Decoding the Private Health Insurance Surcharge in Australia

In Australia, the Private Health Insurance Surcharge (PHIS) is an important tax consideration for many individuals. As part of the government’s strategy to encourage Australians to take up private health cover and alleviate the burden on the public health system, PHIS plays a pivotal role. Understanding how this surcharge works can help you make informed decisions about your health insurance and tax obligations. Here’s what Australian taxpayers need to know.

1. What is the Private Health Insurance Surcharge?

  • A Government Initiative: PHIS is a surcharge that the Australian Government imposes on taxpayers who do not have private hospital cover and earn above a certain income.
  • Purpose: The surcharge aims to encourage individuals to take up private hospital insurance and use the private hospital system to reduce demand on the public Medicare system.

2. Who is Subject to PHIS?

  • Income Thresholds: PHIS applies to singles whose income for Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) purposes is more than $90,000 and families with a combined income over $180,000. These thresholds increase annually.
  • Family Thresholds: For families, the threshold increases by $1,500 for each child after the first.

3. How is PHIS Calculated?

  • Variable Rates: The rate of PHIS varies based on your income bracket. It ranges from 1% to 1.5% of your income.
  • Income for MLS Purposes: This includes your taxable income, total reportable fringe benefits, and any amount on which family trust distribution tax has been paid.

4. Avoiding the Surcharge

  • Private Hospital Cover: You can avoid the surcharge by taking out private hospital cover with a health fund that provides an appropriate level of private patient hospital cover.
  • Cover Requirements: The cover must have a maximum excess of $750 for singles and $1,500 for families/couples.

5. Impact on Tax Returns

  • Tax Return Declaration: You need to declare your private health insurance status on your tax return. This information is used to determine whether you are liable for the surcharge.
  • Providing Details: If you have private health cover, ensure to provide the health insurer’s details and your policy number in your tax return.

6. Comparing Costs

  • Evaluating Options: Compare the cost of paying the surcharge versus the cost of private health insurance. In some cases, the cost of insurance may be less than the surcharge you would pay.

7. Seeking Professional Advice

  • Contact us: Given the complexities surrounding PHIS and individual financial situations, consulting with a financial advisor or an accountant can provide clarity and help in making informed decisions.


The Private Health Insurance Surcharge is an essential consideration for higher-income earners in Australia. Understanding how it applies to you and how it is calculated can influence decisions regarding private health insurance. While it encourages the uptake of private health cover, it’s important to assess your personal circumstances, compare costs, and consider seeking professional advice to understand the best course of action for your situation.