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The Government Health Insurance Rebate Most Australians Forget To Claim β€” Have You Checked Yours?

Sophie Taylor

by Sophie Taylor, May 2026 Β· 5 min read

Private health insurance premiums just got more expensive β€” again. In March 2026, the average premium rose by 4.41%, with some funds hitting even harder: AIA up 5.98%, NIB up 5.47%, Medibank up 5.1%.

For most Australians, that means quietly paying more each month without asking why.

But here's what your insurer isn't telling you: the government may already be offsetting a chunk of that cost through the Private Health Insurance Rebate β€” a benefit thousands of Australians are either underusing or missing entirely. Depending on your age and income, you could be entitled to more support than you realise.

Could you be paying less for your health insurance? Check your potential savings now:

Step 1: Select your current health fund below.
Step 2: Once you answer a few basic questions, you will have the opportunity to compare quotes from multiple health funds*

But What is The Private Health Insurance Rebate?

Think of it as the government chipping in on your health insurance bill.

The Private Health Insurance Rebate is a federal subsidy that reduces what you pay for private cover. The ATO determines your rebate percentage based on your age and income β€” and for many Australians, it's already being applied as a direct discount on their monthly premium without them even noticing.

Not receiving it upfront? You can still claim it back as a tax offset at the end of the financial year.

How Much is The Rebate Actually Worth?

More than most people expect.

Your rebate percentage is calculated based on your age, income, and household status. For the average Australian, that means roughly 24% off their premiums. For older Australians on eligible incomes, that rises to around 32%.

On a policy that might otherwise feel out of reach, that kind of reduction can be the difference between affordable and expensive.

These figures are a general guide only. Your actual rebate and savings will vary based on your personal circumstances and chosen policy.

Every month without the rebate is a month you're overpaying. Find out what you're entitled to today.

Step 1: Select your current life stage below.
Step 2: Once you answer a few basic questions, you will have the opportunity to compare quotes from multiple health funds*.

Single person illustration

Just me

Couple illustration

Me and
My partner

Family illustration

My family

Single parent with kids illustration

Me and
My kid(s)

The Rebate Is Real. So Why Are So Many Australians Missing Out?

The Private Health Insurance Rebate has been around for years β€” yet most Australians still don't fully understand how it works.

Many assume it's only for retirees, that it's automatically sorted, or that claiming it means drowning in paperwork. None of that is quite right.

The rebate is built into many policies, yes β€” but whether your policy is set up correctly for your age, income, and household situation is a different question. And it's one worth asking.

Get Stated, it’s free and only takes 60 seconds:

Step 1: Select your current health fund below.
Step 2: Once you answer a few basic questions, you will have the opportunity to compare quotes from multiple health funds*

See What Your Are Eligible For

Right Health Insurance gives Australians a free, no-obligation way to compare cover options and make sure they're on the right policy.

Sources: Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Services Australia. Rebate percentages and eligibility criteria are subject to change and depend on individual circumstances.

We refer you to licensed brokers who compare selected products, not all products in the market.

Click on your life stage
to get started!

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