At CBHS we help you manage your health challenges. We believe in offering you the services, support and tools you need to live your best life.
Our Better Living Programs are available to support eligible members towards a healthier lifestyle. Each Better Living Program is subject to its own eligibility criteria.
Contact us for more information and to confirm your eligibility for a program.
Learn more about the 1 October 2023 premium increase
Like all health funds, CBHS reviews premiums each year to ensure they continue to reflect the cost of providing quality health insurance and outstanding service. As a result, health cover premiums will need to increase, effective 1 October 2023. The average increase for CBHS members is 4.46%, however your individual premium amount may be higher or lower than this average depending on the product you hold and which state you live in.
CBHS deferred the planned 1 April 2023 increase by six months until 1 October 2023. This was our fourth premium increase deferral for members in three years, as part of our COVID support measures for members, which totals $62 million.
To help you understand more about the annual premium review process, we’ve put together some FAQs.
FAQs
Most Australians with private health insurance currently receive the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance to help cover the cost of their premiums. The private health insurance rebate is income tested, and there are four tiers of rebate percentage that can be applied depending on your age and annual household income.
The income thresholds on which the rebate is applied, are changing as of 1 July 2023. That means members may benefit from claiming a higher rebate percentage, which makes their premiums more affordable. This is the first time in several years that the income thresholds have changed.
These income threshold changes also apply to the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). Australians who do not have private Hospital cover and who earn above a certain income are required to pay the MLS. You can see if MLS applies to you on the privatehealth.gov.au website.
If you currently receive the private health insurance rebate, you’ll need to check the new income thresholds to see if your tier has changed. You may be entitled to a higher rebate.
If your tier has changed and you claim the rebate as a reduced premium, you’ll need to update your tier in the CBHS Member Centre (My account > Manage my rebate) or by calling us on 1300 654 123. This can only be done after 30 June 2023.
Note that if you do decide to change your rebate, the change will be effective from the day after your ‘paid-to’ date and can’t be backdated.
The private health insurance rebate income thresholds are changing as of the new financial year − 1 July 2023.
You can use the table or the Private Health Insurance Rebate Calculator (after 30 June 2023) on the ATO website, or call the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on 132 861. You can also speak with your tax advisor.
- If you’ve nominated a higher tier than your actual income, you will receive a lower rebate than you’re entitled to. If that happens, you will receive a tax offset through your income tax return for that financial year.
- If you have nominated a lower tier than your actual income you may be required to refund the overpaid rebate through your tax return.