Who is a dependant?

There's plenty of jargon involved with private health insurance - this can even include different terminology around the types of people who are covered. One example is dependants - what does 'dependant' mean for us?

To be eligible on their parent or guardian/s policy, a dependant can be aged up to 31 years, who does not have a partner or a dependant with a disability over 31 who participates in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Family cover

 If you've got family cover, your dependant/s can be covered up to the age of 25 regardless of whether they're a student or not

Extended cover

Once your dependant turns 25 and you want them to remain on your cover, you will need to upgrade to extended cover available on eligible cover. This will cover your dependant up to 31.

Disability dependant cover

Once your dependant turns 31, is a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and holds an active NDIS plan, you can upgrade to family disability dependant cover on eligible cover. Visit the NDIS website for more information on eligibility. Visit the NDIS website for more information on eligibility. 

It is important to note that Westfund's definition of a dependant differs to the Australian Taxation Office's definition.

*An active NDIS plan will be issued to an eligible person with a disability, containing an expiry date. During this time, they will be eligible for disability coverage. If the plan is reviewed, members must provide an updated end date once it is approved. If the plan expires the dependant with disability is no longer eligible to be covered under the disability cover type.

 

Common questions