Being a single parent comes with its unique challenges, and taking care of your child’s health is undoubtedly one of the most important responsibilities you face. From unexpected injuries to routine check-ups, ensuring your children have access to the best healthcare is crucial.
Single parent health cover is designed to make this easy by providing you with a comprehensive health insurance policy that caters specifically to the needs of single parents and their kids.
In this article, we will walk you through the features of single parent health cover including hospital & extras cover, ambulance cover and more so you can find the right health insurance policy for your single parent family.
The Benefits of Single Parent Health Insurance
The right cover can make getting access to private hospital services for you and your kids much faster (and more cost-effective). Here are just some of the benefits of private hospital cover:
- Avoid public hospital waiting lists for elective surgeries
- Cheaper private hospital visits
- Your choice of treating doctor (subject to availability)
- A private room at a private hospital (subject to availability).
At the end of the day, having hospital cover gives you peace of mind knowing that if an accident happens, your child will be covered for treatment in a private hospital.
How Much Does Single Parent Health Cover Cost?
The cost of single parent health cover depends on your level of cover; whether you take out hospital cover, extras cover or combined hospital and extras (the best value cover).
- Basic – very little cover in a private hospital
- Bronze – low cover
- Silver – medium cover
- Gold – full or top cover.
In between these main tiers, there are also Silver Plus, Bronze Plus and Basic Plus policies that cover at least one service more than the normal Silver, Bronze or Basic policies.
From our research, the average cost of single parent health cover is around $160 per month – which will typically cover your dependants at no extra cost (depending on their age). However, the price varies by factors such as location, and level of cover.
Why Consider Extras Cover
Supporting your child’s evolving needs as a single parent can be challenging, especially when it comes to unexpected expenses like glasses, speech therapy, physiotherapy, or orthodontic work. While hospital insurance may not cover these non-hospital treatments, there’s a solution: extras insurance, also known as general treatment cover.
Basic dental costs for children are partially covered by Medicare until they turn 17. However, to address preventative or major dental expenses, considering extras cover can be a smart move, potentially saving you money in the long term.
It’s important to note that extras family cover has per person and annual limits. Before claiming any extras services, make sure you understand your coverage to avoid surprises in out-of-pocket costs. With extras insurance in place, you can have greater peace of mind knowing you have financial support to manage your child’s healthcare needs effectively.
Separating From Your Partner? Here’s What You Need to Know
When going through a separation, you don’t have to worry about re-serving waiting periods if you switch to an equal or lower level of hospital insurance cover. As long as you’ve already completed those waiting periods before, and you switch to the new policy within the timeframe specified by your health fund, you’ll be covered.
Switching to a single parent policy can be a straightforward process, often just a phone call away, without any additional fees. In fact, making this change could lead to cost savings on your premium. Keep in mind that switching to single parent cover may also impact your eligibility for the Australian Government Rebate. While you’ll still fall under the family income threshold, your partner’s income will no longer be combined with yours.
If you’re looking to compare health insurance options conveniently, we’ve got you covered. Explore a range of cover options in one place, including extras, hospital, or combined cover. Making informed decisions about your family’s health insurance has never been easier.
FAQs
Are your children covered under your singles health insurance?
Yes, your health insurance can cover your children, but you’ll need to change to a single parent policy if you currently have singles health cover. Switching over is made simple with our free health insurance comparison service, ensuring that your children’s health needs are well taken care of.
Can you get health insurance just for your children?
While some health funds might offer policies exclusively for children, it’s essential to consider including yourself in any policy you purchase. Your health is vital for your family, too. Additionally, most health insurance providers offer policies specifically designed for single-income families, making it a convenient and practical option compared to children-only cover.
Do single parents pay extra for health insurance?
Yes, private health insurance policies for single parents generally cost more than single adult policies. This is because single parent health insurance is different from family policies, where couples can often add dependents at no additional cost. However, rest assured that health insurance for single parents still typically costs less than a two-parent family policy, providing valuable coverage for your family’s well-being.
How long does single parent health insurance cover children?
The duration of coverage will depend on your policy, but typically, your children can stay on your single parent health insurance until they turn 21. Some health funds may even allow dependants to stay on their parent’s policy for free until they reach the age of 25 or above. However, in some cases, your dependant child may need to be studying full-time to be covered under the maximum age limit. For specific terms and conditions, it’s best to check with your health fund.
Can you get rebates for your single parent health insurance?
Yes, by taking out private hospital or extras cover, you may be eligible to claim the Private Health Insurance Rebate based on your income. This rebate can result in a lower premium for your health insurance or allow you to claim a percentage of your premiums back at tax time. To qualify for the full rebate, your annual income as a single parent should be less than $93,000 (from 1 July 2024).
Let CHI Help You Find the Right Single Parent Health Cover
If you’re searching for private health cover as a single parent but are overwhelmed by all the choices available, don’t worry, we can help!
Simply use our free online tool below to get personalised health cover quotes from Australia’s leading health fund providers in minutes!
