How do you claim the private health rebate?

A person using a calculator

In short 

The Australian Government Private Health Insurance Rebate helps with the cost of your premiums. You can claim it two ways: as a lower premium upfront, or as a tax offset when you lodge your tax return.* 

On this page 

What is the private health insurance rebate? 

The private health insurance rebate is an amount the Australian Government contributes towards the cost of your private health cover. 

In other words, it helps make holding cover more affordable. 

It applies to most people who hold an eligible private health insurance policy and meet the income requirements. 

You can read more about the rebate on this page, or read below to understand how to claim it. 

How to claim the private health rebate 

There are two ways to claim the rebate, and you choose which suits you. 

Option 1: a reduced premium 

The most common way is to receive the rebate upfront, as a reduction to your premium. 

You nominate your income tier when you take out or update your cover, and your premium is reduced by the rebate amount straight away. 

This means you pay less each month, rather than waiting until tax time. 

Option 2: a tax offset at tax time 

The other way is to pay the full premium during the year, then claim the rebate back as a tax offset when you lodge your tax return. 

You'll receive a private health insurance statement to help you complete this part of your return. 

The end result is similar, the difference is simply when you receive the benefit. 

Which option should you choose? 

It comes down to cash flow and certainty. 

Taking the reduced premium gives you the benefit straight away, which most people prefer. 

Claiming at tax time can suit if your income changes through the year, because nominating too high a rebate tier upfront could mean repaying some at tax time.* 

If you're not sure which tier applies to you, it's worth checking with the a tax professional. 

A simple example 

Say you hold Gold Combined cover. 

If you nominate your income tier and take the rebate as a reduced premium, your regular payments are lower across the year. 

If you'd rather pay the full premium and claim the rebate when you lodge your return, you receive it as a tax offset instead. Either way, you receive the rebate you're entitled to.* 

The rebate and your Police Health cover 

The rebate applies to eligible private health cover, including Police Health membership. 

When you take out or update your cover, you can nominate to receive the rebate as a reduced premium, so the saving is built in from the start. 

Police Health is built specifically for the policing community and their families, with cover offered at the Gold level through Gold Hospital, Rolling Extras and Gold Combined. 

Want to know if you can join? Have a look at who can join. 

How to change your rebate if you're with Police Health 

If you're a member with Police Health, it’s simple. Call us on 1800 603 603 or email us at enquiries@policehealth.com.au. 

If you're emailing, please include your name and membership number. 

Frequently asked questions 

How do I claim the private health insurance rebate? 

You can claim it two ways: as a reduced premium upfront, or as a tax offset when you lodge your tax return. You choose which suits you. 

Is the rebate income tested? 

Yes. The amount depends on your income tier and your age. The Government reviews the tiers and percentages each year.* 

What happens if I nominate the wrong rebate tier? 

If you claim more rebate upfront than you're entitled to, you may need to repay the difference at tax time. If you're unsure, check with the ATO or a tax professional.* 

Does the rebate apply to Police Health cover? 

Yes. The rebate applies to eligible private health cover, including Police Health membership. You can choose to receive it as a reduced premium.*

*All benefits may be subject to Waiting Periods, Limits and other conditions. Rollover applies once you've completed your first 12 months membership (2 years for Major Dental). Providers must be recognised by us. Review the cover tables on the Combined, Hospital and Extras pages, and your State Premium and Benefit Guide or contact us for more information. The information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial situation, needs or objectives. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Before making any decisions, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek advice from a qualified financial adviser if necessary. While we aim to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.