If you’ve been doing your research, you’ll have noticed that there is quite a large difference in the cost of hearing aids. Many factors are at play, including not only the device itself, but the services included. It’s worthwhile to break down the cost to ensure you’re getting value for money.
Why the Variance?
Think of buying a car – you can buy top of the range or a basic model. You can opt for all the safety features, exceptional engineering and added extras like seat warmers and sky control.
The same can be said for hearing aids. You can have the basics – simple programming, on/off switch, disposable batteries and good speech discrimination in quieter situations, or you can opt for all the technological features including automatic environment detection with AI, connectivity, outstanding speech discrimination in more complex situations and added extras like tinnitus programs, rechargeable batteries and remote microphones. The more added extras and higher technology in cars, the higher the cost.
The same can be said for hearing aids. There is also the cost variance you experience at different Hearing Clinics. This may be reflected in the service, length or warranty or any bonuses the clinics may throw in – or not. It’s always worthwhile to shop around as the same hearing aid can cost a lot more at one place, than at another.
Private Health Insurance Hearing Aid Rebates
Before you purchase any hearing devices it’s important to know how much rebate you’re entitled to from your health insurance company – and every health insurance company is different!
Below is an overview of Australian Health Insurance funds who provide rebates for hearing aids: (check the waiting period of your company)
| Company | Rebate (depending on level of cover) |
|---|---|
| AAMI | Up to $1000 per person |
| ACA Health | Up to 50% of cost per person |
| ahm Health Insurance | Up to $1600 per person |
| Australian Unity | Up to $600 per person |
| Bupa | Up to $850 per person |
| CBHS Health Fund | Up to $1600 per person |
| CUA Health Insurance | Up to $800 per person |
| Defence Health | Up to $1000 per person |
| Doctors Health Fund | Up to $1600 per person |
| GMHBA Health Insurance Australia | Up to $1500 per person |
| HBF Health Insurance | Up to $1400 per person |
| HCF Health Insurance | Up to $1600 per person |
| health.com.au | Up to $500 per person |
| HIF Health Insurance | Up to $550 per person |
| Latrobe Health Insurance | Up to $650 per person |
| Medibank Private | Up to $1200 per person |
| Mildura Health Fund | Up to $1000 per person |
| Navy Health | Up to $1300 per person |
| nib health insurance | Up to $1200 per person |
| onemedifund | Up to $1500 per person |
| Peoplecare Health Fund | Up to $1500 per person |
| Police Health | Up to $1200 per person |
| Phoenix Health Fund | Up to $900 per person |
| Qantas Insurance | Up to $1200 per person |
| Reserve Bank Health Society | Up to $5540 per person |
| RT Health Insurance | Up to $1200 per person |
| Suncorp | Up to $1200 per person |
| Teachers Health Fund | Up to $1200 per person |
| Transport Health | Up to $1000 per person |
| TUH | Up to $2000 per person |
| Westfund Health Insurance | Up to $1400 per person |
Disclaimer: Hearing aid rebates, waiting periods, and claim limits vary depending on your health fund, level of Extras cover, length of membership, and individual policy terms. The rebate amounts listed above are indicative only and may change without notice. Not all policies include hearing aid benefits. We recommend contacting your health insurer directly or reviewing your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to confirm your specific entitlements before purchasing hearing aids.
