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Private Health Insurance Rebate

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The Australian Government introduced the Private Health Insurance Rebate (also known as the Federal Government 30% Rebate) initiative in January 1999. For every dollar that you contribute to your private health insurance premium, the Government will give you back at least 30 cents as a Private Health Insurance Rebate.

For people aged between 65 and 69 years, the Rebate is 35% and for people aged 70 years and over, the Rebate is 40%.

All Australians who are eligible for Medicare and who are members of a registered health insurer are eligible for the Rebate - no matter what their level of cover, income or type of membership. The Rebate applies to both hospital and general treatment (also known as ancillary or extras) policies.

The Rebate is not applicable for overseas visitors health cover.

How to claim the Rebate

In order to claim the Rebate, your health insurance policy must be with a health insurer registered under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007.  This site has a list of all registered insurers.

In addition, all the people covered by the policy must be eligible to claim benefits under Medicare.

There are three ways to claim the Rebate:

• ask your registered health insurer to provide the Rebate as a premium reduction,
• receive a direct payment from the Government through your local Medicare office, or
• claim it back on your tax return, using a statement your health insurer will provide at the end of the financial year.

If your employer has paid your premium on your behalf, you are still entitled to claim the Rebate.

More information

• The Australian Tax Office website has more information on the Private Health Insurance Rebate,
• The Medicare website also provides information on Private Health Insurance Rebates and claiming the Rebate at Medicare offices.