Are your children studying or still living at home?
Children still studying or living at home? More and more young adults are staying home for longer due to increasing costs of living, especially while studying. For some that would mean letting go of health insurance once they were no longer allowed on their parents' cover.
The good news is, with Latrobe Health, they can now remain on your health insurance cover until the age of 31*.
Why have these changes occurred to the health insurance dependant age?
In 2021, the Federal Government enabled an increase to both the student dependant and non-student dependant age for health insurance to 31. Previously once a dependant turned 25, they were encouraged to take out their own cover and be removed from their parent/guardians’ policies.
It is expected that this will help provide continuity of care for younger Australians and encourage them to continue with private health insurance when they reach the age of 31, which is the age at which Lifetime Health Cover commences.
Allowing dependants to remain on the family policy until the start of Lifetime Health Cover provides them with a clear moment for decision about maintaining their private health insurance.
This is a voluntary change and will vary from fund to fund that Latrobe Health Services implemented in April 2022.
How long can my child stay on my policy?
How long a child can stay on their parent's policy depends on the fund. Generally, funds will have separate rules for child dependants, student dependants and non-student dependants.
At Latrobe Health we define a dependant as;
• Own children
• Stepchildren
• Legally adopted children and
• Children of whom the principal member is the legal guardian
There are 3 types of dependent children
1. A child dependant
2. A student dependant
3. A non-student dependant
What defines a child dependant?
Child dependants are defined as a child, stepchild, legally adopted, or children that are under the guardianship of a principal member and do not have a spouse or partner, aged 0-20 years.
What defines a student dependant?
At Latrobe Health we define a student dependant as;
• A child, stepchild legally adopted, or children that are under the guardianship of a principal member
• Who is not married or living in a de facto relationship.
• Is aged between 21 & 31
• Is a full-time student at a school, college, or university or a first or second year apprentice.
• Is enrolled at secondary school or a recognised education facility (Uni or TAFE etc) or school of special education needs
• The student may be living away from home
It is important to note that no additional premium fees are associated with including a student dependant on a Family or Single Parent policy*. A student declaration will be required each year to confirming both education facility and fulltime status.
What defines a non-student dependant?
• Between the age of 21 & 31
• No longer a full-time student dependant
• Is not married or living in a de-facto relationship
• Living at home or away from home
It is important to note cover for dependant non-students 21 -31 is only available on selected Family or Single Parent covers, and additional premium fees will apply*. There may also be tax implications for the dependant non-student and independent tax advice is recommended.
How can I update my family details and dependant statuses?
If you need to update your dependant’s details, you can do that via the Online Member Services portal. If you'd like to add a student or a non-student dependant to your policy, please send us a message - remember additional costs may apply.
*Conditions and fees may apply, eligible covers only, for more information contact us.