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Single Parent Health Insurance

Key Points

  • Health insurance costs have risen, challenging single parents’ budgets.

  • Some health funds allow ex-partners to share policies post-separation.

  • Take new policy within 30 days of leaving ex’s cover.

  • Three main types: Hospital, Extras, and Combined Cover.

  • Consider health status, needs, budget when choosing a policy.

  • Government rebates available with higher threshold for single parents.

  • No “best” provider – choose based on individual needs.

  • Switching funds honors waiting periods and refunds prepaid premiums.

  • Waiting periods vary from 2 to 12 months.

  • Compare policies and prepay to potentially reduce premiums.

As a single parent, managing your household’s expenses can be tough, with health insurance often ranking as one of the biggest monthly costs after mortgage or rent. Over the past decade, the price of health coverage has increased significantly, and to make things even more complicated, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what’s truly best for your family. This can make finding an affordable and suitable health insurance policy feel overwhelming.

That’s where Compare Your Health comes in. We’ve created this guide to provide you with clear, straightforward advice on single-parent health insurance. Our mission is to help you make informed decisions that benefit both you and your children. With Compare Your Health, you can easily compare a range of single-parent insurance policies from different providers to find the best option for your family. Read on for a comprehensive look at single-parent health insurance and how to secure a better deal.

Staying on your Ex-Partners Health Cover

Can I stay on my ex-partner’s health insurance plan?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions when considering health cover options after a separation or divorce. The answer depends on the specific health fund you’re with.

For example, nib allows separated or divorced partners to remain on the same health insurance policy if both parties agree. According to nib, “When two partners separate or divorce, they can still stay on the same health insurance policy. Sometimes this may be more cost-effective, especially if they have accumulated LHC loadings.” Additionally, nib makes it convenient by allowing claims to be paid into separate bank accounts.

However, not all health funds operate this way. For instance, AHM requires separated or divorced partners to take out separate policies. AHM’s policy states, “If the policyholder and their partner become divorced or separated, we require that the partner be removed from the policy and take out a separate policy under our fund rules, and to prevent privacy breaches.”

If your health fund allows you to stay on the same policy as your ex-partner and you’re on good terms, it could be financially advantageous. A family policy is often cheaper than the combined cost of separate single and single-parent policies.

At Compare Your Health, we’re here to help you navigate these situations and find the best options for your unique circumstances. Use our platform to compare policies and discover the right health insurance solution for your family.

Leaving Your Ex-Partners Health Cover

If you and your ex-partner decide to split health cover, it’s essential to secure a new policy within 30 days. Most health funds provide a grace period of up to 30 days before requiring you to re-serve waiting periods. Some funds, like nib, offer an extended grace period of 59 days, but this is not the standard. Many funds stick to the 30-day rule, and a few even have a zero-day policy.

To avoid unnecessary complications, ensure you arrange new health cover promptly if you leave your ex-partner’s plan. Unfortunately, we’ve heard stories of individuals being removed from their ex-partner’s policies without their knowledge, leading to the need to re-serve all waiting periods.

If both you and your ex-partner take out new policies, remember that your children do not need to be covered under both plans. One parent can opt for a single policy, while the other takes out a single-parent policy. This approach can save you money and ensure appropriate coverage for everyone.

At Compare Your Health, we make it easy to explore options and find the right policy for your situation. Compare policies today to ensure you and your family are covered without unnecessary delays or extra costs.

Why Single Parents Need Health Insurance?

Raising children comes with numerous responsibilities, and one of the most significant is managing their medical needs. From routine check-ups to unexpected illnesses or injuries, medical expenses can quickly add up. For single parents, who often face the challenge of living paycheck to paycheck, paying hefty medical bills out of pocket can be overwhelming.

Private health insurance for single-parent families offers a financial safety net and ensures swift access to medical services when needed most. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your children are covered in emergencies or for essential care. That’s why health insurance for single-parent families isn’t just important—it’s essential.

At Compare Your Health, we’re here to help you find affordable and comprehensive insurance options tailored to single-parent families. Compare policies today and give your family the protection they deserve.

Types of Health Insurance for Single Parents

As a single parent, you have several options when it comes to health coverage. Different providers offer various types of policies tailored to meet diverse needs. Generally, there are three main types of health insurance for single-parent families:

1. Hospital Cover
Hospital cover provides in-patient services at either public or private hospitals. With private hospital cover, you can choose your doctor, select your hospital, and avoid long public waiting lists. This type of insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that if you or your child need medical care or corrective surgery, you won’t have to wait months to receive it.

2. Extras Cover
Extras cover allows you to claim for out-of-hospital services such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more. Kids can be costly, with regular dental check-ups, new glasses, mouthguards, speech therapy, and physiotherapy visits quickly adding up. Extras cover helps offset these expenses, ensuring you don’t pay the full amount out of pocket for commonly used services.

3. Combined Cover
Combined cover includes both hospital and extras insurance in a single policy. However, with combined cover, the hospital and extras components are locked together, meaning you can’t switch one without affecting the other.

To determine if you have a combined policy, check the product name. Hospital-only policies typically include the word “hospital” (e.g., Bronze Hospital $500 Excess or Silver Plus Hospital $250 Excess), while extras-only policies often include “extras” (e.g., Core Extras or Vital Extras). Combined policies may have more generic names like Top Choice $500 or Deluxe Package Silver Plus, making it clear they include both components.

Tailored Solutions for Single Parents
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to health insurance for single parents. Some may benefit most from a combined policy, while others might find standalone hospital or extras cover more suitable. In some cases, it could be advantageous to have a hospital policy with one provider and an extras policy with another.

The key is finding a policy that fits your individual needs. At Compare Your Health, we recommend evaluating what services you and your children use most and selecting a plan that aligns with those requirements. Use our platform to compare policies and find the best solution for your family’s health insurance needs.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Policy

Selecting the right health insurance policy for your family is a crucial decision. Here are five key factors to keep in mind when choosing a single-parent health insurance plan:

1. Current Health Status of Parents and Children
Start by evaluating your current health needs and those of your children. Ask yourself:

  • How often do you or your children visit the GP for checkups or emergencies?
  • Are there any ongoing illnesses, chronic pains, or specific medical conditions?
  • What medications are regularly required for you or your children?

These questions will help you decide if you need a basic policy that covers emergencies or a more comprehensive plan that addresses ongoing health needs.

2. Future Health Needs
Think about what lies ahead for your family’s health:

  • How old are your children, and what services might they need in the coming years (e.g., braces, speech therapy, or physiotherapy)?
  • Are your kids active in sports and likely to require annual mouthguards or other support?
  • Are there any foreseeable medical treatments or needs for you or your children?

Planning for future requirements ensures your policy remains relevant as your family grows.

3. Budget and Affordability
Your budget plays a significant role in choosing the right policy. Health insurance pricing varies based on the type of coverage—hospital, extras, or combined. To make an informed decision:

  • Compare premiums, excess amounts, and out-of-pocket costs.
  • Remember that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best. Spending slightly more on better coverage might save you money in the long run.

4. The Excess Structure
Hospital policies typically include an excess, which is the amount you pay upfront when admitted to the hospital. The general rule is that lower excess means higher premiums, and many single parents opt for a $500 or $750 excess.

Be sure to check how the excess applies to your children. Some policies may charge an excess for hospital admissions involving your kids, while others waive it until your children reach a specific age (e.g., 21 or 23 years). Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs.

5. Exclusions and Waiting Periods
Review the policy to ensure it covers the services you and your children need while avoiding unnecessary ones. For example:

  • If you no longer require pregnancy or birth-related services, look for policies that exclude these to reduce costs.
  • Understand waiting periods, which are typically 2 months for new conditions and 12 months for pre-existing ones.
    Balancing coverage to include essential services without paying for what you don’t need is key to finding the right policy.

Understanding Costs

When considering health insurance, it’s essential to understand the different costs involved. Knowing what each cost entails can help you make an informed decision when choosing a policy and using it effectively. Below is a breakdown of the main costs associated with single-parent health insurance:

1. Premiums for Single-Parent Policies
Premiums are the regular payments you make to keep your health insurance active for yourself and your child. These can typically be paid fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly, depending on your budget and preferences. The amount you pay depends on:

  • The level of coverage you choose (hospital, extras, or combined).
  • The specific services included in your policy.

2. Lifetime Health Cover Loading (LHC)
Lifetime Health Cover loading is an additional charge applied if you take out hospital cover after turning 31. For every year you delay taking out hospital cover after your 30th birthday, you’ll pay a 2% loading on top of your premium.

  • LHC loading is different from the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
  • This cost can add up over time, so it’s advisable to take out private hospital cover before you turn 31 to avoid paying extra in the future.

3. Government Rebates for Single Parents
The Australian Government offers rebates to make health insurance more affordable. These rebates:

  • Are based on your income and age.
  • For single parents, the income threshold for rebates is higher, similar to family cover, meaning you may qualify for a greater rebate.
  • Significantly reduce your premiums, helping you save money while maintaining your coverage.

Managing Costs and Maximizing Value

By understanding these costs, you can make strategic decisions to manage your expenses while ensuring comprehensive coverage for your family. To balance your budget effectively:

  • Choose a policy that fits your financial situation and health needs.
  • Take advantage of government rebates to lower your premiums.
  • Avoid unnecessary costs like LHC loading by taking out cover before age 31.

At Compare Your Health, we’re here to help you compare policies and find options that align with your budget and health requirements. Let us guide you to a plan that offers the best value for your money while protecting you and your family.

Comparing Providers

Now that you have a better understanding of single-parent health insurance types, tiers, costs, rebates, and services, the next step is selecting the right provider for your family. But which provider is the best fit for your unique health and medical needs?

When evaluating health insurance providers for single parents, consider the following key factors:

  • Coverage Options: Does the provider offer hospital, extras, or combined cover tailored to single-parent families?
  • Cost: Compare premiums, excess amounts, and out-of-pocket expenses across providers.
  • Provider Networks: Ensure your preferred hospitals, doctors, and specialists are included in their network.
  • Customer Service: Look for a provider with responsive and helpful support, especially during the claims process.
  • Ease of Claims Process: Check how simple and efficient it is to lodge claims with the provider.

How to Make an Informed Decision
To choose the best health insurance provider for your family:

  • Compare Policies: Use Compare Your Health to easily compare single-parent health insurance providers and their offerings side by side.
  • Review Product Disclosure Statements: Carefully read the product disclosure statements (PDS) for each policy to understand the details and limitations.
  • Refer to Provider Websites: Visit the providers’ websites for additional information on services and benefits.
  • Check Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and ratings on platforms like ProductReview to gauge customer satisfaction and service quality.

Why Use Compare Your Health?
At Compare Your Health, we simplify the process of finding the right health insurance for your family. Our platform allows you to explore policies from multiple providers, compare costs and benefits, and select a plan that suits your needs and budget. Let us help you make a confident and informed decision about your family’s health coverage.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews have become an essential tool for evaluating health insurance providers. They offer personal insights and feedback from real users, helping you gauge the experiences others have had with a particular health fund.

While reviews can be incredibly useful, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

  • Individual Needs Differ: A policy that works well for one person may not meet the needs of your family.
  • Focus on Your Priorities: Look beyond reviews to assess how well a policy aligns with your specific health and financial requirements.
  • Balanced Decision-Making: Use reviews as one of several factors in your decision-making process, along with coverage details, costs, provider networks, and government rebates.

At Compare Your Health, we encourage you to use customer reviews as part of your research but also to focus on what matters most to your family’s needs. With our platform, you can compare policies, explore options, and make an informed choice tailored to your unique situation.

How To Switch and Save on Single-Parent Family Health Insurance

Switching your single-parent health insurance doesn’t have to be a hassle. At Compare Your Health, we make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. When you choose a new health insurance policy through our platform, we’ll handle the entire switching process for you, so you can focus on what matters most—your family’s health.

The Switching Process
When you sign up for a health insurance policy through Compare Your Health, here’s what happens:

Provide Your Information
During the signup process, you’ll be asked for:

  • Your Medicare card number.
  • Your previous health fund membership number.
  • Payment details for the new policy.
  • Secure Data Transfer
    Your information is securely transmitted to your new health fund.
  • Welcome Email
    You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your new health fund.
  • Transfer Certificate Request
    Your new health fund will request a transfer certificate from your old fund. This document outlines the waiting periods you’ve already served, ensuring a seamless transition.
  • Cancellation of Old Policy
  • Your old health fund will cancel your direct debit payments.
  • Any pre-paid funds (fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly) will be refunded on a pro-rata basis, usually within 10 working days.
  • New Policy Activation
  • Your new health fund will send you a membership card by post.
  • You’ll receive a welcome call from their customer service team to guide you through onboarding.
  • Payments Set Up
    Your payments will already be arranged during the signup process, so you can relax and enjoy the benefits of your new health fund.

Key Benefits of Switching

  • No Waiting Periods: Any waiting periods you’ve already served will carry over to your new policy.
  • Pre-Paid Refunds: Any unused payments from your previous fund will be refunded to you.
  • Claim Tracking: Claims you’ve made on extras (e.g., dental, physio) will follow you to your new fund. For example, if you’ve claimed $100 for general dental with your current fund, that amount will be deducted from your yearly limit under the new fund.

FAQs

Here are the answers to a few of the common questions about single-parent health insurance:

What is covered under hospital and extras cover?

Under this cover, a wide variety of your in-hospital and out-of-hospital services are covered. The specific covered service will depend on your insurance provider and the tier of coverage you select, but the most commonly covered services include hearing aids, dental, optical, and physiotherapy services. Additionally, you have the choice of public or private hospital, a choice of specialist, and a private room option (if one is available), all chosen by you according to your needs.

If you would like more information on what is covered under hospital and extras, whether covered separately or in combination, here is the Compare Your Health Insurance Comparison tool. Use it to make an informed decision.

How do I claim the Australian Government Rebate on Private Health Insurance?

There are two ways that you can claim rebates, according to Service Australia. One way is to claim it from your insurance provider, and the other way is to claim it from the Australian Taxation Office. You can claim the rebate from the insurance provider as an upfront reduction to your private health insurance premium, whereas you can claim the rebate through the ATO tax return if you don’t get it as a premium reduction. The choice is yours. You can read more about health insurance rebates for families on this page.

What are waiting periods?

Waiting periods refer to the initial time frames that begin as soon as you take out an Australian private health insurance policy. During this period, you won’t be able to claim or access any benefits covered by the policy. If you require medical services during this time, you’ll need to cover the full cost yourself. The length of these waiting periods can vary depending on the type of condition.

Here are the standard waiting periods for some common health insurance benefits:

  • New Conditions: 2 months
  • Pre-existing Conditions: 12 months
  • Rehabilitation, Psychiatric Care, and Palliative Care: 2 months
  • Pregnancy and Birth-related Services: 12 months
  • IVF and Assisted Reproductive Services: 12 months
  • Weight Loss Surgery: 12 months

Remember, if you’re switching to a new policy and have already served the waiting period with your previous insurer, you will not need to serve it again.

How can I reduce my premiums?

There are a few foolproof ways that you can reduce your premiums on your single-parent health insurance policy. These ways include comparing different policies and their rates, switching to policies with lower premiums, only getting cover for services you or your kids will require, and removing the services from the cover that are no longer required. Another way you can reduce your premium is by prepaying your policy premium for at least 12 months. For more information on the matter, please visit this page. If you have any other family health insurance FAQs, we invite you to email us at enquiries@healthdeal.com.au.

Compare now

Finding the right single-parent health insurance policy doesn’t have to be complicated. Compare Your Health offers a simple and effective way to compare plans, costs, and providers tailored to you and your loved ones.

With our easy-to-use comparison tool, you can explore a range of health insurance options, helping you make informed decisions about your coverage. Whether you’re looking for hospital, extras, or combined policies, we’ve got you covered.

Need Expert Advice?

if you need expert guidance,feel free to reach out to us:

Contact: Compare Your Health
Email: info@compareyourhealth.com.au
Phone: 1300 631 373

Get in touch with our experts for tailored advice and support in making informed health insurance decisions for you and your loved ones.

Mother and son playing the tablet

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Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the policy, private health insurance can help cover the cost of your medical treatments in or out-of-hospital that Medicare sometimes won’t cover. Out of hospital treatment can include services such as Dental, optical, physiotherapy or even remedial massage

Private health insurance can help cover medical treatment received when hospitalised. Therefore, it is important to select the right level of cover for the clinical categories that are necessary to you.

Your private health insurance should change as often as needed to ensure you are covered at all the different stages of your life.

Also, private health insurance gives you the ability to choose your own doctor and avoid any public waiting lists for categories covered by your policy.

There are many top competing health funds, however you want to find one that is best suited to your individual health requirements and not just a health fund that is the best in the market.

This can sometimes be a difficult task for individuals, therefore companies like Health.Compare can offer comparisons of different health insurance policies to help you choose a policy that is catered to your health circumstances and budget.

Excess is the amount you pay upfront to cover some of the hospitalisation expenses if you ever get hospitalised. The higher the excess, the lower your private health insurance premiums will be. This usually applies to people with relatively lower health concerns who do not see themselves being in hospital anytime soon and in the event that they are hospitalised, they can agree to pay a higher excess, ultimately reducing their regular premiums.

Please be aware that excess amounts do vary depending on the health insurance provider, so it may be beneficial for you to consider your individual health and financial circumstances at the time of buying the insurance policy before agreeing to the Excess amount.

In Australia, health insurance is not tax deductible however you can receive rebates for your private health insurance. When taking out Private Health Insurance you choose whether or not to claim a rebate from the government. The government rebate is dependent on a number of factors including age and taxable income.

This can be applied to Hospital, Extras or combined products.

According to a recent report by APRA, 55.2% of Australians have extra cover, and 45.2% have hospital cover. These are the verified figures as of June 2022.

While the average cost of private health insurance adds up to $160 per month per person, your premiums may go up or down depending on the type of cover you choose or the excess amount you agree upon.

The starting point for many, is to look at your individual needs, preferences and financial circumstances.

We will help guide you through this conversation by first understanding and then matching your needs to a tailored level of cover. Ultimately, what’s best for you and your situation will be completely different to many others who are eligible for Private Health Insurance.

Yes you can have a private hospital insurance policy with one health fund and extras cover with another. This can be helpful as some funds might have a hospital policy you like, but not the extras cover you require for the specific out-of-hospital treatments.

Private health insurance provides many benefits to its members giving them access to a wide choice of health providers, faster access to medical services and the ability to avoid long wait times experienced in the public hospital system. In this FAQ we will answer some of the common questions about private health insurance.

What are the benefits of having private health insurance?

  • Access to private hospitals and faster treatment times
  • A wider range of treatment options
  • Ability to choose your own doctor and hospital
  • Reduced out-of-pocket expenses
  • Access to many health services and treatments not covered by the public system

Can I choose my own doctor and hospital if I have private health insurance?

Yes, with private health insurance you have the ability to choose your own doctor and hospital, giving you greater control over your health care to achieve a better overall health outcome.

How can I choose the right private health policy for me?

When choosing private health insurance, there are a few factors to consider:

type of cover required (hospital or extras)

  • your budget
  • your age and pre-existing medical conditions
  • the level of cover required
  • the range of health services you need to be covered for

Why should I get extras cover?

extras cover will give you further coverage on a range of treatments such as dental, optical, chiropractic, massage and physiotherapy.
some extras health policies also include further natural therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese medicine

How much does private health insurance cost?

The cost of a health policy in Australia varies depending on what type of cover you choose, your age, if you have any dependents and any pre-existing conditions. On average, the cost of private health insurance is around $2,000 per year for an individual and $4,000 per year for a family.#

In Australia, private health insurance is available to provide financial protection and contribution to medical expenses, but not all medical expenses are covered by your private health policy. In this FAQ we will explain the questions you have around what is typically covered and what’s not covered with private health insurance.

What is not covered by standard private health insurance?

The most common exclusions from private health insurance policies in Australia include:

  • Elective cosmetic operations, such as cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry
  • Weight loss surgery, unless it is deemed medically necessary
  • Infertility treatments, such as IVF
  • Alternative therapies, such as homeopathy, aromatherapy, kinesiology, reflexology and iridology
  • Mental health services, such as counseling and psychotherapy, unless they are part of a hospital treatment plan
  • Non-medical services, such as transportation and accommodation for medical treatment
  • International travel for medical treatment
  • Experimental treatments or procedures that are not yet widely accepted or covered by Medicare

Does private health insurance cover dental services?

No, private health insurance does not generally cover routine dental services, such as check-ups, cleanings, and fillings. However, some private health insurance policies may offer coverage for more extensive dental procedures, such as orthodontics and oral surgery, that are performed in a hospital setting.

Does private health insurance cover optometry services?

Similar to dental, optometry services are not covered by private health insurance such as eye examinations although prescription glasses and contact lenses are covered by private health extras policies.

Am I covered for ambulance services?

Not all private health policies cover individuals for ambulance services. However, some states in Australia automatically cover policy holders through their state or territory.

Will my private health policy cover prescription drugs?

No, private health insurance policies in Australia do not cover prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which is a government-funded program.

In conclusion, it’s important to understand what is not covered under your policy to avoid any surprises when you need to make a claim. While most health insurance policies provide coverage for a wide range of medical expenses, there are still some things that are not covered, and it is important to understand these exclusions.

So, you have private health insurance and want to know how much you might have to pay for medical treatments out of your own pocket? We’ve got you covered with our easy guide FAQ.

What does ‘no gap’ mean when it comes to private health insurance?

Basically, it means that you won’t have to pay anything out of your own pocket for certain medical services, these are covered by your private health insurance. It’s the difference between what your doctor or hospital charges and what Medicare and your private health fund will pay and it’s known as the ‘gap’. With a ‘no gap’ arrangement, your insurance will cover the full cost of the service.

So, I won’t have to pay anything extra?

That’s right! With the ‘no gap’ arrangement, you won’t be left with any unexpected bills to pay. Your private health insurance will cover the full cost of the medical service, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

How does it work?

To be eligible for a ‘no gap’ service, you’ll need to use a provider who is part of your private health insurance provider’s ‘preferred provider’ network. This means that the provider agrees to charge you a set fee for a particular medical service, and your private health insurance will cover this fee in full. This way, you can be sure that you won’t have to pay anything out of your own pocket.

Can I get ‘no gap’ for any medical procedure?

Unfortunately, ‘no gap’ is only available for some medical services, and only if you use a provider who is part of your private health insurance provider’s ‘preferred provider’ network.

Is ‘no gap’ the same as ‘bulk billing’?

No, they’re not the same thing. ‘Bulk billing’ is when medical providers bill Medicare directly for their services, so you don’t have to pay anything out of your own pocket. ‘No gap’ is a service that’s offered by private health insurance providers, and it covers the full cost of certain medical services.

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?

Our friendly advisors are here to help with any other questions you may have about health insurance comparison or switching policies. At Compare Your Health, we’re dedicated to making the process of comparing and switching health insurance as straightforward as possible.

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