All health insurance companies

Gold Hospital Cover for you

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  Insurance funds47registered insurers
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  Policies125,377policies available
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  For-profit funds15insurers
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  Not-for-profit funds$1,228/year
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  Open funds$1,225/year
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  Restricted funds$1,332/year

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  For-profit vs. Not-for-profit

  For-profit insurers are owned by shareholders and may distribute profits as dividends. Not-for-profit insurers return surplus revenue to members through lower premiums, better benefits, or improved services. Neither model is inherently better — both are regulated by APRA and must meet the same prudential standards.

  Approximately 32 of Australia's 47 health insurers operate as not-for-profit. Many of Australia's oldest and most established funds — including HCF, HBF, Teachers Health, and GMHBA — are not-for-profit.

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  Open vs. Restricted funds

  Open funds accept any Australian resident. Restricted funds limit membership to specific groups — typically people in certain industries, professions, or organisations. Examples include Defence Health (defence force personnel and families), Police Health (police officers), and Teachers Health (education sector workers).

  Restricted funds often offer competitive pricing and strong satisfaction ratings because they serve a defined community. If you're eligible for a restricted fund, it's worth comparing their offerings against open funds.

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  Government-registered

  All Australian health insurers must be registered with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and comply with the Private Health Insurance Act 2007. This means all insurers — regardless of size or type — meet minimum financial stability and consumer protection requirements.

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  Hospital agreements

  Check which private hospitals your insurer has agreements with, especially hospitals near you. Without an agreement, you may face significant gap payments even for covered treatments.

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  Policy range

  Larger insurers typically offer more policy options across all tiers and extras levels. Smaller insurers may have fewer choices but can offer more personalised service.

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  Satisfaction and complaints

  The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman publishes quarterly complaint ratios and satisfaction data for all insurers. Check these before choosing.

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  Extras provider network

  If extras cover matters to you, check whether your preferred dentist, optometrist, or physio is in the insurer's provider network for maximum benefits.

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  Claim process

  Some insurers offer instant claiming at the provider (HICAPS), mobile app claims, or faster reimbursement. Consider how you prefer to manage claims.

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  Price vs. value

  The cheapest policy isn't always the best value. Compare what's included at each price point and factor in hospital agreements, gap cover arrangements, and extras provider networks.