It is up to your doctor or specialist to decide whether to charge you under the Access Gap Cover scheme. Even if the doctor has participated in this scheme before it does not automatically guarantee that the doctor has participated in Access Gap for your treatment. Doctors and specialists are free to choose whether they will participate on a patient-by-patient basis. This decision remains solely with the doctor or specialist.
Most Australians with private health insurance currently receive a rebate from the Australian Government to help cover the cost of their premiums. The private health insurance rebate is income tested. The table below details the different rebate amounts and Medicare Levy Surcharge levels.
The rebate applies to hospital, general treatment and ambulance policies. It does not apply to overseas visitors cover. The rebate levels applicable for 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 are:
| Singles Families |
≤$88,000 ≤$176,000 |
≤$88,001-102,000 ≤$176,001-204,000 |
≤$102,001-136,000 ≤$204,001-272,000 |
≤$136,001 ≤$272,001 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebate | ||||
| < Age 65 | 30% | 20% | 10% | 0% |
| Age 65-69 | 35% | 25% | 15% | 0% |
| Age 70+ | 40% | 30% | 20% | 0% |
Single parents and couples (including de facto couples) are subject to family tiers. For families with children, the thresholds are increased by $1,500 for each child after the first. http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/incentivessurcharges/insurancerebate.htm
