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 2025, 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.
2025 Private Health Insurance Providers for Hearing Aids
| Health Fund | Cover Type | Rebate | Waiting Period | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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AHM | Super Extras | Up to $1,600 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
|
AHM | Family Extras | Up to $1,200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Australian Unity | Prime Extras | 80% up to $1,500 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
|
Australian Unity | Advanced Extras | 70% up to $1,200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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BUPA | Top Extras Boost | 80% up to $1,200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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GMHBA | Top Extras | Up to $1,500 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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HBF | Top 70 | Up to $1,400 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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HCF | Top Extras | 80% up to $1,800 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Medibank | Top Extras 90 | Up to $1,200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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NIB | Top Extras | 75% up to $1,200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Teachers Health | Top Extras (1-5 years) | Up to $1,200 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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AMA | Top Extras | Up to $1,600 | 12 Months | 3 Years |
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Transport Health / RT Health Cover | Top Extras | Up to $1,000 | 12 Months | 5 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.
AHM Hearing Aid Cover
AHM offers rebates for hearing aids under two levels of cover—Super Extras and Family Extras. Super Extras provides a rebate of up to $1,600, while Family Extras offers up to $1,200. Both options have a 12-month waiting period, and rebates can be claimed once every 3 years.
Australian Unity Hearing Aid Rebates
Australian Unity provides coverage under Prime Extras and Advanced Extras. Prime Extras offers up to $1,500 with an 80% rebate, while Advanced Extras covers 70% up to $1,200. Both policies have a 12-month waiting period, with claims allowed every 3 years.
Bupa Hearing Aid Cover
BUPA covers hearing aids under its Top Extras Boost plan. Members can receive an 80% rebate up to $1,200 after serving a 12-month waiting period. Rebates can be claimed once every 3 years.
GMHBA Hearing Aid Rebates
GMHBA offers a rebate of up to $1,500 under its Top Extras cover. The waiting period is 12 months, and the rebate can be claimed once every 3 years.
HBF Hearing Aid Cover
HBF provides coverage under its Top 70 plan, offering rebates up to $1,400. Members must serve a 12-month waiting period, and claims can be made every 3 years.
HCF Hearing Aid Rebates
HCF covers hearing aids under its Top Extras plan. Members can receive an 80% rebate up to $1,800 with a 12-month waiting period. Claims are allowed every 3 years.
Medibank Hearing Aid Rebates
Medibank offers coverage under its Top Extras 90 plan, providing rebates up to $1,200. The waiting period is 12 months, and members can claim rebates once every 3 years.
NIB Hearing Aid Cover
NIB provides rebates under its Top Extras plan, covering 75% up to $1,200. The waiting period is 12 months, with claims allowed every 3 years.
Teachers Health Hearing Aid Rebates
Teachers Health offers rebates under its Top Extras plan, which covers up to $1,200. The waiting period is 12 months, and claims can be made every 3 years.
AMA Hearing Aid Cover
AMA provides coverage under its Top Extras plan, offering rebates up to $1,600. Members must serve a 12-month waiting period, and claims are allowed every 3 years.
Transport Health Hearing Aid Rebates
Transport Health offers rebates under its Top Extras cover, providing up to $1,000. The waiting period is 12 months, but rebates can only be claimed once every 5 years, making it less frequent than other providers.
Claiming Your Rebates
Claiming a rebate is straightforward with PocketAid:
- 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.
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.