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Published January 2026 Expert contributor: Patricia Kennedy Smythe, Senior Operations Manager, RT Health Words by Angela Tufvesson Confused by the different health insurance tiers and what they cover? We break down what they are and how to choose the right one for your needs and budget. In Australia, private hospital cover falls under one of four tiers: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic. Each tier has a set of minimum services that it must include, which are set by the government. Some policies include additional clinical categories on top of this and are called ‘Plus’ policies, such as Bronze Plus or Silver Plus. Your health needs, lifestyle and finances naturally change over time, so it’s important to regularly review your cover and make sure you’re getting the right balance of benefits, flexibility and value. Whether you’re planning to start a family, approaching retirement, navigating a chronic condition or focused on the cost of living, comparing your health needs to the types of things covered on the different health insurance tiers can help you decide which level of cover is right for you. This article gives a general overview and doesn’t cover all exclusions or details of the policies mentioned. Before deciding on any cover, make sure to review the full terms and speak with us to discuss your specific needs. What’s covered with Gold cover? Gold cover represents the highest level of private health insurance. Under RT Health’s Gold Optimal Hospital cover, you’re covered for all the clinical categories set out by the Australian Government – everything from assisted reproductive services, pregnancy and birth, to joint replacements and hospital psychiatric services. “Because of the extensive cover it offers, premiums for this type of hospital cover are higher than for other tiers,” explains Patricia. Our Gold Optimal Hospital cover must be purchased with an RT Health extras cover, and is ideal if you’re looking for extensive cover. It often suits people with complex health needs or anyone looking for maximum flexibility and peace of mind. If you’re planning a family, getting older or living with a chronic condition requiring regular specialist care, this level of cover might be right for you. What’s covered with Silver cover? With Silver cover, you’re covered for heart and vascular system, implantation of hearing devices, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. You’re not covered for things like pregnancy and birth or weight-loss surgery. At RT Health, we have two options for Silver Cover: Silver Plus Standard Hospital cover and Silver Plus Assure Hospital cover, which comes with more inclusions. “Silver Plus Assure covers you for dialysis for chronic kidney failure and insulin pumps, while these aren’t covered under Silver Plus Standard,” explains Patricia. However, both strike a good balance between cost and coverage. They’re often a good option if you’re generally healthy and not planning to have a baby in the near future. You might already have a young family and need cover for the usual scrapes, breaks and illnesses. Or maybe you’re someone who works with their hands and need cover for injuries or joint issues. What about Bronze and basic cover? Bronze and basic cover typically cover the basics. With Basic Plus Starter Hospital cover, you’ll be covered for things like tonsils, adenoids and grommets, joint reconstructions, and treatment for a hernia and appendicitis. RT Health’s Bronze Plus Essential Hospital cover will also cover you for things like diabetes management (excluding insulin pumps), and chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. “While Bronze Plus and Basic Plus are lower levels of cover, if you’re just starting out, they may be a good option for you,” says Patricia. If you’re young, healthy and on a tighter budget – or your income has reached the threshold where you’ll be charged the Medicare Levy Surcharge without hospital cover – Bronze Plus Essential or Basic Plus Starter Hospital could be the right option for you. Extras cover For comprehensive healthcare and peace of mind, pair your hospital cover with extras. Extras cover pays benefits towards things like prescription glasses, dental check-ups, physio appointments and psychology and/or counselling, supporting your day-to-day health and wellbeing. With RT Health, you can choose between three levels of extras cover – Top, Smart and Value – which you can mix and match with different levels of hospital cover. When to review your cover Patricia suggests reviewing your cover regularly and whenever your life is changing. If it's no longer meeting your needs, you might want to consider switching to a different level of cover. “If you’re thinking of starting a family, it’s a good time to have a look at the options available,” she says. “At the other end of the spectrum, a lot of people as they get older no longer need cover for things like pregnancy, so they may consider changing from Gold cover to another tier. “Any time you feel private health cover is becoming unaffordable, or if you’re not sure you have the right level of cover, it’s best to give us a call, because there may be options we can offer you,” she adds. Keeping your cover (instead of cancelling it) can also help you avoid paying Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading – an extra 2% on top of your hospital premium for every year you go without cover after turning 31. If you do update your cover, it’s important to keep in mind any waiting periods you may need to serve (12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy and birth, and two months for other services). “If you’ve already met the waiting period for a particular service, you don’t have to re-serve it,” explains Patricia. “But if you’re on a new cover that covers you for new services, then you’ll have to serve the waiting periods.” Still have questions? If you need some advice or want to know more, we’re here with you every step of the way to help you get more value from your cover. Our Member Care team can answer any questions you have. Give them a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch via email at help@rthealth.com.au This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website. 

Published January 2026 Expert contributor Dr Daniel van den Hoek, Senior Lecturer, University of the Sunshine Coast Words by Donnay Torr Taken a break from exercise? An expert shares tips on how to start exercising again and stick to your new workout routine. We all know how important it is to exercise – but doing it consistently? That’s the tougher part. Between long workdays, irregular hours and the never-ending demands of family life, finding time (and energy) to hit the gym can feel almost impossible. One in three Aussies say they don't have enough time to exercise. And fewer than half of us stick to a regular routine after we start. “Sometimes, we get caught up thinking that we need a full session or a certain amount of time to make exercise worth it,” says Dr Daniel van den Hoek, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast. “If we can shift our thinking to ‘something is better than nothing’, we can maintain engagement and a routine through busy times, so that when life calms down, we can level up rather than restarting.” If it’s been a while since your last workout, here are some tips on how to start exercising again. 1. Make your workout routine fun The best workout routine is one you’ll stick with. “Novelty and enjoyment are essential to long-term engagement with physical activity, so find what you enjoy and do what you can,” says Dr van den Hoek.  “We want exercise to feel like something we want to do, not something we should do.” So, pick something you like: walking the dog, riding your bike, swimming laps, joining a dance class, running on the beach or outdoor gym sessions with mates. 2. Set achievable goals Setting goals can be difficult. Start by choosing one focus – building muscle, losing weight, improving flexibility, or increasing endurance – and set a goal that's specific and meaningful to you. “Start small, make targets specific and personal, and focus on gradual improvement,” Dr van den Hoek suggests. It also helps to define your ‘why’, says Dr van den Hoek. He suggests taking a moment to reflect on the personal reason for exercising and choose outcomes that genuinely matter to you. For instance: “I’ll start with 15 minutes of easy exercises three times a week for the first month”, or “I’ll walk to and from work twice this week instead of driving.” 3. Aim for steady progress Think you don’t have time to exercise? This is where it can be helpful to shift your mindset away from ‘I need an hour at the gym’ to ‘I’ll move whenever I can’. Here are some easy ways Dr van den Hoek says you can fit movement into your daily routine. Exercise snacking. Try squeezing in short, frequent bursts of movement throughout the day. A 5-minute routine (e.g. 1 minute each of jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, mountain climbers and plank) can feel more achievable than one long workout – and it works. “It also reframes exercise as something achievable that everyone can build into their routine.” Turn everyday moments into a home workout. This could mean calf raises while brushing your teeth, wall-sits during TV ads, incline push-ups at a kitchen counter, squats while the coffee brews – every little bit counts. Use your own space. “See your environment as an exercise-friendly zone. Stairs become cardio equipment, a wall is for wall sits, and the ground for floor exercises.” Tap into bodyweight training. This means using your own body as resistance (e.g. squats, lunges, push-ups and planks) without needing expensive equipment. “We spend so much time looking for the perfect gym, we forget that we were born with one. Our body is both the equipment and the environment, a portable gym designed for movement, anywhere, anytime.” 4. Stay motivated You’ve started – now here’s how to stay motivated. Stay flexible – if you miss one week, pick it up the next. Rally your mates to keep you accountable. Research shows social connections help us stick to an exercise routine better than just tracking it ourselves. Finally, remember that nobody’s perfect, and doing something is always better than nothing, says Dr van den Hoek. “If you find yourself in a slump, don’t give up. Switch things up, reach out to someone for advice or support and be kind to yourself.” 5. Talk to an expert Been out of the exercise game for a while or managing injuries or health conditions? Talking to an expert can help you feel more confident as they’ll guide you on what exercises to try based on your needs and abilities. “Accredited exercise physiologists and exercise scientists can help you explore your options and guide your exercise volume and intensity safely,” adds Dr Van den Hoek. “Seek advice when you’re unsure about what to do, have safety concerns, or if you’re returning from injury, illness or an extended break.” And if it’s covered by your RT Health extras, you may get a rebate to help with the cost of the appointment. Save on your gym membership Did you know you might be able to claim some of the cost of your gym membership with RT Health? To find out how just give us a call on 1300 886 123 or send a quick email to help@rthealth.com.au. We’ll be happy to help.

Published December 2025 Expert contributor Peta Gane, RT Health Consultant Words by Angela Tufvesson What is hospital cover – and how does it work? From excess and waiting periods to surcharges and rebates, here’s what you need to know. Private hospital cover can seem confusing at first. But understanding the basics can give you peace of mind and the confidence to use it when it matters most. So if you find yourself wondering, 'What does hospital cover include?', 'Can I be a private patient in a public hospital?' and 'What counts as a pre-existing condition?', RT Health Consultant Peta Gane has the answers. 1. What’s hospital cover (and what does it include)? Private hospital cover pays some or all of the costs for you to be treated in hospital as a private patient. Depending on your level of cover, Peta says this can include things like staying in a private room, theatre and surgery fees, and services provided by doctors, specialists and other health professionals while you’re in hospital. 2. What are the benefits of private hospital cover? “You can choose your own doctor rather than being assigned one through the public system,” Peta explains. “You can usually have your treatment or procedure done a lot quicker than someone on a public waiting list, and you’re eligible for a private room if one is available and it’s included on your policy.” 3. What’s the difference between public and private hospital care? Medicare, Australia’s public health system, is one of the best in the world. But you don’t usually get to choose your doctor and you may also be subject to longer waiting times for common procedures. Private health cover offers faster access to specialists and elective procedures, with shorter wait times and more flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals. “While public patients are assigned doctors, private insurance allows continuity of care with preferred providers,” Peta says. 4. Can you be a private patient in a public hospital? Yes – if you have hospital cover, you can be treated as a private patient in a public hospital. Peta says this is especially helpful for people living in rural and regional areas without a nearby private hospital. “As a private patient in a public hospital, you may be able to choose your doctor or specialist if they work at that particular hospital,” she explains, noting that in this situation you might not be able to skip the public waiting list for planned procedures. “You may also get a private room if one is available – this isn’t guaranteed, especially in a busy public hospital – and you’ll need to check whether your policy includes cover for this.” 5. Does private hospital cover work in emergencies? If you call an ambulance, the government will cover the cost in some states. In others, you’ll need private health cover to avoid receiving a bill. Ambulance cover is included in all levels of our hospital cover (except for Queenslanders who are covered under a state-based scheme). If you visit the emergency department, you’ll only receive the benefits of your hospital cover if you’re admitted to hospital – which is called being an inpatient. If you receive treatment or care at the hospital, like X-rays or blood tests without being admitted, you’re considered an outpatient, and your hospital cover won’t apply because these services are generally covered by Medicare. “If you go through emergency and are seen there, but are not admitted to hospital, you’re not covered,” Peta explains. “If you’re admitted to hospital, then you’ll be covered, as long as it’s an inclusion on your policy.” 6. What’s a hospital cover waiting period? When you take out hospital cover, you may have to wait before you can make a claim and receive benefits. These waiting periods are standard across Australia: 12 months for pregnancy and birth and pre-existing conditions, and two months for other services. 7. Does switching policies affect waiting periods? “If you're coming across to RT Health for a like-for-like cover, and you served your waiting period with the previous fund, you won’t serve the waiting period. It’s called ‘portability of cover’,” Peta explains. You’ll only serve a waiting period for treatments or procedures that weren’t in your old policy. 8. What’s a pre-existing condition? A pre-existing condition is any illness or condition that you had (or experienced symptoms of) at any time in the six months before you started or upgraded your health cover. Remember: a condition can be pre-existing even if you don’t yet know about it. It may not have been diagnosed by a doctor or specialist, but it can still incur a waiting period of up to 12 months. 9. What’s hospital excess and how does it affect how much you pay? Hospital excess is the amount you agree to pay towards your treatment before your health insurer starts covering the costs. If you choose a higher excess when you take out cover, this can lower your premium – but it also means you’ll pay more if you need to make a claim later. 10. What are out-of-pocket expenses and how can you reduce them? Out-of-pocket expenses (sometimes called ‘gap payments’) are the costs you might need to pay when you go to hospital, even if you have private hospital cover. Sometimes, health funds have agreements with doctors and hospitals to cover all or part of these costs, or ‘gaps’, which remove or reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Because doctors can decide on their own fees, Peta recommends getting quotes for a procedure from more than one specialist. Learn more about how to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. 11. What’s the private health insurance rebate and how does it affect what you pay? The private health insurance rebate is a government contribution that helps reduce the cost of your health insurance premiums. How much you get depends on your age and income. 12. What’s the Medicare Levy Surcharge? Does hospital cover help you avoid it? The Medicare Levy Surcharge is an extra tax you may have to pay if you earn above a certain income and don’t have private hospital cover. By taking out private hospital cover, you can avoid paying this additional surcharge, while also enjoying the benefits of choosing your doctor, shorter waiting times and getting a private room. “In most cases, any form of private hospital cover will alleviate the Medicare Levy Surcharge,” Peta says. Still have questions? If you need some advice or want to know more, we’re here with you every step of the way to help you get more value from your cover. Our Member Care team can answer any questions you have. Give them a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch via email to help@rthealth.com.au This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.