Lifetime Health Cover came into effect on July 2000. Lifetime Health cover Legislation recognises the length of time a person has had hospital cover with a registered health fund.

People who join a health fund earlier in life and maintain their cover, will pay lower premiums throughout their life compared to someone who joins later in life.

New members do not incur a loading if they purchase hospital cover by the 1 July following their 31st birthday.

New members who do not purchase hospital cover by the 1 July following their 31st birthday are considered to be late taking cover. Members who are late taking cover incur a loading based on their age on the 1 July prior to joining, not on their actual age.

• People born before 1 July 1934 can join a registered health fund at any time and will always qualify for the lowest base rate premiums. • People with continuous hospital cover from 1 July 2000 will be exempt from Lifetime Health Cover loading

For more information see the Australian Health Insurance Commission website