How to avoid private insurance loading?

Question

I moved to Australia a few years ago and had no knowledge of private health insurance and also couldn't afford it but when i joined a big company i signed up for private health insurance provided by the company but because i did not have health insurance within a year of moving here i had to pay a heavy loading on private insurance. Is there a way to get out of it or appeal against it?

graciedeska · Answer

Hi there,

No there isn't a way out unfortunately. All Australians who apply for health insurance after the age of 31 have to pay this loading, and the waiver is only applicable for the first 12 months for new migrants. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

<http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/incentivessurcharges/lifetimehealthcover.htm>

Cheers,

Grace