You can be on a single parent family policy, which includes your child and/or student dependents; or you can be on a single parent extension policy, which includes child, student, and/or young adult dependents. Keep in mind government surcharges and incentives likely apply, so consider how they’ll affect your tax bill and premiums now and in the future depending on your age and income. You might need to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge and the Lifetime Health Cover loading if you don’t have private hospital insurance.

How will having health insurance affect my children?

Even the healthiest children have ongoing healthcare needs, whether it’s regular dental check-ups or unexpected injuries and illnesses. These costs can quickly add up, and if one of your kids has an unanticipated medical needs over the longer term, it can have a major impact on your household budget.
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Health insurance is like an investment or safety net that protects your children. It could cover you for a significant percentage of your kids’ healthcare costs, so you avoid excessive out-of-pocket costs. It could also enable you and your kids to access the type of treatments – especial non-urgent but nevertheless important treatments not covered by Medicare – with a doctor and hospital you choose without long wait times.

How does health insurance change as my children get older?

If you’re an expectant single parent, you might take out cover early, before your baby is born, so he or she will have cover from birth. If you want to have coverage for things like obstetrics, make sure you take out your policy well ahead of time so you’ve fulfilled the waiting periods when you do need to claim.

From the baby and toddler stage to their teenage years, your kids’ healthcare and coverage needs could change dramatically. Regularly update your coverage level to reflect these changing needs. This could help you save money, avoid waiting times for making claims, and ensure your kids get the healthcare to support their development at every stage.

Extras cover

For example, ear grommets and hernias can be common surgical procedures for young children. Babies might have minimal dental-care needs, but regular check-ups might be essential by the time they turn two. Eye tests by your optometrists are usually free with Medicare, but things like glasses and contact lenses aren’t. Active kids could benefit from other coverage, like physiotherapy, that’s not covered by Medicare.

Other services your growing kids might need include things like speech therapy, podiatry, chiropractic services, occupational therapy, and orthodontics. While Medicare offer a minimum amount for these types of healthcare services, typically you’ll need to pay more out of pocket unless you have private health insurance subsidising some of the costs.

Hospital cover

As for hospital cover, kids of all ages could experience accidents or injuries requiring unexpected in-hospital treatment. In this case coverage could let you see your preferred doctor in a hospital you choose without the long waiting lists of public hospitals. And if you don’t have ambulance cover, you could end up paying the hefty emergency transportation fees for ambulance services.

No longer dependents

Note at some stage your kids will cease to become dependants. This means they can’t be covered under your policy. Typically this is when they reach 18 years of age or 25 if they’re a full-time student. Note some insurers charge a higher premium for your dependant as part of your policy when they turn 18.

What’s the difference between family cover and cover specifically for single parents?

There isn’t a big difference between family and single parent cover except cover for single parents covers one adult and the child or children. Family cover typically covers two adults and the child or children, so premiums are higher than for single parent policies.

Can I get separate health insurance for my children?

Yes, you might be able to find a provider who offers this, though it’s rarely available within Australia. Adding your child to your policy will likely be far more cost effective than a stand-alone policy for your child.

Choosing the right health insurance for your single-parent family not only supports your kids’ healthcare needs; it can ease the financial burden of your household while giving you an extra safety net for unexpected costs. Take time to compare the different policies available so you can make the right choice for coverage. By reviewing your policy regularly, you’ll ensure your children continue to be adequately protected as they get older.