Switch Health Insurance | No re-serving waiting periods

Q: How do I change my health insurance to Medibank?

Switching is simple and easy. Once you’ve decided which one of our health insurance options is right for you, call us on 1300 576 282 so we can get you started. We’ll contact your current health insurer, cancel your old membership (with your consent to do so), and organise a transfer certificate.

Q: Do I need to cancel my old health insurance before switching?

We can cancel your old health insurance when you join Medibank (as long as you give us consent to do so). You can also do it yourself – just remember to join Medibank within 2 months of leaving your previous Australian health fund so that we can recognise the waiting periods you’ve already served.

Switch to Medibank in 3 simple steps

1. Find your cover

Compare heath insurance options and find cover that best suits your needs. If you need assistance, call us on 1300 576 282.

2. Let us do the paperwork

Simple and easy. We'll contact your old fund, cancel your old membership and organise the transfer certificate.

3. No waiting periods again

There’s no need to re-serve waiting periods you’ve already served with your old fund^#, so you'll be able to make the most out of your new cover straight away.

We help our members unlock value

You might've noticed we're not on comparison sites. That's because our health cover options provide ways to maximise value that aren't always compared, including:

100% back on up to two dental check-ups every year on eligible Extras⁼

Unlimited emergency ambulance^

Better value through our Members' Choice provider network^&

Medibank member perks

Accident Cover Boost⁺

24/7 Medibank Nurse & Mental Health Support

Compare our health cover options

Canstar Outstanding Value Health Insurance 2008 - 2025

Awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance 18 years running

We're proud to deliver award-winning health insurance products, but don't just take our word for it. Canstar have awarded Medibank an outstanding value award for health insurance in Australia for the 18th year in a row.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my health insurance to Medibank?

Can I switch health insurance at any time?

Yes, you can switch health insurance anytime – whether that’s at the start of the year, end of the year, mid-year, or whenever you feel it’s time.

But remember: you need to join Medibank within 2 months of leaving your previous Australian health fund if you want the waiting periods you've already served on equivalent services to be recognised. Also, keep in mind that any benefits previously paid under your previous extras cover this year will be deducted from your available limits with Medibank.

When is the best time to switch health insurance?

Many people think about switching health insurance leading up to the annual premium review. However, the “best time” is really “the time that’s best for you”. As our lives change, so do our health needs, so it’s worth regularly taking the time to check whether your health insurance is meeting your needs.

Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re thinking of switching health insurance:

Are you extending or starting your family?
Do you reach your annual limits ahead of time?
Do you have any specific health needs?
Are you about to turn 31?
Has your financial situation changed?
Would you like to add or remove someone from your policy?
Not quite satisfied with your cover?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, call us on 1300 576 282 so we can chat through your options.

Do I need to cancel my old health insurance before switching?

Is there a waiting period when switching health insurance?

We recognise the waiting periods you have already served with another Australian health fund, as long as you join us within 2 months of leaving that fund.

If there are waiting periods that you didn't fully serve with your previous fund, you may still need to serve these. Also keep in mind that if your new Medibank cover includes new or upgraded services or benefits, or a lower hospital excess, there will be waiting periods for these.

Unsure about your level of cover and what waiting periods you'll need to serve? Then call us on 134 190.

What if I change my mind after switching?

When you join Medibank – or any health fund – you’re entitled to a cooling-off period. This means that we give you 30 days from the date your new or changed cover begins to review your cover and make sure you’re happy with it. If you change your mind during that time and haven’t made any claims, we’ll either transfer you to a more appropriate cover from the original beginning date or cancel it altogether and refund your premiums. During the cooling off period, you generally can’t return to a cover that Medibank has closed.

Can I switch health insurance while pregnant?

Yes! Portability rules in Australia mean that you have the right to change to another hospital policy with the same insurer or another insurer. As long as your payments for your current policy are up to date, it’s a straightforward process. We recommend that you make sure your new policy includes all the pregnancy and birth services you previously had cover for so that you can look after yourself and welcome your new baby with peace of mind. To switch and chat about our cover that includes pregnancy and birth, call us on 1300 576 282.

Things you should know

^# You need to join Medibank within 2 months of leaving your old fund, or waiting periods apply again. Also, benefits that have been paid under your previous cover will be taken into account in determining the extras benefits payable under your Medibank cover.

⁼ Eligible members on Medibank extras (excluding Healthy Living Extras and Gold Ultra Health) can claim a maximum of two 100% back dental check-ups per member, per year at a Members’ Choice Advantage provider (including bitewing x-rays where clinically required). For members on eligible extras, the first two check-ups do not count towards your annual limit. Members with Healthy Living Extras can get 100% back on one dental check-up each year at a Members’ Choice Advantage provider (including up to two bitewing x-rays, where clinically required) or at a Members’ Choice dentist (excluding x-rays). Members with Gold Ultra Health can get 100% back on up to three dental check-ups at a Members’ Choice or Members’ Choice Advantage provider. Members’ Choice and Members’ Choice Advantage providers are not available in all areas. Two month waiting period applies. Some products may have other dental benefits, check your cover summary for details.

^ Waiting period applies. For ambulance attendance or transportation to a hospital where immediate professional attention is required, and your medical condition is such that you couldn't be transported any other way. TAS and QLD have State schemes to cover ambulance services for residents of those States.

^& Members' Choice providers are not available in all areas and may change without notice.

⁺ For Accidents that occur in Australia after your cover starts. Must seek medical treatment within 7 days, and receive hospital treatment within 12 months of the Accident occurring. Excludes Private Emergency Department Benefit, hospital bonus, claims covered by third parties and our Private Room Promise. Out-of-pocket costs may apply.

^@ Some referred services may involve out-of-pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.

^€ For new members on new memberships who join and start eligible combined Hospital and Extras cover from 16 December 2025 and who have not held Medibank health cover in previous 60 days (unless they are dependents coming off their parent’s cover). Must quote promo code 6WEEKSPLUS and set up direct debit when joining. Must have Australian Residency. Excludes Corporate covers, Hospital only cover, Extras only cover, Overseas Visitors Health Cover, Overseas Workers Health Cover, Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC), Ambulance Cover, ahm covers, and other selected covers. Not available to Medibank employees. Not available with any other offer. Medibank reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time.

6 weeks free terms: Must set up direct debit when joining and hold eligible cover for 42 consecutive days from the policy start date to get 6 weeks free. The 6 weeks free will be applied at the next billing cycle after you have held eligible cover for 42 consecutive days. The 6 weeks free will not be issued if you change to an ineligible cover, terminate your cover or suspend your cover during this period. Discounted amount to reflect level of eligible cover at time of discount.

2&6 month waits waived on extras terms: 2&6 month waiting periods on extras waived. Other waiting periods apply (including 12 months on some dental services). Annual limits apply. If you're switching from another fund and you’ve used any of your current limits (at that fund), that will count towards your annual limits with us. If you've reached your limits at your previous fund you may not be able to claim straight away on extras.

Live Better points terms: Must maintain direct debit and hold eligible product for 42 consecutive days from the policy start date to receive Live Better rewards points. The points will not be issued if you change to an ineligible cover, terminate your cover or suspend your cover during this period. Policyholder will require access to a smartphone and will need to download the My Medibank app. Policyholder will need to have registered a My Medibank account, sign up to Live Better via the My Medibank app and track a Live Better activity within 42 consecutive days from the policy start date. Must be 16 years or over to register for Medibank Live Better. Live Better rewards points could take up to 10 weeks from the policy start date to be loaded to the policyholder’s Live Better account. Singles and single parents will receive 15,000 Live Better rewards points, and families and couples will receive 30,000 Live Better rewards points.

Live Better rewards terms: Must be a Medibank member with eligible hospital cover, extras cover, or hospital and extras cover, be up-to-date with premium payments and have signed up to Live Better via the My Medibank app to redeem rewards. Additional terms and conditions may apply to the redemption of a reward depending on the type of reward chosen. Read full Medibank Live Better terms here: https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/rewards/terms/

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