Can you claim hearing aids on private health insurance?

Often yes. Many mid-to-top-tier "extras" policies include a rebate towards hearing aids, commonly under a "Health Aids and Appliances" limit. Rebates, waiting periods and replacement cycles vary by fund. Check your policy details, and CQ Audiology can help you understand what your out-of-pocket cost might look like after a rebate.

What to check in your private health insurance policy

• Whether hearing aids are included in your extras cover, and at which tier of policy
• The annual limit (or lifetime limit) for hearing aids or "health aids and appliances"
• Any waiting period, which is common for major items like hearing aids
• Whether the limit applies per device or per claim period

Basic extras policies often exclude hearing aids entirely, while higher tiers may include a meaningful rebate.

How does the hearing aid rebate and annual limit work?

Your fund pays a set rebate amount, up to your annual limit, toward the cost of an eligible device. You pay the difference between the hearing aid price and the rebate. This difference is your out of pocket cost. Rebate amounts and limits differ significantly between funds and policy tiers, so it is worth confirming your specific entitlement first.

Can you combine private health insurance with other funding?

In some cases, yes. If you are not eligible for the government Hearing Services Program or NDIS, private health extras may be your main funding source. Where you are eligible for another pathway, ask CQ Audiology how private health cover might work alongside it, since combining benefits is not always straightforward.

What should you check about waiting periods and out of pocket cost?

Contact your health fund to confirm your specific hearing aid benefit. Check any waiting period already served, and your remaining annual limit for the year. CQ Audiology can then help you understand your likely out of pocket cost for different device options.

For more information, visit the Australian Government private health insurance website (privatehealth.gov.au) (opens in a new tab).

Sources: Healthdirect; Private Health Insurance Ombudsman. Information current July 2026 and general in nature.