What is a hospital excess?

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. Please note if there is a change to the excess or level of cover waiting periods may apply. 

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 a single parent policy, excess will only apply twice if dependants are 18 years or older) if admitted to hospital.

Hospital coverSame-day admissionsOvernight admissions Dependants under 18Per-person excess options
Basic Plusx$500
$750
Bronzex$200
$500
$750
Bronze Plusx$200
$500
$750
Silverx$200
$500
$750
Silver Plus x$200
$500
$750
Gold Topx$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. 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.