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Health Insurance for Hearing Aids and Audiology

Select who needs health insurance for hearing aids and audiology and start comparing today.
Benefits for hearing aids and audiology typically fall under mid-tier and comprehensive extras policies.
Without insurance, you can pay anywhere from $1,300 for standard hearing aids and up to over $4,500 for premium devices.
Hearing aids are not covered by Medicare, but some people can access them via the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.
Waiting periods can vary, ranging from 12 months to 36 months or even longer.
Benefits for hearing aids and audiology typically fall under mid-tier and comprehensive extras policies.
Without insurance, you can pay anywhere from $1,300 for standard hearing aids and up to over $4,500 for premium devices.
Hearing aids are not covered by Medicare, but some people can access them via the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.
Waiting periods can vary, ranging from 12 months to 36 months or even longer.
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Improve Your Quality of Life with the Help of Hearing Aids and Audiology Services - Find the Right Health Insurance Plan For Your Needs

Are you considering getting hearing aids to enhance your quality of life? We understand that while hearing aids can be life-changing, they can also come with a significant price tag. That's why it's essential to explore whether your health insurance provides coverage for hearing aid costs. And if you don't already have health insurance, now is the perfect time to join a health fund and secure the benefits you need.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide you with valuable insights into how health insurance can assist in covering the costs of hearing aids and other audiology services. We'll delve into the coverage options offered by private health insurance and Medicare, helping you understand the advantages and limitations of different policies.

Whether you're looking for assessments, considering a cochlear implant, experiencing issues with tinnitus, or seeking comprehensive hearing care, understanding your insurance options is crucial. We'll guide you through the process, answering common questions and addressing key considerations.

So, let's dive in and explore how health insurance can support you in obtaining the hearing aids and audiology services you need.

If you’re ready to compare plans today, start by using our handy comparison tool for a personalised quote from various insurance companies within minutes.

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Private Health Insurance Options for Hearing Aids

Many health insurance funds include coverage for hearing aids in their policies. However, it's important to note that these services are typically covered by more premium extras policies.

When it comes to the cost of hearing aids, it can vary significantly across different ranges. That's why the coverage provided by health insurance policies also differs. Some policies may pay a set cost for hearing aids, while others offer a cash back rebate.

Keep in mind that most health funds have a limit on the number of devices you can claim for, usually once every 5 years. Additionally, some health funds even provide benefits for repairing damaged hearing aids, which can be a great advantage.

The amount you can claim as a rebate depends on your specific health fund and the nature of your coverage. In certain cases, you may be eligible to claim up to $1200 towards the cost of hearing aids from select Australian health funds.

It’s worth shopping around to find the policy and private health fund that gives you the most bang for your buck.

Which Extras Cover Plan is Right for You?

If you have an extras policy that includes coverage for hearing aids, you have the opportunity to claim a portion of the cost back from your health fund. The specific size of your benefit will depend on the type of extras policy you have.

  • For mid-tier extras policies, which typically cost around $40 a month, there is a small benefit available for hearing aids, usually around the $500 range
  • If you have a comprehensive extras policy, which typically costs around $70 a month, you can expect a larger benefit for hearing aids, typically around $800.
  • For those with top extras policies, which generally cost $90 or more per month, you can enjoy the highest benefits for hearing aids. These policies often provide coverage ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.

How Private Health Insurance Covers the Cost of Hearing Aids & Audiology Services

When it comes to hearing aids, many private health insurance funds offer coverage through their extras policies. However, it's important to note that this coverage is typically available only on mid- or top-tier extras policies.

Policies and reimbursement

Unlike cash-back rebates, most private health insurance policies for hearing aids involve paying a set cost. This is because the cost of hearing aids can vary significantly based on individual needs and preferences.

Coverage limitations

Generally, private health insurance covers the cost of a single hearing device. However, there are usually limits on how often you can claim for a new device, such as once every five years. It's essential to check the specific terms and conditions of your policy.

Repair benefits

In addition to coverage for new hearing aids, some health funds also provide benefits for repairing damaged devices. This can help alleviate the costs associated with maintaining and fixing your hearing aids.

Health Insurance Benefits for Audiology

Private health insurance may also offer benefits for audiology services. These benefits can come in the form of cash-back offers, where a certain percentage of the costs is reimbursed (typically ranging from 60% to 100%), or as set costs, such as a fixed amount per audiology session (e.g., $35).

Considerations for audiology sessions

Since initial audiology consultations and diagnoses tend to require more time, policies with set costs often provide higher reimbursement for these initial sessions. Subsequent follow-up sessions may receive lower reimbursement amounts.

Remember to review the details of your specific private health insurance policy to understand the exact benefits and limitations of hearing aids and audiology services.

Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Hearing Aids & Audiology Services?

When it comes to routine hearing tests and hearing aids, Medicare generally doesn't provide coverage for the general population. However, there's still a possibility that Medicare can assist with some of these costs, depending on your current financial situation.

On the other hand, private health insurance can be a valuable resource in managing these expenses. In fact, it may cover some or even all of the costs associated with medical aids like glasses or hearing aids.

So, while Medicare's coverage may be limited, exploring private health insurance options can offer you additional financial support for your hearing-related needs.

Should You Get Private Health Insurance for Hearing Aids?

When it comes to covering the cost of hearing aids, it's typically the higher-cost, premium-level extras policies that provide this benefit. It's important to note that these policies often offer various other benefits, whether you require them or not.

While purchasing private health care solely for hearing aids may not be the most cost-effective investment, it's worth considering the additional advantages that these policies can offer.

When comparing health insurance options, here are some key points to be aware of:

  • Waiting periods: These refer to the duration you must wait before purchasing a policy and making a claim. Waiting periods can vary, ranging from 12 months to 36 months or even longer.
  • Limits: Limits indicate the maximum amount that can be claimed and the frequency of claims within a specific time period. For instance, one health fund may provide coverage of up to $800 for one or two hearing aids every five years.
  • Conditions and exclusions: It's important to review the conditions and exclusions of a health insurance policy. While there are usually minimal restrictions regarding hearing aids, it's always advisable to double-check before making a purchase.

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost in Australia Without Insurance?

The cost of hearing aids without insurance or subsidies can range from $1,495 to $11,000.

It's important to note that a well-adjusted and properly cared for set of hearing aids can last between 3 and 6 years. If you only require a single hearing aid, it should cost roughly half the price of a pair.

Keep in mind that hearing aids priced at $1,495 per pair are typically basic devices available for free through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

These devices may lack modern features like adaptive noise reduction and adaptive directional microphones. For hearing aids with advanced features, you can expect to pay at least $3,000 to $5,000 per pair.

The Australian Government Hearing Services Program

Although Medicare does not cover the expenses for hearing aids or audiology services such as hearing tests, there is a potential solution through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP). The HSP offers coverage for a hearing test and a basic hearing aid once every 5 years. To qualify for the HSP, you must meet the following criteria:

  • A Pensioner Concession Card holder
  • A Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card holder
  • A Department of Veterans' Affairs White Card holder (with hearing specific conditions)
  • A dependent of someone in the above categories
  • A member of the Australian Defence Force Referred by the Disability Employment Services Program

Does the NDIS Cover Hearing Aids and Audiology?

The Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) provides funding for hearing services to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents, including children and young individuals under the age of 26.

For individuals aged 26 and over who are not eligible for the HSP, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers funding for hearing support. The NDIS also covers additional reasonable and necessary hearing supports that are not available through the HSP, including those for individuals under 26.

It is possible to access both the NDIS and HSP simultaneously; however, it's important to note that you cannot receive the same support from both programs at the same time.

Check your eligibility here.

Ready to Take Out Health Insurance for Hearing Aids and Audiology?

Use our handy comparison tool below and get cover options from a range of Australian providers like Medibank, HCF , BUPA, and more! It’s free to compare providers and you’ll get a range of personalised insurance plans within minutes!

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FAQs

Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

No, Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids or hearing tests. However, the Australian Government Hearing Services Program provides coverage for a hearing test and basic hearing aids for eligible individuals such as Pensioner Concession Card holders, DVA Gold Card holders, DVA White Card holders with the hearing specific condition, and others.

Should I consider getting hearing aids?

While investing in hearing aids may seem daunting and there may be a stigma associated with wearing them, they can significantly improve your quality of life for both you and your family. Whether you decide to get hearing aids or not is a personal choice, but if you are experiencing hearing loss, it is worth serious consideration regardless of whether you have private health insurance.

Is private health insurance necessary for hearing aids?

Typically, comprehensive and high-level extras health insurance policies cover hearing aids. However, if your sole purpose for obtaining health insurance is hearing aids and audiology, it may not provide the best value. Consider whether you will utilise other benefits like dental and optical services offered by extras health cover. If you already use a hearing aid, upgrading in a few years with the right extras policy can take advantage of advancements in hearing aid technology and improve your quality of life.

How long do hearing aids last?

With proper care and suitability, hearing aids can last between 3 and 6 years.

Can you choose your own audiologist when you take out health insurance?

Whether you can choose your own audiologist will depend on your insurance provider and level of cover, so it’s always best to check.