How to lower the cost of private health insurance

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Published September 2026 

Looking after your health doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are eight ways to lower the cost of private health insurance without losing the cover you need.

Between mortgages and rent, groceries and household bills, most of us are looking for ways to cut down on everyday costs. Private health cover might feel like an easy place to save – but if you work with your hands for a living, it's the last place you want to compromise. Something as simple as a sore back or an injured knee can mean time off work, and the right cover can help you get back on your feet sooner. 

The good news is you don't have to choose between your health and your household budget. With a few smart changes, you can lower the cost of your cover without giving up the protection you need. 

1. Look at what you use (and what you don't) 

Start by looking at what your health cover includes. Are you paying for pregnancy cover you don’t need? Still holding onto orthodontics years after the braces came off? As life changes, so do your health needs, so it’s important to review your cover every year or so. You might find you’re paying for services you no longer use. 

2. Switch to a couples or family policy 

If you and your partner have two separate policies, or you've got kids on the way, a couples or family policy means you’ll only have one premium to pay, which can work out to be cheaper. Get a quote to compare.  

If you have adult kids, they can stay on your policy until they turn 31 (as long as they meet the eligibility requirements), which can help them save money, too. 

3. Increase your excess 

Choosing a higher excess on your hospital cover can lower your monthly premiums. Keep in mind, you'll pay more out of pocket if you do need hospital care, but it's worth considering if you're generally fit and healthy and don't expect to need major treatment any time soon. 

4. Check if you’re eligible for a rebate 

The government's private health insurance rebate can reduce how much you pay, depending on your income and age. Head to the Australian Tax Office's private health insurance rebate page to see the current income thresholds and rates. 

Use your extras to save  

Having extras cover can help reduce everyday health costs. Take optical: eligible RT Health members can claim 100% back* on prescription glasses (plus a free digital retinal imaging test at eye check-ups) through our No-Gap network. For dental, our More for Teeth program gives you 100% back on a range of no-gap preventative dental services^, from check-ups to cleans – just use our Find a Dentist tool to find a nearby clinic. 

If weight management is a priority, you may be able to access nutrition support through the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet+ or claim benefits toward things like your gym membership. 

6. Cut your out-of-pocket expenses with Medicover 

Seeing a specialist or receiving hospital treatment usually comes with extra fees. But if you're an RT Health member, Medicover can help close the gap. When you choose a doctor participating in the Medicover program, you'll either have no out-of-pocket costs, or you'll know in advance exactly what the gap costs will be.  

Ask your GP to refer you to a participating specialist or use our Find a Doctor tool to locate one before you book in. 

7. Let us say Thank You 

Your health cover can help outside the doctor's office too. RT Thank You# gives members access to savings on everyday spending, from groceries and fuel to shopping and entertainment.  

8. Get support if you can’t work 

If you lose your job unexpectedly, the last thing you want to do is worry about health costs, too. Eligible RT Health members can access our Involuntary Unemployment Assistance program, which covers the cost of private health cover for up to six months while you recover. 

Chat with our friendly team 

If you're worried about the cost of your cover, we're here to help. Give our Member Care team a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch via help@rthealth.com.au and we'll talk through your cover options. 



* 100% back from providers in our No-Gap network is available on selected covers. Waiting periods and annual limits apply. Excludes add-ons like high index material, coatings and tinting. 

^ 100% back/no-gap at More for Teeth providers is available to members with RT Health extras cover. Waiting periods and annual limits apply. Providers are subject to change. We recommend that you confirm your chosen provider is part of More for Teeth prior to your appointment. 

+ The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet is available to RT Health members with hospital cover who: 

  • are aged 18 or over 
  • have a Body Mass Index of 28 or above 
  • have multiple lifestyle risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity and poor nutrition. 

# Excludes Ambulance Only members.


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