Couples health insurance

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A guide to couples health insurance

Updated 08 March. 2024
Written by Joshua Malin
Reviewed by Steven Spicer

Couples health insurance explained

Private health insurance for couples explained by Dr Ginni Mansberg.
Dr. Ginni Mansberg
Health

Why take out couples health insurance?

There are two main reasons people choose to take out a couples health insurance policy:

  • Your healthcare needs can grow together. While you can split up your policy into singles cover so you can claim on different services, many couples have similar health needs. Having one policy might make it easier for you to change and update your cover as you get older.
  • You pay only one bill. It’s easier to keep track of your bill when there’s just one to pay. Plus, with you and your partner both covered under one policy, it may also be easier to understand what you can both claim at tax time.

Choosing cover for couples

Once you’ve decided that couples health insurance is the right choice for you, the next step is to find a policy that meets you and your partner’s healthcare needs.

  • If you’re taking out an extras policy as a couple, pay close attention to the claiming limits, as they will affect how much value you can get out of your policy.
  • If you’re looking for hospital or combined cover, think about the health insurance tier you want. For example, if you want cover for joint replacements, this is a Gold tier inclusion; however, it is also included on some Silver Plus policies.
  • One of the best ways to find a new policy is to compare your options online. With our free comparison tool, you can find and switch to a new policy in minutes.

Expert tips for choosing the right couples health insurance for you

Our health insurance expert, Steven Spicer has put together some expert tips on how to find a couples health insurance policy that works for you and your loved one.

Steven Spicer
Executive General Manager – Health, Life & Energy

When life changes, consider switching health insurance

Making sure you’re on the right level of cover is always important. However, as we all know, life is unexpected. If your circumstances change down the track, you can always upgrade at any time to include additional services. Just keep in mind you’ll need to serve any applicable waiting periods before being able to claim on any upgrades.

Consider both you and your partner’s medical history

To ensure you don’t find yourself underinsured, consider any previous admissions you or your partner have had into hospital, along with both your family’s medical histories when looking at different levels of cover.

You may be better with two singles policies

While couples cover is considered to be more convenient, as you only have to maintain one policy and payment, it rarely costs less than two individual policies. If you have a substantially different set of needs, consider taking out two singles policies, as it could save you money.

You may get a higher rebate on a couples policy

If your partner is over the age of 65 and entitled to a higher private health insurance rebate, you will both receive the higher discount, which can be applied to your policy to reduce your premiums.

What is couples health insurance?

How does couples health insurance work?

What’s included in couples health insurance?

Couples health insurance costs

Is couples health insurance cheaper than singles?

Is health insurance cheaper if I’m married?

The Australian Government rebate for couples

The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) for couples

Lifetime Health Cover loading for couples

More information

What’s the best health insurance for young couples?

Can I add my partner to my health insurance policy?

Can divorced couples share health insurance?

Meet our health insurance expert, Steven Spicer

Steven Spicer
Executive General Manager – Health, Life & Energy

As the Executive General Manager of Health, Life and Energy, Steven Spicer is a strong believer in the benefits of private cover and knows just how valuable the peace of mind that comes with cover can be. He is passionate about demystifying the health insurance industry and advocates for the benefits of comparison when it comes to saving money on your premiums.

1 PrivateHealth.gov.au – Australian Government Private Health Insurance Rebate. Accessed March 2023

2 PrivateHealth.gov.au – Medicare Levy Surcharge. Accessed March 2023