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T_B1234(Initiate)Initiate
11 Nov 2025

I am looking at getting private health insurance (only hospital cover, no extras).

• how will having private health insurance affect my tax returns?

• do you have to pay both the Medicare levy and a private health levy?

• does having private health cost more on your tax returns than Medicare?

• will getting private health insurance months into the financial year rather than at the start affect next years tax return in anyway?


I want to get private hospital cover but I don’t want to be hit with a huge tax bill at tax return time. For context, I am single, earn $80k before tax and have a hecs debt.

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95 views
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Taxduck(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
11 Nov 2025

The Medicare levy surcharge income threshold for a single is $101,000. Below this and taking out private hospital cover solely for the purpose of avoiding the surcharge is pointless.

Below provides details on what income is included when calculating whether you are above the surcharge threshold or not.

Medicare levy surcharge income, thresholds and rates | Australian Taxation Office

Private health insurance (PHI) does not affect the 2% Medicare levy - you still pay this regardless.

So the answer to your question is that PHI will not affect your tax return if your income is below $101,000. (apart from any PHI rebate you decide not to claim as a premium reduction). Info on rebate below

Australian Government Private Health Insurance Rebate


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