Estimated Monthly Premiums
Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)
If you earn above $93,000 (single) or $186,000 (family) and do NOT have private hospital cover, you pay an extra tax on top of the standard 2% Medicare Levy:
$93,001 - $108,000 (single)1.0% surcharge
$108,001 - $144,000 (single)1.25% surcharge
$144,001+ (single)1.5% surcharge
Tip: For many high earners, buying basic hospital cover is cheaper than paying the MLS. A basic hospital policy can cost $100-$150/month, while the MLS on a $150,000 salary would be ~$156/month.
Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) Loading
If you don't take out hospital cover by July 1 after your 31st birthday, you'll pay a 2% loading on top of your premium for every year you're over 30 without cover.
Took out cover at age 3510% loading (5 years x 2%)
Took out cover at age 4020% loading (10 years x 2%)
Took out cover at age 5040% loading (20 years x 2%)
Maximum loading70% loading (capped)
New to Australia? Migrants get a grace period — you have until July 1 following your 31st birthday OR 12 months after registering for Medicare (whichever is later) to take out hospital cover without any LHC loading. The loading is removed after you hold hospital cover continuously for 10 years.
Disclaimer: These are estimated premiums for illustration only. Actual premiums vary by insurer, policy, and your personal circumstances. Always compare policies on
privatehealth.gov.au (the official government comparison site) before purchasing. This is not financial advice.