An excess is the amount selected on a hospital insurance policy which members agree to pay for a hospital admission before a benefit will be payable from HIF.
As an HIF member you have the option to choose the level of excess applied to your membership and you can also increase or decrease the excess at any point. If you decide to choose a higher excess this will reduce your premiums. So, if you're fit and healthy and don't expect to need hospital treatment in the near future, applying an excess to your Hospital Cover is a smart choice.
When will I have to pay an excess?
If you choose Hospital Cover with an excess, you’ll only need to pay the excess per‑person per calendar year (to a maximum of twice per couple or family policy) if admitted to hospital.
| Hospital cover | Same-day admissions | Overnight admissions | Dependants under 18 | Per-person excess options |
|---|
| Basic Plus | ✓ | ✓ | N/A | $500
$750 |
| Bronze | ✓ | ✓ | x | $200
$500
$750 |
| Bronze Plus | ✓ | ✓ | x | $200
$500
$750 |
| Silver | ✓ | ✓ | x | $200
$500
$750 |
| Silver Plus | ✓ | ✓ | x | $200
$500
$750 |
| Gold Top | ✓ | ✓ | x | $500
$750 |
Important, please note:
- Excesses apply to overnight and same-day admissions for Basic Plus, Bronze, Bronze Plus, Silver, Silver Plus and Gold Top Hospital products. Excesses apply per-person, per calendar year up to the maximum.
- For some covers, the excess does not apply for same-day admissions and/or dependent children under the age of 18.
For further information on our popular Hospital Cover options, including product inclusions, exclusions, excesses, restrictions, waiting periods, the pre-existing condition rule, co-payments, FAQs and other important information, please download a copy of our Health Cover Guide.