Tax and rebates for health insurance

Find out how the Australian Government makes private health insurance more affordable.

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What is the private health insurance rebate?

Depending on your income, the Australian Government may pay for part of your private health insurance costs. This helpful payment is called the private health insurance rebate.

Here’s how it works for singles under age 65:

Couples/families and people over 65 can see a more detailed breakdown further down this page.

How can I get the rebate?

If you meet the Government’s eligibility criteria, you can access the rebate once you get health insurance.

You can request your health fund to apply the rebate up front, making the cost of your health insurance immediately cheaper; or

You can get it back as a lump sum as part of your tax return.

Neither way is better or will give you back a larger amount – it’s just a matter of preference. Find out more about the Government’s eligibility criteria.

How much will I get?

Your rebate amount depends on your age and taxable income. The less you earn, the greater your refund.

Tax Tiers:

Base Tier

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3

Singles

≤$93,000

$93,001-108,000

$108,001-144,000

≥$144,001

Families

≤$186,000

$186,001-216,000

$216,001-288,000

≥$288,001

Rebate

<Age 65

24.608%

16.405%

8.202%

Age 65 - 69

28.710%

20.507%

12.303%

Age 70+

32.812%

24.608%

16.405%

Medicare Levy Surcharge

All ages

0.0%

1.0%

1.25%

1.5%

Your rebate tier depends on your age and taxable income. For a family with at least 2 children, the thresholds are increased by $1,500 for each child after the first.

The rebate is adjusted on 1 April every year. Find out more about how the rebate works on the ATO’s website.