Lifetime Health Cover is a federal government initiative designed to encourage people to take out private hospital cover at a younger age and maintain it throughout their lifetime.
For every year you are over 30 and have no hospital cover, you will pay a 2% Lifetime Health Cover Loading.
You have until 1 July after your 31st birthday to take out private hospital cover, otherwise you may be required to pay a loading on top of the base cover rate. The loading is 2% for each year you delay joining, to a maximum of 70%. After 10 continuous years of cover, the loading will no longer apply.
Lifetime Health Cover does not affect everyone
Lifetime Health Cover does not apply to extras cover or Ambulance memberships. If you were born before 1 July 1934 you are not affected and you do not pay a loading.
Special rules apply to people in these categories:
- Leaving the Australian Armed Services or the Antarctic Division
- An immigrant or a refugee
- An ex Norfolk Island resident
- An Australian citizen but you were overseas when you turned 31
- No longer entitled to a Veterans' Affairs Gold Card
Contact Latrobe if you are unsure whether you have to pay a loading, need a quote or require further information. Alternatively, visit the Australian Government's Lifetime Health Cover website.