Compare health insurance policies available in WA
The table below shows a range of health insurance policies from our Online Partners that are available in Western Australia.

Showing 10 of 547 results
Unsure of a term in the above table? View glossary
The initial results in the table above are sorted by Star Rating (High-Low) , then Monthly premium (approx) (Low-High) , then Provider Name (Alphabetical) . Additional filters may have been applied, which impact the results displayed in the table - filters can be applied or removed at any time.
What is private health insurance in WA?
Private health insurance in Western Australia can help provide extra cover beyond what’s available through the public healthcare system or Medicare.
Medicare covers treatment as a public patient in a public hospital, generally at no cost. However, you can’t choose your doctor or hospital, and you may face long waiting times for non-urgent procedures.
Private health insurance gives you the choice to be treated as a private patient. This may include selecting your doctor, staying in a private room (if available), and receiving faster access to elective procedures. It can also help cover the cost of certain health services that Medicare may not cover, such as dental, physiotherapy, or chiro.
You can purchase private health cover from a registered insurer and pay regular premiums. Most policies fall into two categories:
- Hospital Cover: Pays for treatment in a public or private hospital as a private patient.
- Extras Cover: Covers non-hospital services not paid by Medicare, such as dental, physio, and optical.
- Combined Policy: You can also purchase a combined policy with both hospital and extras cover under one plan.
In WA, ambulance services are not covered by Medicare and must be paid out of pocket unless you have specific ambulance cover. You can purchase ambulance cover as part of your private health insurance policy or, or if you live in a regional area, you may need to purchase Country Ambulance Cover separately.
What are the benefits of private health cover?
Private health insurance in Western Australia offers greater flexibility and financial protection across a wide range of healthcare services. While Australia’s public health system is comprehensive, private cover can give you more control over when and where you receive treatment.
Choice and flexibility
One of the main advantages of private health insurance is the ability to be treated as a private patient. This means you can choose your preferred doctor and receive care in a private hospital. Depending on availability, you may also access a private room.
Another key benefit is the potential to reduce waiting times for non-emergency procedures, which can be significantly longer in the public system.
Broader healthcare coverage
Private health insurance can also cover services not included under Medicare. Extras cover, depending on your policy, may include dental check-ups, physiotherapy, optical care, chiropractic treatment, and more. The services and benefit limits vary depending on the level of cover you choose.
Ambulance Cover
In Western Australia, ambulance services are not covered by Medicare. According to St John WA, an emergency ambulance trip under 200km costs $1,253, while a non-urgent trip is $673 (2025 rates). Many private health insurance policies offer ambulance cover as an optional extra, helping reduce or avoid these out-of-pocket costs.
Tax and financial incentives
Having an appropriate level of private insurance coverage may have some tax benefits. If you earn more than $101,000 as a single or $202,000 as a couple or family, holding an eligible hospital policy can help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)—an extra 1.0% to 1.5% of your taxable income, in addition to the standard Medicare levy.
You may also qualify for the Private Health Insurance Rebate, which is income-tested and varies by age and earnings. This rebate can be applied directly to reduce your premium or claimed at tax time.
Is private health insurance in WA worth it?
Whether or not private health insurance is worth it depends on your personal needs, lifestyle, and financial situation—whether you work in the mines or in a city office in Perth, your needs and budget will dictate the kind of coverage you choose. Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, provides a wide range of essential medical services at little or no cost. However, private health insurance can offer additional peace of mind by giving you the flexibility to choose your own doctor, access private hospitals, and avoid lengthy waiting periods for non-urgent procedures.
Depending on your health, lifestyle, and priorities, you might also consider extras cover for services like physiotherapy, dental, or chiropractic treatment—services that aren’t covered by Medicare.
In general, the Australian Government encourages people to take out private health insurance through a mix of incentives and disincentives, such as the Medicare Levy Surcharge and Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading. These measures aim to reduce pressure on the public healthcare system and encourage individuals to share the cost of healthcare.
Overall, private health insurance can give you more control over your treatment options if you fall ill or choose to undergo an elective procedure. The cost will vary depending on the level of hospital and extras cover you choose.
Despite the benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Private health insurance can be expensive and may come with various limits, exclusions, or waiting periods. That’s why it’s essential to read the fine print so you know exactly what is, and isn’t, covered. You may also want to look into any current health insurance deals or sign-up offers that could provide added value.
In general, you’re not required to buy private health insurance, but it may be worth considering depending on your circumstances. If you’re thinking of getting cover, it’s a good idea to compare your options. You can choose hospital cover on its own or add extras depending on your needs. When comparing, consider the value each policy offers and how well it aligns with your situation. Make sure to review the policy documentation, such as the Private Health Information Statement (PHIS) and Target Market Determination (TMD), for any product you’re considering.
Frequently Asked Questions about Health Insurance Policies in WA
Explore more health insurance
Health insurance NT
Health Insurance for Single Parents
Health Insurance with Chiropractic Cover
Compare Gold health insurance
Extras only health insurance
Private health insurance for pregnancy
Health insurance Tasmania
Qantas Health Insurance
Dental insurance in Australia
Couples Health Insurance
HBF Health Insurance Review
HCF Health Insurance
About the authors
Nina Rinella, Editor-in-Chief

Joshua Sale, GM, Research

Important information
For those that love the detail
This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.