1. Less time waiting
If you rely on the public system, you’ll be put onto the public hospital waiting list, which could mean waiting months (or longer) for your procedure. On the day of your planned surgery, you could be bumped if there are any emergency admissions that need your theatre room.
You could be waiting:
- 84 days for a hysterectomy
- 133 days for cataract extraction
- 216 days to have varicose veins stripped
- 175 days for a total hip replacement
- 174 days to have tonsils removed
- 308 days for a total knee replacement
And 50% of people will wait even longer than that.*
With hospital cover, once your waiting periods have been served you’ll be in hospital as soon as your doctor and private hospital are ready.
See Peoplecare hospital covers
2. Choose your own doctor
It’s important to feel confident in your doctor, and private hospital cover lets you choose who treats you.
In a public hospital, you’ll be treated by the doctor on duty unless you go in as a private patient (where you can choose).
3. Access to more healthcare options
Your choice of both public and private hospitals so that you can have access to a wider range of facilities when you need them most.
4. Avoid full-cost private hospital bills
| Hospital claims paid in the 2023 financial year | |
|---|---|
| Admission reason | Total benefit paid |
| Heart and Vascular | $419,582.63 |
| Heart and Vascular | $139,688.70 |
| Back, Neck and Spine | $128,778.00 |
| Back, Neck and Spine | $120,322.65 |
| Heart and Vascular | $111,819.00 |
5. Save on tax
High income earners could save tax by taking out hospital cover.
See information on the Medicare Levy Surcharge for more information.
6. Avoid paying a loading
Lifetime Health Cover Loading is a government-imposed charge for not taking out hospital cover by 1 July after your 31st birthday.
7. Receive a rebate
The Government rebate reduces the cost of your hospital and extras cover, if you’re eligible.
8. More inclusions
Lower hospital covers tend to exclude or restrict services such as heart, chest, lung, hip and eye surgeries, as well as rehabilitation and palliative care, which are often included in top hospital covers.
Higher levels of extras cover tend to cover hearing aids, health aids, orthotics and podiatry, and pay higher benefits on physiotherapy, major dental and optical.
9. Protect yourself against accidents
Sporting accidents are more common than you think. If you lead an active lifestyle, it's worth considering
hospital cover that includes joint reconstructions and extras insurance that includes physiotherapy to help with
injuries and strains.
*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Elective surgery waiting times 2022-23 data tables, Table 4.6