How much do hearing aids cost through private health?
2026 Private Health Rebates for Hearing Aids in Australia
Many private health insurers in Australia offer private health rebates for hearing aids. For those struggling with hearing loss in 2026, hearing aids can be a significant investment. If you are eligible, you can pay significantly less, and in some cases pay nothing at all. This guide explores private health insurance coverage, eligibility criteria, claiming rebates, common mistakes, annual limits and government funded programs, as well as specific health fund policies. All PocketAid devices are eligible for rebates from major providers in Australia.
Understanding Private Health Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids
Private health insurance providers typically cover hearing aids under their extras policies. The coverage and benefits depend on your insurance provider, the type of extras cover, and the waiting periods. Understanding your policy details is essential to maximise your benefits.
All of our Hearing Aids are
Health Fund Eligible
PocketAid hearing aids are TGA-approved medical devices.
2026 Private Health Insurance Providers for Hearing Aids
| Fund | Health Fund | Cover Type | Cover Amount | Waiting Period | Cover Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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AHM | Family Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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AHM | Super Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1600 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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AMA | Top Extras | 100% up to $1600 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Australian Unity | Advanced Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 80% up to $600 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
|
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Australian Unity | Prime Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 80% up to $1000 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Australian Unity | Top Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 80% up to $900 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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BUPA | Super Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 60% up to $500 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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BUPA | Top Extras Boost View Source Fact Sheet | 80% up to $1200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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BUPA | Top Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 70% up to $1000 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Defence Health | Lifestyle Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1000 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Defence Health | Top Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1000 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Defence Health | Value Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1000 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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GMHBA | Complete View Source Fact Sheet | 60% up to $1500 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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GMHBA | Mid Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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HBF | Complete 60 View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $600 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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HBF | Top 70 View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $700 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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HCF | Top Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 80% up to $1800 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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HCF | Vital Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1600 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Medibank | Top Extras 60 View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $400 | 36 Months | 3 Years |
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Medibank | Top Extras 75 View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $800 | 36 Months | 3 Years |
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Medibank | Top Extras 90 View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1200 | 36 Months | 3 Years |
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NIB | Top Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 75% up to $1200 | 36 Months | 3 Years |
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RT Health Cover | Smart Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $900 | 24 Months | 3 Years |
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RT Health Cover | Top Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1200 | 24 Months | 5 Years |
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Teachers Health | Top Extras View Source Fact Sheet | 100% up to $1800 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
*While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, health fund policies, coverage options, and rebate amounts may change without notice. Where possible, we have used the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), fact sheet, or other official health fund documentation as the source for this information. We recommend confirming the latest details directly with the health fund before making a decision or purchasing hearing aids.
AHM Hearing Aid Cover
Family Extras
AHM Family Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,200, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This may help eligible members reduce the cost of hearing aids under…
AHM Hearing Aid Cover
Super Extras
AHM Super Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,600, with a 12-month waiting period and a claiming frequency of 3 years. For eligible members, this rebate may help reduce the cost of hea…
AMA Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras
AMA Top Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,600, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduce the cost of…
Australian Unity Hearing Aid Cover
Advanced Extras
Australian Unity Advanced Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 80% up to $600, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This may provide a contribution toward eligible hearing…
Australian Unity Hearing Aid Cover
Prime Extras
Australian Unity Prime Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 80% up to $1,500, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduc…
Australian Unity Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras
Australian Unity Top Extras lists a hearing aid rebate of 80% up to $1,000, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This type of benefit may contribute toward eligible hearing…
BUPA Hearing Aid Cover
Super Extras
BUPA Super Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 60% up to $500, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduce the cost of…
BUPA Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras Boost
BUPA Top Extras Boost lists a hearing aid benefit of 80% up to $1,200, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. For eligible members, this benefit may reduce the out-of-pocket c…
BUPA Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras
BUPA Top Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 70% up to $1,000, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This may help eligible members lower the cost of hearing aids, dependin…
Defence Health Hearing Aid Cover
Lifestyle Extras
Defence Health Lifestyle Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,000, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit towar…
Defence Health Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras
Defence Health Top Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,000, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This may help eligible members lower the cost of hearing aid…
Defence Health Hearing Aid Cover
Value Extras
Defence Health Value Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,000, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduce…
GMHBA Hearing Aid Cover
Complete
GMHBA Complete lists a hearing aid benefit of 60% up to $1,500, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to claim part of the cost of hearing aids,…
GMHBA Hearing Aid Cover
Mid Extras
GMHBA Mid Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,200, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This may help eligible members reduce the cost of hearing aids under…
HBF Hearing Aid Cover
Complete 60
HBF Complete 60 lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $600, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This benefit may contribute toward eligible hearing aids once the waitin…
HBF Hearing Aid Cover
Top 70
HBF Top 70 lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $700, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduce their hearing aid…
HCF Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras
HCF Top Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 80% up to $1,800, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This is one of the higher listed rebate limits and may help eligible mem…
HCF Hearing Aid Cover
Vital Extras
HCF Vital Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,600, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduce the cost o…
Medibank Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras 60
Medibank Top Extras 60 lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $400, with a 36-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit toward hearing a…
Medibank Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras 75
Medibank Top Extras 75 lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $800, with a 36-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This may help eligible members reduce the cost of hearing aids on…
Medibank Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras 90
Medibank Top Extras 90 lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,200, with a 36-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduce the…
NIB Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras
NIB Top Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 75% up to $1,200, with a 36-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduce the cost of h…
RT Health Cover Hearing Aid Cover
Smart Extras
RT Health Cover Smart Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $900, with a 24-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. Eligible members may be able to use this benefit to reduce…
RT Health Cover Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras
RT Health Cover Top Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,200, with a 24-month waiting period and a 5-year claiming frequency. This may help eligible members reduce the cost of hearing a…
Teachers Health Hearing Aid Cover
Top Extras
Teachers Health Top Extras lists a hearing aid benefit of 100% up to $1,800, with a 12-month waiting period and a 3-year claiming frequency. This may help eligible members reduce the cost of hearing a…
Claiming Your Rebates
- Check Your Cover: First, confirm your level of cover and eligibility for claiming hearing aids with your health fund provider. Most health funds offer rebates between $600 and $1200.
- Obtain a Hearing Test: If you have had a hearing test with any provider, they will have a copy of your results. Contact them to request a copy to be emailed to you.
- Email Us: Once you have your hearing test results, email them to [email protected]. Mention that you would like to order and claim the devices through your private health fund, and we will assist you from there.
Eligibility Criteria for Hearing Aid Rebates
Eligibility for rebates varies between health funds. Most require:
Membership of an extras policy with the required benefits.
Completion of a 12-month waiting period.
Evidence of hearing loss provided by a qualified audiologist (hearing test).
Additionally, most health funds have an annual limit on the amount that can be claimed. Additionally, coverage frequency limits apply (e.g., once every 3 or 5 years).
Common Mistakes in Claiming Rebates
- Failing to meet waiting periods: Check that the 12-month waiting period is complete before purchasing. Note that failing to meet the waiting period will result in a denied claim.
- Exceeding Annual limits: Rebates often renew every 3–5 years.
- Using non-approved providers: Ensure your hearing aid provider is a reputable provider, such as PocketAid.
Hearing Aid Prices and Options
Hearing aid prices can be a significant barrier for many Australians, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 per ear. Many people aren’t aware that direct to consumer options are now available that are delivering exceptional outcomes for Australians with mild up to severe levels of hearing loss. If you’re looking to buy hearing aids, PocketAid’s options start from as low as AUD$429 and don’t require any appointments. When paired with a health fund, PocketAid hearing aids can be purchased with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Government Programs and Financial Support for Hearing Aids
Government programs like the Hearing Services Program offer free or subsidised hearing aids for eligible pensioners and veterans. However, holding a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card does not automatically provide eligibility. Eligible individuals could receive services such as hearing assessments and hearing aids through these programs.
Conclusion
Hearing loss can be challenging, but understanding private health insurance rebates for hearing aids can help you make informed decisions and save money. Explore the options offered by your provider and consider government programs to maximise your benefits. By staying informed and prepared, you can access the hearing aids you need while minimising out-of-pocket expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hearing aids covered by private health?
Yes, hearing aids are covered by private health insurance in Australia, but usually only under extras cover. The amount covered, waiting periods, and claiming frequency depend on your specific health fund and level of coverage.
Do all providers offer benefits for hearing aids?
Not all private health insurance providers cover hearing aids. Coverage depends on the type of extras policy offered by the provider. Most major health funds, including BUPA, Medibank, HCF, and NIB, provide hearing aid rebates under premium extras policies. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or speak to your provider to confirm eligibility.
Are only specific devices eligible?
Eligibility often depends on the health fund’s approved provider list and whether the devices are classified as therapeutic hearing aids. Most health funds require the devices to be purchased from registered audiologists or approved suppliers such as PocketAid to qualify for rebates. Discreet and even Invisible hearing aids are available through PocketAid and are eligible for rebates.
How much will I need to pay out of pocket?
The out-of-pocket cost depends on the price of the device and the rebate percentage or cap set by your health fund. For example, if your fund covers 80% up to $1,500, and your hearing aids were $3,000, you would pay $1,500 out of pocket. Ensure you calculate costs based on rebate limits and frequency rules.
How much is private health cover for hearing aids?
The price of extras cover that includes hearing aids varies by provider and level of cover. High-level Top Extras policies typically range from $30 to $80 per month, depending on your age, location, and specific needs. Keep in mind that waiting periods (usually 12 months) apply before you can claim any benefits.
What are annual limits?
Annual limits refer to the maximum benefit amount you can claim for hearing aids within a specific period, often 12 months. However, most health funds set limits based on multi-year cycles (e.g., every 3 or 5 years), rather than annual limits. This means you may need to wait several years before claiming another rebate for hearing aids.