How can I claim the Australian Government Rebate?

You can claim the Australian Government Rebate (Rebate) as a reduction on your premium (this requires a completed Australian Government Rebate Application form) or as a Rebate through your annual tax return. Learn more about the Australian Government Rebate.

What happens if I nominate an incorrect Rebate tier?

When you lodge your income tax return, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will determine your rebate entitlement, which could mean you get a refundable tax offset (refund) or a tax liability (debt).

Do I need to let my health fund know what my income is to determine my Rebate tier?

No, you don’t need to report your income to your health fund; you just need to nominate your tier.

If my income falls into Tier 1, 2 or 3, can I continue to claim any of the Rebate amounts as a reduction on my premiums?

Yes, you can receive any Rebate amount you select. But when you submit your tax return, the ATO will determine whether you've claimed a higher Rebate than you're entitled to and will seek reimbursement in your tax assessment. If you've claimed a lower Rebate than you're entitled to, you could get a refundable tax offset in your tax assessment.

What happens if any member of our family passes away?

If any member of your family dies, family thresholds will continue to apply for that financial year. If a dependant child dies, any increase in the thresholds due to that child will also apply for the rest of that financial year.

How does the Rebate affect employer-purchased cover?

Where employers fully or partially subsidise private health insurance as an employee benefit, this is a private arrangement between employer and employee. Employees (i.e. the adults covered by the policy) can still nominate a Rebate tier and make up the difference in premiums if required.

Who's entitled to the Rebate for dependant child only policies?

Parents with dependant child only cover may still be income tested and may be entitled to the Rebate.

What happens if my or my family’s income changes from one tier to another during the financial year?

There's no penalty for changing tiers during the financial year. If you've claimed too much private health insurance Rebate, as a premium reduction or through Medicare, the ATO may seek to recover the amount. This liability will be listed on your notice of assessment.

If you haven't received your full Rebate entitlement, the ATO will calculate your Rebate and refund this to you as a tax offset when you lodge your tax return. The tax offset will be listed on your notice of assessment.

Is the Rebate applicable to the Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading on private health insurance?

No, the LHC loading component of your premium isn't eligible for the Rebate even if you're eligible for a Rebate overall.

If you're single and earn more than $97,000, or a family or couple earning more than $194,000 a year (increasing by $1,500 for each dependant child after the first) from 1 July 2024, you may be required to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge. You can avoid any additional Medicare Levy Surcharge by having an appropriate level of hospital cover.

^* Single parents and couples (including de facto couples) are subject to family tiers. For families with children, the thresholds are increased by $1,500 for each dependant child after the first.