5 Best Couples Private Health Insurance in Australia
In this guide, we’ve explored the best hospital and extras cover options designed specifically for couples, focusing on plans that offer flexibility, value, and essential coverage. In this guide you will learn:
- ✅ What is couples health insurance and how does it differ from individual policies?
- ✅ 5 best couples health insurance in Australia
- ✅ Frequently asked questions
This guide will help you understand the features to look for in couples’ health coverage, from common benefits to the potential savings available. With these insights, you’ll be better equipped to find a plan that supports both your and your partner’s healthcare goals, providing peace of mind and value over the long term.
| 🔎 Provider | 🅰️ Plan Name | 🅱️ Coverage Type | 🔑 Key Features | 💷 Monthly Premium | ⏰ Waiting Period |
| 🥇 Bupa | Gold Comprehensive Hospital Plan | In-hospital and emergency | Extensive in-hospital coverage, pregnancy, cancer, chronic care, travel/accommodation benefits | Varies by age/location, approx. AUD 150-200 | 2 months for routine, 12 months for maternity |
| 🥇 Bupa | Super Extras Plan | Outpatient (extras) | Dental, optical, physiotherapy, mental health, acupuncture, psychology, annual limits on services | Varies by age/location, approx. AUD 150-200 | 2 months for most services |
| 🥈 Medibank | Basic Plus Healthy Start Hospital | In-hospital and ambulance | Affordable cover for joint reconstruction, accidental injuries, and limited hospital services | Starts under AUD 100/month | 2 months for most treatments, 12 months for maternity and pre-existing conditions |
| 🥈 Medibank | Top Extras 60 Plan | Outpatient (extras) | General dental, major dental, physiotherapy, acupuncture, mental health, up to 60% back at Members' Choice | Varies, approx. AUD 150-200/month | 2 months for most treatments |
| 🥉 HCF | Standard Silver Plus Hospital Plan | In-hospital and emergency | Coverage for heart, joint procedures, accident safeguard, travel benefits | AUD 100-250/month | 2 months for most, 12 months for major dental or maternity |
| 🥉 HCF | Flex My Extras Plan | Outpatient (extras) | Dental, physiotherapy, acupuncture, annual limits for optical, physiotherapy, gap bonus for out-of-pocket | AUD 100-250/month | 2 months for most services |
| 🏅 NIB | Silver Hospital Plan | In-hospital and ambulance | Comprehensive cover for heart, joint health, ambulance cover, accident injury benefit | AUD 25-60/week (approx. AUD 150-240/month) | 2 months for most treatments, 12 months for pre-existing conditions |
| 🏅 NIB | Core Extras Plan | Outpatient (extras) | General dental, optical, physiotherapy, unlimited preventive dental | Varies, approx. AUD 100-200/month | 2 months for most services |
| 🎖️ Australian Unity | Core Hospital Plan | In-hospital and emergency | Covers joint, muscle, digestive, and accident-related treatments, ambulance cover | Varies based on coverage | 2 months for most services, 12 months for major dental, maternity |
| 🎖️ Australian Unity | Focus Extras Plan | Outpatient (extras) | General dental, optical, physiotherapy, acupuncture, preventive health services | Varies, approx. AUD 100-200/month | 2 months for most services |
What is Couples’ Health Insurance and How Does it Differ from Individual Policies?
Couples’ health insurance in Australia is a private health cover designed for partners to combine their coverage into one policy, instead of maintaining separate individual plans. It simplifies payments, reduces administrative hassle, and often offers a more affordable solution with potential discounts for two-person coverage.
Unlike individual policies, couples’ health insurance provides a streamlined approach, making it easier to track premium payments, claims, and policy changes. It can also be customized to meet shared healthcare goals, such as maternity benefits for couples planning a family or preventative care for older couples.
Additionally, couples can share extra benefits for common needs like physiotherapy, optical, and dental, offering better value compared to individual policies. In summary, couples’ health insurance is a cost-effective, practical choice for partners looking to simplify their coverage and access benefits tailored to their shared needs.
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Types of Health Cover for Couples
Couples’ health insurance in Australia typically includes three types of cover: hospital cover, extras cover, and combined cover, each catering to different healthcare needs.
Hospital cover provides access to private hospitals and covers in-hospital treatments such as surgery, accommodation, and specialist care. It’s particularly valuable for couples planning a family, as it may include obstetrics and birth services, or for older couples needing elective surgeries like joint replacements.
Extras cover offers benefits for services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, and alternative therapies. Couples can share extra allowances, allowing more flexibility in using benefits based on individual needs, making it ideal for routine healthcare and preventive services.
The combined cover combines both hospital and extra cover in one policy, offering comprehensive care for both major medical events and routine needs. It’s a practical and cost-effective choice for couples looking for well-rounded coverage.
Bupa Couples health insurance
The Bupa Gold Comprehensive Hospital Plan and Bupa Super Extras Plan provide a solid combination of hospital and extras coverage, making them ideal for couples seeking comprehensive health support across a range of services.
Bupa Gold Comprehensive Hospital Plan
The Bupa Gold Comprehensive Hospital Plan offers extensive in-hospital coverage, including access to private hospitals and key health services like rehabilitation, psychiatric care, and surgery for serious conditions.
For couples planning a family, this plan includes pregnancy and birth-related services as well as assisted reproductive treatments. It also covers essential chronic care needs such as dialysis and cancer therapies, with added value through travel and accommodation benefits for medical treatment more than 200 km from home.
The $750 annual excess per person is capped, helping to manage costs, and Bupa’s extensive network of agreement hospitals assures accommodation, intensive care, and theatre fees, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.
Bupa Super Extras Plan
Complementing the hospital cover, the Bupa Super Extras Plan provides a range of outpatient services, reimbursing up to 60% on most services at Bupa’s Members First providers.
It includes general and major dental, optical, and physiotherapy, which are particularly beneficial for couples looking to maintain preventive health.
The plan also covers alternative therapies like acupuncture and remedial massage, plus mental health support with psychology and online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programs. With yearly limits that reset annually, couples can make the most of these services to manage regular health expenses effectively.
Together, these two plans offer a comprehensive healthcare package that is both flexible and economical for Australian couples, covering significant medical needs and everyday wellness with extensive network benefits and access to preventive and critical health services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Bupa health insurance plans?
Bupa offers a range of health insurance plans designed to meet diverse financial requirements. Weekly plans available from $2.79 to $21.19 encompass hospital care and additional expenses.
Exclusive medical items are priced weekly between $17.98 and $21.19, whereas general items range from $2.79 to $5.62. The weekly expense for packaged goods varies between $24.35 and $39.09.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Bupa Health Insurance Plan benefits?
The waiting periods for Bupa health insurance vary based on the chosen coverage. Coverage typically encompasses hospital admissions, standard medical treatments, and a waiting period of two months.
A 12-month waiting period is commonly required for prenatal treatment and medications related to pre-existing conditions.
The duration of these additional services can range from two to twelve months. To accurately identify the waiting periods associated with your coverage, it’s essential to grasp the technical details of your policy.
How to Claim for Bupa Health Insurance Benefits
These are the various options available to access your Bupa Health Insurance benefits:
- Access your Bupa account online or via your smartphone to quickly and effortlessly submit your claim.
- Be sure to bring your medical bills when you visit a Bupa Health Insurance office. Submitting the completed claim form and invoices to Bupa is crucial for them to initiate processing.
A wide array of healthcare providers can manage Bupa claim filings.
Our Overall Assessment
The Bupa Gold Comprehensive Hospital Plan and Bupa Super Extras Plan together offer an excellent healthcare package for couples seeking extensive coverage. The Gold Hospital Plan provides thorough in-hospital support, including pregnancy services, chronic care, and medical travel benefits, making it ideal for couples with diverse healthcare needs.
The Super Extras Plan complements this by offering valuable outpatient services like dental, optical, physiotherapy, and mental health support, with the flexibility of annual resets. This combination ensures that couples can manage both significant medical treatments and routine wellness needs affordably and comprehensively.
Medibank Couples health insurance
The Medibank Basic Plus Healthy Start Hospital Plan and Medibank Top Extras 60 Plan provide a balanced package of hospital and extras cover that suits Australian couples seeking essential health benefits.
Basic Plus Healthy Start Hospital Plan
The Basic Plus Healthy Start Hospital Plan offers affordable hospital cover, including ambulance services and accidental injury benefits, and a range of limited in-hospital services.
It covers essential procedures like joint reconstructions and hernia repairs, making it ideal for couples who want basic hospital coverage without extensive extras. For any accidental injury, the plan extends its cover to normally excluded or restricted services, which can be crucial for unexpected events.
While coverage for some major categories, such as heart surgery and pregnancy, is excluded, the plan’s affordable premiums make it a practical choice for couples prioritizing cost savings. Access to Medibank’s Members’ Choice hospitals also helps minimize out-of-pocket costs when choosing private hospital care.
Top Extras 60 Plan
The Top Extras 60 Plan complements hospital cover by offering substantial benefits for a wide range of outpatient services. This includes general dental with two 100% covered check-ups annually at Members’ Choice Advantage dentists, as well as coverage for major dental procedures and orthodontics with annual top-ups.
Additional benefits are available for optical, physiotherapy, mental health, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, giving couples a holistic approach to preventive care. The plan provides up to 60% back at Members’ Choice providers, providing savings on routine treatments. With fixed amounts for services at non-Members’ Choice providers, the plan also gives flexibility for provider choice.
Together, these two Medibank plans cover essential health needs while offering savings on day-to-day and emergency services, making them a balanced and accessible choice for Australian couples focused on health maintenance and basic hospital protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Medibank health insurance plans?
The monthly cost of Medibank health insurance plans is influenced by several factors, including the location, age, and coverage level of the insured. Starting at under AUD 100 per month, the most basic plans offer exceptional value. Comprehensive plans that include hospital treatments and additional coverage can range from AUD 150 to AUD 200 per month.
Utilize the quote feature available on the Medibank website to receive a personalized quote tailored to your needs.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Medibank health insurance plan benefits?
The chosen coverage type dictates the duration of waiting periods for Medibank health insurance benefits. Standard waiting periods consist of twelve months for maternity services or pre-existing conditions, two months for routine treatments such as dentistry and physical therapy, and immediate coverage for hospitalizations resulting from accidents.
It’s crucial to confirm the details of your plan, as waiting periods may vary based on the coverage you choose.
How to Claim for Medibank Health Insurance Benefits
Choose one of the following options to access the benefits of your Medibank health insurance:
- Quickly file your claim with ease through the My Medibank app or by logging into your Medibank account online.
- Present your Medibank card to process your claim during your visit to a Medibank branch.
- For any assistance you may need, reach out to Medibank’s customer service team.
A variety of healthcare providers are equipped to handle your claims automatically.
Our Overall Assessment
The Medibank Basic Plus Healthy Start Hospital Plan and Medibank Top Extras 60 Plan offer a practical and affordable health cover solution for Australian couples. The Basic Plus Healthy Start Hospital Plan provides essential hospital services, including coverage for accidental injuries and access to Medibank’s Members’ Choice hospitals, all at an affordable price.
The Top Extras 60 Plan complements this by covering a wide range of outpatient services, from dental to alternative therapies, with up to 60% back at Members’ Choice providers. Together, these plans provide a balanced and cost-effective approach to managing both emergency and everyday health needs.
HCF Couples health insurance
The HCF Standard Silver Plus Hospital Plan and HCF Flex My Extras Plan together offer a well-rounded health cover package, making them a solid choice for Australian couples looking for both hospital and outpatient services.
HCF Standard Silver Plus Hospital Plan
The HCF Standard Silver Plus Hospital Plan provides broad hospital coverage for various procedures, including heart and vascular treatments, joint reconstructions, and digestive system procedures, addressing common health needs.
The plan offers flexibility with excess options of $250, $500, or $750 per person annually, allowing couples to choose a level that balances premiums and potential out-of-pocket costs.
An added benefit is the Accident Safeguard, which upgrades coverage to a top hospital level for 90 days following an accident, offering reliable support in emergencies. The plan also includes travel and accommodation benefits for hospital stays more than 200 km away from home, which can be valuable for couples living in regional areas.
HCF Flex My Extras Plan
The HCF Flex My Extras Plan boosts hospital cover by offering a variety of extras. It provides flexible cover with an annual combined limit of $650, plus dedicated limits of $175 for optical and $100 for remedial massage.
Couples can use this flexibility to cover essential services like general dental, which includes one 100% covered check-up and cleaning annually through HCF’s No-Gap network, as well as coverage for other therapies like physiotherapy, dietetics, and acupuncture.
The plan also features a Gap Bonus, which gradually increases over four years to offset out-of-pocket expenses, helping to reduce ongoing costs for couples as they continue with HCF.
Together, these plans provide comprehensive protection for couples seeking tailored hospital and extra benefits, with features that enhance affordability, preventive care, and emergency support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the HCF health insurance plans?
Factors such as coverage amount, age, and location play a significant role in determining the monthly premiums for HCF’s health insurance policies.
Typically, basic hospital coverage begins at approximately AUD 100 to AUD 150 each month. More extensive plans that encompass additional services such as physiotherapy and dental care could range from AUD 150 to AUD 250 per month, or potentially higher.
What Is the Waiting Period for the HCF health insurance plan benefits?
The duration of waiting periods for HCF health insurance benefits varies based on the type of coverage selected.
Typically, waiting periods span 12 months for major dental or orthodontic procedures, 12 months for maternity care or treatments concerning pre-existing conditions, and 2 months for ancillary services such as dentistry and physiotherapy.
When it comes to hospital treatment for accidents, you can expect immediate access to care, with no waiting period involved. Be sure to check your policy for specifics, as waiting times may vary.
How to Claim for HCF Health Insurance Benefits
Simply log into your HCF member account and submit your claim online to access your HCF Health Insurance benefits.
- Submit your claim effortlessly and upload your receipts with the My Membership app.
- Certain healthcare providers can submit claims on your behalf directly to HCF.
To submit your claim, just stop by an HCF location or send your claim form by mail.
Our Overall Assessment
The HCF Standard Silver Plus Hospital Plan and HCF Flex My Extras Plan provide a well-rounded and flexible health insurance package for Australian couples. The Standard Silver Plus Hospital Plan offers comprehensive hospital coverage, including essential procedures like heart and vascular treatments, and flexibility in excess options to suit individual needs.
It also includes valuable benefits like the Accident Safeguard and travel assistance for hospital stays far from home. The Flex My Extras Plan enhances this by offering a range of outpatient services, including dental, physiotherapy, and alternative therapies, with a focus on affordability through flexible limits and a Gap Bonus to reduce ongoing costs.
Together, these plans offer a comprehensive, tailored approach to both hospital care and preventive health, making them an ideal choice for couples seeking flexibility and reliable coverage.
NIB Couples health insurance
The NIB Silver Hospital Plan and NIB Core Extras Plan provide a practical and balanced approach to health coverage, making them a good fit for couples who want essential hospital and outpatient benefits.
NIB Silver Hospital Plan
The NIB Silver Hospital Plan offers comprehensive in-hospital cover, including treatments for heart and vascular health, joint reconstructions, digestive system issues, and more.
This plan is ideal for couples who need access to private hospital services without covering more extensive or high-cost services like joint replacements, cataract surgery and assisted reproductive treatments.
The plan’s Accident Injury Benefit is a notable feature, as it provides immediate cover for accidental injuries after only one day, with full benefits for 90 days.
Ambulance cover is also included, providing emergency transport services, which is especially valuable for couples who want reliable support in critical situations. Flexible excess options ($500 or $750) allow couples to manage their premium costs based on their anticipated healthcare needs.
NIB Core Extras Plan
The NIB Core Extras Plan complements the hospital coverage by providing 60% back on a range of outpatient services, up to annual limits. This plan includes essential extras like general dental (up to $600 annually), optical ($250 limit), and physiotherapy ($350 limit), all with competitive waiting periods (e.g., 2 months for most services).
The unlimited preventive dental cover also allows couples to keep up with routine dental care without worrying about exceeding limits. Emergency ambulance services are included, covering emergency transport at 100%.
Together, these plans provide couples with comprehensive, budget-friendly coverage that balances hospital care with valuable extras, making them a reliable choice for managing both preventive and emergency health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the NIB health insurance plans?
The chosen plan and coverage level influence the weekly rates of NIB health insurance policies.
The typical weekly expense for essential hospital coverage ranges from AUD 25 to AUD 40. Comprehensive policies typically range from AUD 40 to AUD 60 per week or higher, providing coverage for hospital and supplemental care.
Create a tailored quote with the NIB quotation tool, perfectly suited to your unique situation.
What Is the Waiting Period for the NIB health insurance plan benefits?
The waiting periods for NIB health insurance benefits vary based on the type of coverage you choose.
Typically, waiting periods span one year for pre-existing conditions or maternity, two months for additional treatments such as physiotherapy and dental care, and provide instant coverage for unintentional accidents.
It’s essential to consult your insurance company for accurate details, as waiting periods can vary depending on your specific plan and provider.
How to Claim for NIB Health Insurance Benefits
Access your account and submit your claims online to claim your benefits with NIB Health Insurance. Effortlessly process claims and submit receipts with the NIB mobile app at your fingertips. Certain healthcare providers can submit claims to the NIB directly for you.
Our Overall Assessment
The NIB Silver Hospital Plan and NIB Core Extras Plan offer a practical and well-balanced health coverage solution for Australian couples. The Silver Hospital Plan provides comprehensive in-hospital coverage, including treatments for heart health, joint reconstructions, and digestive system issues, with flexible excess options to help manage costs.
Key features like the Accident Injury Benefit and included ambulance cover enhance its value, ensuring reliable support during emergencies. The Core Extras Plan complements this by offering essential outpatient services such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy, with competitive limits and coverage for emergency ambulance services.
Together, these plans deliver a cost-effective, comprehensive healthcare package that supports both hospital and everyday wellness needs.
Australian Unity Couples health insurance
The Australian Unity Core Hospital (Bronze Plus) Plan and Australian Unity Focus Extras Plan provide a comprehensive and versatile combination of hospital and extras cover, making them a suitable choice for couples seeking essential health benefits.
Core Hospital Plan
The Core Hospital Plan covers a range of critical services, such as bone, joint, and muscle treatments, digestive system procedures, and ear, nose, and throat care. With options for a $500 or $750 excess, couples can choose the excess level that best suits their budget, keeping premiums affordable.
Notably, the plan includes Accident Cover, which provides full benefits for treatments normally restricted or excluded if required due to an accident. Ambulance services for emergencies are fully covered, an essential feature for unexpected needs.
This plan also offers limited cover for psychiatric services, rehabilitation, and palliative care, which can be valuable for couples with varying healthcare needs.
Plus, access to Australian Unity’s Gap Cover program helps manage potential out-of-pocket expenses when using affiliated specialists and facilities.
Focus Extras Plan
The Focus Extras Plan complements hospital cover by providing essential outpatient services with a focus on dental and physical therapies.
Preventive and general dental services, including access to Australian Unity’s No Gap Dental Network, are covered up to 100%, allowing couples to maintain dental health affordably.
The plan also includes an optical cover with a $200 annual limit, along with coverage for physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, and acupuncture, each reimbursed at 60% of the cost up to specific annual limits. Unlimited emergency ambulance coverage and allowances for preventive health services (e.g., health checks, and quit-smoking programs) add further value.
Together, these plans offer a well-rounded healthcare package for couples, providing essential hospital and routine healthcare support at an affordable rate, with flexibility to accommodate various health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Australian Unity health insurance plans?
The monthly premium for health insurance plans from Australian Unity varies based on the coverage options selected. The precise premium amount will be shaped by various factors, such as the type of coverage, location, and any special circumstances involved.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Australian Unity health insurance plan benefits?
Australian Unity offers varying waiting periods for health insurance, depending on the specific service selected. Here are the typical wait times:
- Basic treatments require a two-month waiting period, while maternity or pre-existing conditions and major dental and optical procedures have a twelve-month waiting period.
Some benefits, especially those associated with accidents, may not require a waiting period. Please refer to your policy for specific details.
How to Claim for Australian Unity Health Insurance Benefits
- Access your account and effortlessly submit your claims online.
- Effortlessly upload receipts and submit claims using the Australian Unity Health app.
- Explore a Unity location in Australia, or conveniently send your claims by mail.
Our Overall Assessment
The Australian Unity Core Hospital (Bronze Plus) Plan and Australian Unity Focus Extras Plan provide a comprehensive and affordable health coverage solution for Australian couples. The Core Hospital Plan covers a range of critical services, including bone, joint, digestive system, and ENT treatments, with flexible excess options to suit different budgets. The inclusion of Accident Cover, ambulance services, and access to Gap Cover enhances the plan’s value.
Complementing this, the Focus Extras Plan offers essential outpatient services like general dental, optical, and physiotherapy, with added benefits such as unlimited emergency ambulance coverage and preventive health services. Together, these plans provide solid hospital and extra cover with flexibility and affordability for couples.
In Conclusion
This guide has explored the best hospital and extras cover options for couples, focusing on plans that offer flexibility, value, and essential coverage tailored to shared healthcare needs. By examining the top 5 health insurance options in Australia, we’ve highlighted key features and benefits that can provide significant savings and convenience for couples.
Understanding how couples’ health insurance differs from individual policies—by combining coverage, simplifying administration, and offering shared benefits—helps couples find a plan that supports both partners’ healthcare goals. With this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a health insurance plan that delivers peace of mind and long-term value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of services are typically covered under a core hospital plan for couples?
Core hospital plans for couples usually cover essential treatments like bone, joint, and muscle procedures, digestive health, and surgeries that are commonly needed. Couples can benefit from accident cover, ensuring that any hospital treatment due to accidents is included.
What extra benefits are most valuable for couples, and how does the plan work?
For couples, extras cover often includes valuable services like dental check-ups, optical care (glasses or contact lenses), and physiotherapy, helping reduce routine out-of-pocket expenses.
Does accident cover apply to both partners on a couple plan, and what does it involve?
Yes, accident cover generally applies to both partners and covers treatments needed due to accidental injuries, even for procedures that might otherwise be restricted.
How do waiting periods apply for couples on a combined plan?
Waiting periods apply individually to each partner based on when they join or upgrade the plan. For example, if one partner is new to the plan, they may need to serve a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions, while the other partner, who may have already completed it, can claim right away.
Can we customize our hospital and extras cover to fit our needs as a couple?
Yes, many insurers allow couples to choose different levels of hospital and extra coverage to meet their unique needs.
Is couples health insurance cheaper?
No, normally it is not cheaper than two individual policies taken out. The advantages of couples health insurance policy is for government rebate benefit, more cost effective for LHC Loading, simplified administration, shared extra limits and ease of moving into a family plan in the near future.
Can divorce couple share a couples health insurance policy?
Divorced couples normally cannot share a couples health insurance policy. The reason for this is because of the definition of “couples policy”, fund rules & regulations and protecting privacy of individuals. After divorce each individual needs to arrange its on health insurance cover.
