Can a health fund refuse cover because of age?

As you age you may give more consideration to covering your health. YOURLifeChoices subscriber Helen is concerned she’s left it too late to get cover.

Q. Helen
I’ve always been fit and healthy and until recently, been happy to rely on the government to fund any healthcare I need. However, I am now thinking that perhaps private health insurance would be a good purchase, before I get too old and ill to be able to afford the cover I need. Am I too old to get cover at 65?

A. Health funds cannot refuse to cover you on the ground of age, nor for that matter can they refuse cover based on health status or claims history. They also must charge everyone the same premium for the same policy.