up to you. Many Australians initially get hospital cover to avoid government penalties like the Medicare levy surcharge, but the real value of private hospital insurance is in the freedom and control it gives you over your healthcare.

With hospital cover, you can go to a private hospital for treatment and your health fund will help cover some of your costs. You'll be able to choose your specialist and 'avoid the public hospital waiting list.

If you don't have hospital cover but choose to be treated in a private hospital, you will have to fund your own treatment. If you don't have hospital cover and go to a public hospital for treatment, you won't have a choice of specialist and will have to wait on the public hospital waiting list — this could mean months, or even years before you receive treatment.

Learn more about the benefits of hospital cover