New for 2026–27: the Medicare Levy Surcharge now starts at $105,000 for singles and $210,000 for families.Surcharge thresholds are upCheck yours

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Seniors & retirement

Health insurance after 60: what changes at 65 and 70, whether to keep cover in retirement, and how the rebate moves in your favour.

7 published guides Top rebate rate: 32.158% Rebate percentages and age bands are checked against the ATO and dated on every page.

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More guides on this topic.

The decisions that come up at 65, 70 and retirement

Health insurance for over-60s: what to check before you turn 65

In your 60s and still working? The 2026–27 surcharge starts above A$105,000, a first hospital policy at 60 carries a 60% loading, and what changes at 65.

ATO checked Updated Read the guide

Over-65 private health insurance rebate change: what is proposed for April 2027

A bill before Parliament would cut the over-65 health insurance rebate to the under-65 rate from 1 April 2027: about A$80 less per A$1,000 at 70-plus. Not law.

ATO checked Updated Read the guide

Health insurance over 70: keep it or drop it?

Over 70 with hospital cover? The 2026–27 rebate is 32.158%, and dropping cover risks a 12-month wait and a loading on return. What each choice costs.

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Health insurance when you retire: what changes in the year you stop work

Retiring moves many singles from tier 2 to the base rebate tier, 8.038% to 24.118% under 65 in 2026–27, but rarely in the retirement year itself. What to check.

ATO checked Updated Read the guide

Health insurance for self-funded retirees: rebate, surcharge and the Seniors Health Card in 2026–27

Tax-free super pensions after 60 sit outside the rebate test, so a retiree on A$105,000 or less gets up to 32.158% back in 2026–27. The Seniors Card differs.

ATO checked Updated Read the guide

Switching health funds after 65: what carries across and what does not

Over 65 and switching health funds? Served waits carry across at the same level, a loading up to 70% moves with you, and the rebate stays at 28.139% or more.

ATO checked Updated Read the guide

Your next step

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