Does the Lifetime Health Cover Loading apply to a dependant over 31 years of age?  

Yes. The Lifetime Health Cover Loading (LHCL) does apply to a dependant over the age of 31, which may result in an increase to your health insurance premium. 

The LHCL is a penalty imposed on people taking out Hospital Cover for the first time after the age of 31. If a dependant with a disability over the age of 31 gets Hospital Cover for the first time under the policy of their parent(s) or guardians, they will incur the Lifetime Health Cover Loading. This means their Hospital Cover will cost an extra 2% for every year over the age of 30 they were when cover began, which remains in place for 10 years.  

The Loading will be averaged between the number of adults on the policy (including the dependant with a disability).  

If a dependant with a disability takes out their own policy after the age of 31 then transfers to the policy of their parent, they will carry their Lifetime Health Cover Loading onto the new policy. If a dependant with a disability over the age of 31 gets cover for the first time under a parent’s policy then takes up a policy of their own, they will also carry their Lifetime Health Cover Loading with them.