5 Best Hospital Cover Health Insurance in Australia
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on hospital cover in Australia. Our goal is to simplify the information so that you can confidently choose a policy suited to your healthcare needs and lifestyle. You will learn:
- ✅ Understanding Hospital Coverage in Australia
- ✅ 5 best hospital-health insurance in Australia
- ✅ Frequently asked questions
With hospital cover, you have the option of choosing your healthcare providers, reducing wait times, and accessing a broader range of treatments. We hope this guide gives you the insights you need to make the best choice for your peace of mind and well-being.
What is Hospital Cover in Australia?
Hospital cover is a key part of private health insurance, providing financial support for treatment and accommodation when admitted to a hospital. It offers quicker access to private care, allows patients to choose their specialist, and provides privacy during stays, unlike the public system with longer wait times and limited doctor choices.
Coverage Levels and Differences
Hospital cover plans are categorized into Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with Gold offering the most comprehensive coverage. Lower-tier plans offer fewer services, making them more affordable for younger or healthier individuals. Hospital cover differs from extra cover, which focuses on non-hospital services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
Benefits of Hospital Cover
Hospital cover eases the burden on the public health system and provides individuals with greater control over their healthcare. It may also help avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge for higher-income earners who don’t have private cover, offering both better access to care and potential tax savings.
📌 Read more about the Best Health Insurers for Australians
Levels of Hospital Cover in Australia
In Australia, hospital cover is offered in four main levels: Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level provides a different scope of services, allowing Australians to choose coverage that best suits their health needs and budget.
Basic Cover
This entry-level cover provides the most minimal hospital benefits, mainly for accidents and essential treatments. Basic plans usually cover restricted services, such as limited access to rehabilitation, palliative care, and psychiatric treatment.
However, elective surgeries and non-essential treatments may not be included, making it ideal for younger or healthier individuals who require limited hospital care.
Bronze Cover
Bronze cover is a step up from Basic and includes a broader range of treatments, such as joint reconstructions, ear, nose, and throat procedures, and general surgeries. While it still excludes some high-cost treatments, such as major eye surgery and pregnancy care, it’s a popular option for those seeking balanced, affordable cover without extensive needs.
Silver Cover
Silver cover expands to include more comprehensive treatments and is particularly suited for those with moderate health needs. Silver policies typically cover services like heart surgery, lung and chest treatments, and gynecological procedures.
However, treatments like pregnancy and birth-related services, which are covered in Gold, may still be excluded. Silver Plus plans allow for additional inclusions, giving members the flexibility to add benefits without committing to a Gold plan.
Gold Cover
Gold cover provides the highest level of hospital cover, offering complete access to a wide range of treatments and services, including pregnancy, IVF, joint replacements, and complex surgeries. This option is ideal for families, those planning to have children, or individuals with ongoing health conditions needing comprehensive support.
These levels help Australians choose hospital cover aligned with their life stage, medical needs, and budget, allowing them to receive necessary care without overcommitting financially.
📌 Read more about the 5 Best Gold Health Insurance Plans
HBF Bronze Hospital Plus
The HBF Bronze Hospital Plus plan offers a budget-friendly level of hospital cover that includes a range of essential medical treatments and benefits.
Designed to support individuals who require limited hospital services, this plan provides coverage for treatments including lung and chest procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy for cancer, as well as procedures involving the ear, nose, and throat.
Notably, it covers essential surgeries, such as hernia repairs, joint reconstructions, and gastrointestinal endoscopies, which are common procedures in maintaining general health.
Members of this plan benefit from hospital accommodation in a private room at a Member Plus hospital, subject to availability, which adds comfort during recovery. There’s also an option for higher excess levels to reduce premiums, making the plan adaptable to different financial needs.
Plus, urgent ambulance services by road are fully covered under emergency conditions, and there’s no excess required for children on family policies, which is an advantage for families with young dependents.
One of the plan’s standout features is its accessibility via the myHBF portal, where members can check their benefit limits, view usage, update personal details, and obtain quotes for health benefits, adding to its convenience and service transparency.
However, the plan has limitations, with several treatments either restricted or excluded, including joint replacements, pregnancy and birth-related services, and weight loss surgery.
These exclusions mean members needing more comprehensive coverage for specific health needs may want to consider higher-tier plans.
Overall, HBF Bronze Hospital Plus provides essential hospital cover for Australians seeking an affordable, entry-level plan that offers peace of mind and access to necessary healthcare services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the HBF health insurance plans?
The premiums for hospital-only coverage can range from approximately AUD 23 to AUD 40 per week, contingent upon the level of coverage.
More comprehensive plans, including hospital and extras coverage, are priced at AUD 30 to AUD 60 or more per week. The ultimate cost will be contingent upon the level of coverage and the specific requirements of the individual.
What Is the Waiting Period for the HBF health insurance plan benefits?
Depending on the service and type of coverage, waiting periods for HBF health insurance may differ:
- General admissions to hospitals typically require a two-month waiting period.
- Maternity services and pre-existing conditions necessitate twelve months.
- Depending on the treatment, extra services (e.g., dental, physiotherapy) typically have a waiting period of 2 to 12 months.
Accidents necessitating hospitalization are eligible for immediate coverage.
How to Claim for HBF Health Insurance Benefits
The following actions must be taken to claim HBF Health Insurance benefits:
- Access your HBF member account by visiting their website and submitting an electronic claim.
- Use the HBF app to expedite the process of submitting claims and uploading receipts.
- You may submit a claim directly during your appointment if your healthcare provider implements HICAPS or a comparable system.
Download a claim form from the HBF website, finalize it, and submit it by mail or in person at an HBF branch.
Our Overall Assessment
The HBF Bronze Hospital Plus plan offers affordable, essential hospital coverage, providing coverage for treatments like cancer therapies, common surgeries, and private hospital accommodation. It also includes benefits like urgent ambulance services and no excess for children on family policies. The plan is accessible via the myHBF portal, offering added convenience.
However, it has exclusions for services like joint replacements, pregnancy, and weight loss surgery, making it more suitable for those needing basic coverage. Overall, it’s a great entry-level option for individuals seeking cost-effective, essential hospital cover.
Australian Unity Complete Hospital (Gold)
The Australian Unity Complete Hospital (Gold) plan offers comprehensive hospital cover that includes a wide range of treatments across essential and complex health services.
As a Gold-tier cover, it is designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring extensive health support, providing coverage for critical areas such as heart and vascular conditions, joint replacements, and major surgical procedures, including cataracts, cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy), and assisted reproductive services.
This plan covers all clinical categories, which includes pregnancy and birth services, making it ideal for families and those planning to grow their families.
Members have access to Australian Unity’s network of agreed private hospitals, which offer full accommodation benefits, including a private room when available.
For public hospitals, it covers shared room accommodation at the government-set minimum rate. There is a $750 excess per admission, and a daily co-payment of $100 capped at $500, with both the excess and co-payment waived for dependents.
Additional benefits include access to preventive health programs and hospital substitution programs, allowing eligible members to receive certain treatments in the comfort of their homes instead of in a hospital setting.
Members also benefit from the Australian Unity Gap Cover scheme, which reduces out-of-pocket costs for in-hospital medical expenses when a participating doctor is involved. Emergency ambulance transport is fully covered, and up to two non-emergency ambulance attendances per person per year are also included.
The Complete Hospital plan’s extensive cover and flexibility make it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking full-spectrum healthcare support. The inclusion of health and wellness programs, along with a focus on informed financial consent for any gaps, supports members in managing both their health and finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Australian Unity health insurance plans?
The monthly premium for Australian Unity health insurance plans is contingent upon the level of coverage that is selected. The precise premium will be contingent upon the form of coverage, location, and individual circumstances.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Australian Unity health insurance plan benefits?
Australia Unity’s health insurance waiting periods are contingent upon the service. Two months are the typical waiting period for general treatments, twelve months for maternity or pre-existing conditions, and twelve months for significant dental and optical services.
There may be no waiting period for certain benefits, such as those associated with accidents. Check your policy for specific details.
How to Claim for Australian Unity Health Insurance Benefits
To submit claims for health insurance benefits under Australian Unity, you may:
- Log in to your Australian Unity account and submit claims electronically.
- Utilize the Australian Unity Health application to submit receipts and manage claims.
Claims may be submitted by mail or in person at an Australian Unity branch.
Our Overall Assessment
The Australian Unity Complete Hospital (Gold) plan offers extensive coverage for a wide range of treatments, including critical health services like heart conditions, joint replacements, cancer treatments, and pregnancy-related services. It provides private room accommodation in agreed private hospitals and covers shared room accommodation in public hospitals.
With additional benefits like preventive health programs, hospital substitution programs, and the Gap Cover scheme to reduce out-of-pocket costs, it’s a comprehensive option for families and those needing extensive healthcare support. Although it includes a $750 excess and daily co-payment, both are waived for dependents, making it a flexible and attractive choice for individuals and families.
HCF My Family Silver Plus
The HCF My Family Silver Plus plan is designed for families, offering affordable hospital coverage along with comprehensive extras designed to support family health needs.
This Silver Plus level plan covers essential treatments, including back, neck, and spine procedures, joint reconstructions, tonsil and adenoid procedures, kidney and bladder services, and various forms of cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy).
The plan also includes emergency ambulance services and the Accident Safeguard benefit, which temporarily upgrades members to top-level cover for services needed following an accident.
For families planning or expanding, the plan covers pregnancy and birth-related hospital care, with a 12-month waiting period. Plus, it provides access to various antenatal and postnatal services, such as childbirth education, breastfeeding consultations, and pelvic floor physio, increasing support during and after pregnancy.
The plan offers flexible excess options of $250, $500, or $750, and waives the excess for children under 25 and treatment related to accidents, making it affordable and flexible for family needs.
Dental and optical are prominent among the extras included, with members able to get 100% back on two dental check-ups annually and one pair of glasses from HCF’s No-Gap provider network, depending on annual limits.
Extras also include benefits for a range of therapies such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, and mental health services. The plan even supports preventive health initiatives, like weight management, learn-to-swim programs, and gym memberships for specific health conditions.
Travel and accommodation benefits are available for hospital stays when travel exceeds 200 km round-trip, easing the burden for families in regional areas.
The HCF My Family Silver Plus plan is ideal for growing families seeking a balanced hospital cover with supportive extras, offering both essential health services and a range of added family benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the HCF health insurance plans?
The monthly premiums for health insurance plans offered by HCF depend upon factors such as the level of coverage, age, and location.
On average, basic hospital coverage can begin at approximately AUD 100 to AUD 150 per month, while more comprehensive plans that include supplementary services such as dental and physiotherapy may be priced at AUD 150 to AUD 250 per month or more.
What Is the Waiting Period for the HCF health insurance plan benefits?
The waiting periods for HCF health insurance benefits are contingent upon the type of service. In general, waiting periods consist of two months for extras such as dental and physiotherapy, twelve months for maternity or treatments related to pre-existing conditions, and twelve months for significant dental or orthodontic procedures.
There is typically no waiting period for hospital treatment that is related to an accident. It is crucial to verify the specifics of your policy, as waiting periods may differ.
How to Claim for HCF Health Insurance Benefits
To claim HCF Health Insurance benefits, you may:
- Log into your HCF member account and submit your claim digitally.
- Utilize the My Membership application to submit your claim and upload receipts.
- Certain healthcare providers are capable of directly submitting claims through HCF on your behalf.
Additionally, you may submit your claim form by mailing it or visiting an HCF branch.
Our Overall Assessment
The HCF My Family Silver Plus plan provides affordable hospital cover with comprehensive extras, tailored for families. It covers essential treatments like spine procedures, joint reconstructions, and cancer treatments, along with pregnancy and birth-related care. The plan also offers emergency ambulance services, flexible excess options, and waives excess for children under 25 and accident-related treatments.
Extras include dental, optical, and therapy services, plus support for preventive health initiatives. Additionally, travel and accommodation benefits are available for families in regional areas. This plan is ideal for growing families seeking both hospital cover and extra family-focused health benefits.
📌 You might also like Onemedifund
Medibank Gold Protect
The Medibank Gold Protect plan provides comprehensive hospital cover for a wide array of medical services, targeting individuals who seek top-tier, all-inclusive coverage.
As a Gold-level plan, it includes treatments such as heart and vascular services, joint replacements, brain and nervous system procedures, and major surgeries, including cataracts, weight loss surgery, and assisted reproductive services.
The plan also covers pregnancy, birth, and services related to cancer treatment, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Medibank Gold Protect members benefit from the “Private Room Promise,” which provides $50 per night (up to five nights per stay) if a private room is unavailable at a Members’ Choice hospital, ensuring comfort during hospital stays.
Plus, members have access to Medibank’s extensive network of Members’ Choice hospitals, where coverage for accommodation, intensive care, and medical services is optimized, often resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs. For treatments at non-Members’ Choice facilities, benefits may still be payable, though they could incur more significant expenses.
For emergency support, ambulance services are included, and Medibank’s GapCover reduces or eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for in-hospital doctor’s fees if the doctors participate in the program.
The plan also offers travel and accommodation benefits for members who need to travel over 200 km for treatment, reimbursing part of their travel expenses and accommodation costs.
The plan comes with a choice of excess levels ($250, $500, or $750) per year, waived for dependents on family policies. To support well-being beyond hospital cover, Medibank members can earn Live Better rewards points by tracking healthy activities, redeemable for rewards or premium discounts.
With these features, Medibank Gold Protect is an excellent option for those needing extensive hospital cover and wellness benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Medibank health insurance plans?
The monthly premium for Medibank health insurance plans depends upon the level of coverage, age, and location.
The cost of basic cover plans can begin at approximately AUD 100 per month, while more comprehensive packages, which include hospital and additional coverage, may range from AUD 150 to AUD 200 or more per month.
If you require more precise pricing that is customized to your requirements, it is recommended that you utilize the quote application on the Medibank website.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Medibank health insurance plan benefits?
Common waiting periods include immediate coverage for accident-related hospital care, 12 months for maternity services or pre-existing conditions, and 2 months for general treatments such as dental and physiotherapy.
It is crucial to evaluate the specific details of your plan, as the waiting periods may differ based on the coverage you have chosen.
How to Claim for Medibank Health Insurance Benefits
One of the following methods may be employed to claim Medibank health insurance benefits:
- Submit a claim by logging into your Medibank account or using the My Medibank app.
- Utilize your Medibank card to submit a claim at a Medibank branch.
- Contact Medibank’s customer service for assistance via telephone.
Numerous healthcare providers are capable of processing claims automatically on your behalf.
Our Overall Assessment
The Medibank Gold Protect plan offers comprehensive hospital cover for a wide range of treatments, including heart services, joint replacements, major surgeries, cancer treatments, and pregnancy care. It features the “Private Room Promise” to ensure comfort with a $50 nightly benefit if a private room isn’t available. The plan also provides access to Medibank’s Members’ Choice hospitals, emergency ambulance services, and GapCover to reduce out-of-pocket costs for doctor’s fees.
Additional benefits include travel and accommodation reimbursements for treatment over 200 km, flexible excess options, and wellness rewards through Live Better. This plan is ideal for individuals seeking extensive hospital cover with added wellness benefits.
Bupa Gold Comprehensive Hospital
The Bupa Gold Comprehensive Hospital plan is a premium hospital cover option, providing extensive benefits across a broad spectrum of treatments and services.
As a Gold-level plan, it includes all clinical categories, covering major surgeries, complex treatments, and specialty services such as heart and vascular treatments, joint replacements, cataract surgery, pregnancy and birth, and assisted reproductive services.
Coverage for cancer treatment is extensive, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, supporting members through critical health needs.
Central features of this plan include uncapped emergency ambulance transport and in-hospital benefits designed for families. If a dependent child or young adult under the policy is admitted to the hospital, they incur no excess charges, which helps alleviate financial stress for families.
An excess of $750 applies per person annually for other admissions, capping at $1,500 per family, which allows policyholders to manage costs predictably.
The plan also emphasizes member convenience and cost management with its Bupa Medical Gap Scheme, which reduces or eliminates out-of-pocket costs for in-hospital doctor’s fees when doctors participate.
This scheme is beneficial for controlling expenses on medical fees that typically exceed standard Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) limits. Bupa Members First Day Hospitals provide zero out-of-pocket costs for inpatient services at select hospitals, enhancing access to care.
Additional benefits include travel and accommodation support for members traveling over 200 km for hospital treatment, covering up to $100 for travel and $50 per night for lodging.
Bupa’s Family In-Hospital Benefits further support families, covering meal and accommodation costs for immediate family members staying with a hospitalized loved one. Members can also access the 24-hour Overseas Health Advice Line for travel-related health inquiries.
With its comprehensive coverage and added benefits, the Bupa Gold Comprehensive Hospital plan is ideal for individuals and families seeking extensive private hospital access and flexible, supportive features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Bupa health insurance plans?
Bupa provides a variety of health insurance products at varying price points.
For instance, plans that include hospitals and extras cover range from $2.79 per week to $21.19 per week, while hospital-only products range from $17.98 per week to $21.19 per week.
Extras-only products range from $2.79 per week to $5.62 per week. Additionally, packaged products are available, with prices ranging from $24.35 per week to $39.09 per week.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Bupa Health Insurance Plan benefits?
While the majority of benefits, including general treatments and hospital care, have a common waiting period of 2 months, more specific services, such as maternity or treatments for pre-existing conditions, typically have a waiting period of 12 months.
Additionally, waiting periods may extend from two to twelve months for specific additional services. It is crucial to verify the exact waiting periods associated with your coverage by consulting your specific policy details.
How to Claim for Bupa Health Insurance Benefits
The following actions can be taken to claim Bupa Health Insurance benefits:
- Online – Access your Bupa account by logging in to the website or app and submitting your claim.
- In-Person – Present your medical receipts at a Bupa Health Insurance branch.
- By mail – Send your completed claim form and receipts to Bupa.
- Automatic Claims – Numerous providers submit claims directly to Bupa on your behalf.
Ensure that all required documentation, including invoices and receipts, is submitted to expedite the processing of your claim.
Our Overall Assessment
The Bupa Gold Comprehensive Hospital plan provides premium coverage across a wide range of treatments, including major surgeries, heart and vascular treatments, joint replacements, and cancer care. It offers uncapped emergency ambulance transport and no excess for dependent children or young adults admitted to the hospital.
The plan includes a $750 excess per person, with a $1,500 cap per family, and features the Bupa Medical Gap Scheme to reduce out-of-pocket doctor’s fees. Additional benefits include travel and accommodation support for treatment over 200 km, Family In-Hospital Benefits, and access to the 24-hour Overseas Health Advice Line. This plan is ideal for individuals and families seeking comprehensive hospital cover with extra family-focused and flexible benefits.
In Conclusion
This guide provides an overview of the best hospital cover health insurance options in Australia, helping you choose the right policy for your healthcare needs and lifestyle. It explains the benefits of hospital coverage, such as quicker access to private care, the ability to choose healthcare providers, and reduced wait times. Coverage is offered in four levels: Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with each level providing different scopes of services to fit varying health needs and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for affordable, essential coverage or comprehensive support, this guide helps simplify your decision-making process for peace of mind and better healthcare access.
You might also like:
- Frank Health Insurance
- GMHBA Health Insurance
- Peoplecare Health Insurance
- TUH Health Insurance
- Westfund Health Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospital cover, and what does it typically include?
Hospital cover is a type of private health insurance that helps pay for treatments when you are admitted to a hospital as a private patient.
How does private hospital coverage differ from the public healthcare system?
With private hospital cover, patients can choose their doctor, access private hospitals, and often face shorter waiting times for elective surgeries. Public healthcare provides necessary treatments but may have longer wait times, and patients don’t always have a choice of doctor or guaranteed access to a private room.
What are the different levels of hospital coverage available in Australia?
The four main levels of hospital cover are Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Basic covers essential or limited services, while Gold covers the most comprehensive range, including complex surgeries and specialty treatments. Each level provides progressively more coverage, allowing individuals to choose based on their healthcare needs and budget.
What is an excess, and how does it work in hospital coverage?
An excess is an agreed amount you pay upfront for hospital admissions before your insurance benefits apply.
Do waiting periods apply to hospital coverage?
Yes, waiting periods are standard in-hospital cover and must be served before claiming certain treatments. These help prevent claims shortly after signing up or upgrading cover.
