Why private health insurance with Defence Health?

Veterans including ex-serving, Reservists and ADF personnel

As our country’s heroes, you are immediately eligible to join our Defence Health family.  

If you're a relative of any past or present member of the Australian Defence Force – father or mother, grandchild, brother or sister, son or daughter or husband or wife you can also join Defence Health.

Compared with other funds, Defence Health offers very good rebates and the claiming process is seamless."

- Felicity, Member

Cover for veterans

ADF families and the Defence community are at the heart of everything we do. As a DVA Veteran Card holder, we express our gratitude for your service and sacrifice by offering a discount exclusively for you. Our premiums are competitively priced across all levels of cover, ensuring that you receive excellent value without straining your budget. Additionally, every policy includes ambulance cover, with no caps or limits.

  • Exclusive cover that's our best value for money 
  • 10% transition discount for 12 months after leaving the ADF 
  • Discounts and support for ex-serving ADF members with a Veteran Card.

Special features for ADF families

  • Exclusive cover for ADF families, singles and couples. 
  • We can suspend your cover if you’re posted. 
  • Kids-only policies available. 
  • No excess when kids go to hospital. 
  • Flexible extras to maximise your value. 
  • Access Gap to reduce out-of-pocket medical fees. 
  • Access to an extensive private hospital network.

Helping you choose

We are committed to ensuring you have complete and up-to-date information about how the health system works and the benefits of private health insurance compared with the public system. We will explain different policy options available to you, and guide you to the independent information on the websites of the Australian Government and the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Find the right cover for you

Explore hospital and extras options

Get a Quote

Switching is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3

Switching is easier than you think! We’ll take care of everything. All you need to do is:

  1. Check your connection to Defence
  2. Get a quote and join online. Choose the level of hospital and extras cover that's right for you. Or call us on 1800 335 425 and we can help you choose.
  3. Fill out the cancellation and transfer authority form and return it to us.

Get A Quote


Why choose us?


Non-for-profit

Not-for-profit means we're for family - not shareholders

Lived experience in Defence

The lived experience of Defence is our DNA

Recognise serving families

Special recognition for serving families, transitioning ADF and veterans

Support your whole family

We're here to support the families of veterans and those who currently defend our country

Outstanding service

Great value health cover with outstanding service

Join the family

At Defence Health we put our members before profit. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding service and great value private health insurance. You're more than a number to us. You're like family.

  • Currently serving

  • Ex-serving

  • Work connection

  • Relative

Choose your eligibility

Currently serving

Serving ADF members are our heroes. So you're immediately eligible to join Defence Health.

We understand the unique needs of ADF families and couples. We'll protect the health of your partner and kids - while you protect our country. 

Get a quote

How do government initiatives affect me?

Cost of private health insurance

There are a few factors to consider when it comes to the cost of private health insurance. The Private Health Insurance Rebate is a government incentive that can reduce your premium. The Lifetime Health Cover rules encourage people to take out insurance earlier in life to avoid higher premiums later. Age-based discounts may also be available for people under 30. Additionally, the Medicare Levy Surcharge applies to high-income earners without private hospital cover.

Defence Health has been extremely supportive of me since my trouble in December 2021. I was very healthy when I joined but then everything went wrong with my health and you were there for me without any trouble. Thank you for your help."

Frances, Member

Hospital costs - mind the gap

Access Gap can reduce or eliminate any out-of-pocket costs for in-hospital treatment. Understanding the cost of your treatment is just as important as understanding your medical condition so talk to your doctor about any out-of-pocket expenses you might incur. And remember if your doctor doesn't participate in Access Gap, you're free to choose one who does. 

Supporting our members

At Defence Health, we understand the unique needs of the Defence community. We are dedicated to supporting, informing and educating our members about health care and simplifying the complexities of private health insurance.

How do I make an 'extras' claim?

  • For the simplest claiming and fastest payment, visit your Member Portal from any device
  • Or complete a claim form and submit it by email, fax or post.

For more information contact us at info@defencehealth.com.au or
call 1800 335 425.

New to private health insurance?


In Australia, Medicare pays for treatment in a public hospital. Patients are placed on a waiting list – and sometimes they can wait longer than they’d like for their treatment. Private health insurance gives patients greater control over the timing and place of their treatment.

Private hospital insurance gives you access to a large network of private hospitals. And you have your choice of doctor. Private cover can help with the costs of private hospital accommodation and theatre fees, intensive care, ambulance services and the fees of the doctors treating you in hospital. The level of hospital cover will determine the type of treatment included in a policy.

When you first purchase or upgrade a policy, you'll need to serve a waiting period before you can claim benefits. This includes any pre-existing conditions. During this period, you may not receive benefits for certain treatment or may receive lower benefits. It's also crucial to understand what is and isn't covered by your policy. Review your policy regularly to ensure it still meets your requirements. You should consider your age, family situation and health needs.

For the simplest claiming and fastest payment, visit your Member Portal from any device

Or complete a claim form and submit it by email, fax or post.

For more information contact us at info@defencehealth.com.au or
call 1800 335 425.

Out-of-pocket costs may be incurred for:

  • doctors' fees that are higher than those listed on the government’s Medicare Benefits Schedule
  • high-cost drugs and for take-home items such as crutches and pharmaceuticals.
  • a prosthesis that is not on the government’s no-gap list, or diagnostic services
  • personal expenses such as phone calls, newspapers, TV hire, massage and hairdressing, or use of an executive or similar suite.