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Published October 2026 Reviewed by Patricia Kennedy-Smythe From mental health support to tax savings, there are plenty of benefits of private health insurance for young people. Here’s why it’s worth considering. If you're in your 20s or 30s, you might be weighing up whether private health cover is worth the extra expense. Or maybe you're a parent wondering if your adult child needs their own policy. Either way, there are some real benefits of private health insurance for young people. Here's what makes private health insurance for young adults worth considering. Lock in lower premiums Getting health cover while you’re young actually saves you money down the track. If you don't have hospital cover by 1 July after your 31st birthday, you'll end up paying more for it later. This is called Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading and it works like this: for every year past 31 you don't have hospital cover, you'll pay a 2% loading on top of your premium. So if you first take out cover at 40, you’d pay an extra 20% on your health cover. At 45, it’s 30% – capped at a maximum of 70%. The loading stays on your policy for 10 continuous years, then it’s removed. Remember: extras-only cover doesn’t count, you need hospital cover to avoid LHC. The good news for RT Health members is that adult kids can stay on the family policy right up until their 31st birthday – whether they're studying full-time (at no extra cost) or working (for an additional premium that's still less than the cost of an equivalent single person policy). Save at tax time If you earn above a certain income and don’t have private hospital cover, you may need to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) – an additional tax on top of the standard 2% Medicare Levy. For FY 2026–27, the MLS threshold is $105,000 for singles and $210,000 for families. If you earn above the threshold without hospital cover, you'll pay a surcharge of between 1% and 1.5% (depending on your income). Like LHC loading, the only way to avoid the MLS is with private hospital cover – extras-only policies don't count. Depending on your income and the cover you choose, private hospital cover may cost less than paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge. Faster treatment for accidents, injuries and illnesses Accidents can happen at any age – whether it's a torn ligament from playing sport, a broken bone on a weekend camping trip or a workplace injury. Maybe you’ll need to go to hospital for your wisdom teeth removal or a chronic condition like endometriosis. With private hospital cover, you can get faster access to the care you need. Between 2024 and 2025, private patients waited 28 days for common hospital procedures, compared to 53 days for public patients. And if you're recovering from surgery or an injury, extras cover can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs of services like physio and remedial massage. Get more choice in your care One of the real advantages of private health insurance for young adults is that you get a say in your own care. With hospital cover, you may be able to choose your own specialist and, in many cases, your preferred hospital. RT Health’s Find a Doctor tool makes it easy to search for participating providers near you, so you can make confident decisions about who’s looking after you. Mental health support Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health – and the right cover can help with that, too. RT Health members with eligible extras can claim for online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) courses delivered by THIS WAY UP*, an evidence-based digital mental health service developed by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The programs can help you manage depression, anxiety, panic and more, and you can access them from home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your level of cover, you may also be able to access benefits for psychology services under your annual limit. Check your RT Health Cover Guide to see what's included in your cover. Care during pregnancy and birth Starting a family requires careful planning. If you want access to a private hospital to have your baby, it’s worth thinking about that sooner rather than later. RT Health's Gold Optimal Hospital cover includes pregnancy, birth and assisted reproductive services (IVF) for fertility and maternity care. A 12-month waiting period applies to these services, so you'll need to have the right cover before you or your partner becomes pregnant. Support your overall wellbeing Pairing hospital cover with extras cover means you've also got support for the everyday services that help you stay on top of your health. Extras cover can help support your wellbeing with things like: dental check-ups and treatments physio and remedial massage optical, including prescription glasses and contact lenses mental health support chiro, osteo and other allied health services. Extras cover can also help you save on out-of-pocket costs. For example, RT Health members get 100% back^ on a range of no-gap preventative dental services – including check-ups, cleans, X-rays, fluoride treatments and mouthguards – through our More for Teeth program. Need help finding the right health cover? We’re here to help you make sense of it all. Give us a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch at help@rthealth.com.au and our Member Care team will walk you through your choices. Important information * THIS WAY UP is available to RT Health members with Deluxe Extras, Top Extras and Smart Extras cover, up to their annual limit of $120 per person, paid under Psychology benefits. The benefit payable will depend on the program you choose. ^ 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.

Published October 2026 Expert contributor: Dr Terri Foran, sexual health physician and board member, Australasian Menopause Society Irregular periods, restless nights, brain fog… the symptoms of perimenopause can be subtle. Here’s what to look out for. Ever feel like your body's running on its own timetable? One month your period shows up early, the next it's a couple of weeks late. You feel tired and foggy during the day, only to find yourself wide awake at 3am. The symptoms of perimenopause can turn up years before your periods actually stop, and they can be confusing to navigate alone. Around 82% of Australian women who've had menopause symptoms say it's affected their quality of life, yet only 57% have spoken to a doctor about it. If you think you may be in perimenopause, or aren’t sure what to expect when it arrives, here’s what you need to know. Perimenopause: What is it? Menopause is when you haven’t had a period (or any spotting) for 12 months, which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause is the stage leading up to this, sometimes called the ‘menopause transition’. During this time, your hormone levels change, which can cause physical symptoms. “Some months, you’ll have a normal period and feel okay. Other months, you might produce extra oestrogen, which can lead to symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea and headaches,” Dr Terri Foran, sexual health physician and board member of the Australasian Menopause Society, told Health Agenda. “And then there might be months where you produce less oestrogen and start noticing things like hot flushes. All these hormonal fluctuations can also affect mood.” What are the symptoms of perimenopause? Perimenopause affects everyone differently, but irregular periods are usually the first symptom. Your period might come more or less often, last for shorter or longer than normal, be lighter or heavier than usual, or not come at all. Other common symptoms of perimenopause include: hot flushes and night sweats trouble sleeping mood swings, anxiety or low mood vaginal dryness brain fog or trouble concentrating weight gain (particularly around the belly) low libido. Surprising symptoms that catch some women off-guard include joint and muscle aches, urinary problems, dry or itchy skin, and even gum or teeth problems. When does perimenopause start and how long does it last? There's no single age when perimenopause begins. It usually starts in your 40s and lasts around four to six years. The average age Australian women reach menopause is 51,  although it can happen earlier or later. Around one in 10 women will go through premature or early menopause, which is when your final period happens before the age of 40 (premature) or 45 (early). We don’t always know why premature or early menopause happens, but it’s different to perimenopause and can be caused by things like surgery, cancer treatments, some autoimmune diseases and genetic disorders, and a family history of early menopause. Can you get pregnant during perimenopause? Short answer: yes. Even if your periods are irregular, you’ll still occasionally ovulate during perimenopause, so pregnancy is possible. It’s important to practise safe sex during this time if you don’t want to become pregnant. How to manage your symptoms Understanding the symptoms of perimenopause is the first step. The next is finding what helps. A few lifestyle changes can make a real difference to how you feel day to day: Move your body. Regular exercise, including some strength training, can help to lower your risk of chronic disease and reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood. Eat well. A balanced diet is essential for overall wellbeing and can help you maintain a healthy weight. It may also help to reduce some menopause-related symptoms. For nutrition support, eligible RT Health members can access the evidence-based CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet*, which combines a higher protein, low-GI eating plan with proven weight management tools to help improve habits. Prioritise sleep. Set a regular bedtime. Avoid screens, caffeine and alcohol before bed, and create a consistent wind-down routine like having a bath or listening to music to help your body relax and prepare for rest. Avoid triggers. Spicy food, hot drinks, alcohol, caffeine and smoking can trigger hot flushes and night sweats – it’s best to limit them or cut them out entirely. Lean on your support system. Talking to friends, family or a mental health professional about what you're going through can ease the mental load. If any of the symptoms of perimenopause are getting in the way of your day-to-day life, whether it’s the muscle aches, weight gain, sleepless nights or low mood, it's worth having a chat with your GP. “We can’t diagnose perimenopause with a blood test because hormones are constantly changing, so what a blood sample shows today could be completely different a week from now,” says Dr Foran. That said, your doctor can assess your symptoms, rule out other causes and talk you through perimenopause treatment options. They might recommend menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) – formerly hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – or non-hormonal prescription medicines that target hot flushes or night sweats. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also help with mood changes, while non-prescription medicines are available for symptoms like muscle aches and sleep problems. If you have eligible extras cover with RT Health, you may be able to claim towards services like physiotherapy or psychology, which can help you manage symptoms like joint pain or low mood. Need a little extra support? Perimenopause can be a challenging time, both physically and emotionally. If you or someone you know needs extra support, eligible RT Health members^ can claim for online cognitive behavioural courses delivered by THIS WAY UP. These are evidence-based programs developed by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists and can help you manage depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic and more. Depending on your level of cover, you may also be able to access benefits for mental health services under the psychology annual limit of your cover. Check your RT Health Cover Guide to see what's available to you. Important information * 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. ^ THIS WAY UP is available to RT Health members with Deluxe Extras, Top Extras and Smart Extras cover, up to their annual limit of $120 per person, paid under Psychology benefits. The benefit payable will depend on the program you choose. 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 September 2026  Expert contributor: Professor Patrick McNeil, rheumatologist and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Medicine and Health, Macquarie University  Millions of Aussies will live with joint pain by 2040. Discover tips for how to prevent arthritis and protect your joints.  When a long shift or a tough workout leaves your knees or hips aching, it’s easy to chalk it up to being active or getting older. But joint pain isn’t something you should ignore.   Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions in Australia and a leading cause of pain and disability. "In Western countries, arthritis is a modern epidemic," Professor Patrick McNeil, rheumatologist and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Medicine and Health, at Macquarie University, told Health Agenda.  Whether you spend most of your day at a desk or on your feet, your joints are working harder than you might realise. A few small lifestyle changes can keep them healthy and help you avoid injury. Here’s how to prevent arthritis.   Common types of arthritis   Arthritis isn’t a single condition – it’s an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause joint pain and discomfort. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but some of the most common include:   Osteoarthritis (OA): A common condition where joints become stiff, painful and difficult to move. It usually shows up in the knees, hips, fingers or spine, and it can affect several joints at once. Symptoms tend to get worse over time.  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition that causes pain and swelling, usually in the smaller joints (like the ones in your hands and feet) on both sides of the body. Joints may also feel stiff, warm and tender to touch. RA can involve flare-ups or symptoms that slowly get worse over time.  Gout: Caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in and around a joint (often the big toe, ankles, wrists or fingers), gout involves sudden, recurring periods of pain, redness, heat and swelling. It may also be difficult to walk or move the joint.  Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of arthritis that usually causes inflammation in the neck, back and pelvic joints. Common symptoms include pain and stiffness in the back, buttocks or neck. "The pain is often worse after resting or sitting for prolonged periods, and tends to be less severe with exercise,” says Prof McNeil.  Most forms of arthritis don't have a cure, which is why looking after your joints and taking preventive steps is essential.  Who’s most at risk of arthritis?  While anyone can develop arthritis, a few factors can increase your risk:  Age: Your risk of developing arthritis naturally increases over time. "The longer someone lives, the more likely it is they will develop a variety of health conditions – including arthritis," says Prof McNeil. But it isn’t just an older person's condition. Arthritis Australia expects one in six millennials to have it by 2040.   Weight: Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips and lower back. Obesity is a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis.  Genetics: If someone in your family has arthritis, you may have a higher chance of developing it too.  Sex: Some types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, are more common in women, while gout is more common in men.   Previous injury: An old injury, even one that’s healed, can increase your risk of developing OA in that joint.  Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, crawling or repetitive movements like kneeling, bending or squatting put extra stress on your back and joints, which may increase your risk of developing arthritis.  Lifestyle: Smoking is a major risk factor for RA, while heavy drinking can trigger gout. Can you prevent arthritis?   Arthritis prevention isn’t always possible, particularly if it’s a genetic or autoimmune condition. But there are things you can do to keep your joints healthy or reduce symptoms or flare-ups.  Stay active. A combination of stretching, strength-training and cardio (like walking, swimming or cycling) can help build flexibility, improve fitness and strengthen the muscles around your joints. Choose exercises you enjoy and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days. If you experience joint pain or you aren’t sure which exercises are right for you, it’s best to consult a GP or physio.  Eat a balanced diet. Eating foods rich in omega-3s and healthy fats (like oily fish, walnuts, avocados and flaxseed oil) and cutting back on alcohol and ultra-processed foods may help reduce inflammation linked to some types of arthritis.  Maintain a healthy weight. A healthy weight looks different for everyone, but it generally comes down to eating well and moving often. One study found that for every 1% of weight lost, the risk of needing a knee replacement dropped by 2%.   Mind your posture. Good posture and ergonomics, whether you’re at a desk or on your feet all day, can help take unnecessary strain off your joints. If your job involves physical activity, make sure you follow proper lifting techniques, wear supportive footwear and take regular breaks to avoid strain or injury.  Quit smoking. Try these evidence-based strategies to help you kick the habit or call Quitline on 13 78 48 for free, confidential support from a trained counsellor.   Early arthritis symptoms and warning signs   Early diagnosis really is key when it comes to managing arthritis effectively. If you experience pain or swelling that lasts more than a few days, or you can’t bear any weight on the joint, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your GP can help figure out what’s causing it, refer you to a specialist if needed and get you started on the right treatment plan.  "Early diagnosis is the key," says Prof McNeil. "If you’re experiencing joint pain, no matter what your age, see your GP."  What happens if you’re diagnosed?   If you are diagnosed with arthritis, there are ways to manage it. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your GP or specialist might recommend pain medications, physiotherapy, exercise or a weight management program to help reduce symptoms.   Treatment may also depend on what your day-to-day involves. For example, if your job is physical, you play sport regularly or spend a lot of time on your feet, pain management often needs to go beyond medication. A physio can show you how to move and exercise safely so you're not putting extra strain on affected joints, and an occupational therapist may be able to suggest different techniques or changes to your work or home set-up to reduce joint pain.  If you're an RT Health member with eligible cover, you may be able to get support from a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or dietitian through your extras cover. Eligible members can also claim a benefit for a gym membership to help them reach their weight goals.   Looking for extra weight management support?  Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of joint pain and arthritis. We’re helping eligible RT Health members access the evidence-based CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet*, created by Australia’s national science agency. It combines a higher protein, low-GI eating plan with proven weight management tools to help you build healthier, lifelong habits.    * 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.  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.