Teachers Health Group increases members’ dependant age limit

Teachers Health Group (THG), which provides private health insurance to teachers, the education community, and their families, has increased the age limit of eligible dependants from 25 years to 32 years – effective April 1, 2022.

The age limit extension aims to make healthcare services more affordable to young people by increasing the age young people may remain on their family’s membership. The decision follows strong member feedback, where almost three-quarters (74%) of THG members surveyed revealed that they will consider adding their adult dependant back on their cover if the age was increased.

With many young people unable to afford health insurance, THG CEO Brad Joyce said the insurer is focused on ensuring that young people do not compromise on their health needs.

“With surging house prices and the rising cost of living, this measure will support young people to continue making their health a priority,” Joyce continued. “We’ve listened to our members’ feedback, and as a not-for-profit health fund, we’re committed to giving back to our members. The introduction of this new measure will benefit members who can continue to cover their dependants on a family or extended family policy until their 32nd birthday.”

Read more: Teachers Health Group enhances Extras benefits

The age limit extension for eligible THG dependants follows the insurer’s announcement of improving its Extras benefits, now including psychology and podiatry, also effective April 1, 2022.

Both changes are part of THG’s support initiatives for its members during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

The deferral of the 2022 premium increase until October 1, 2022, which, combined with the deferral of the 2020 premium increase, is expected to provide around $26 million in savings for members;
The rollover of unused 2021 Extras annual limits that came into effect on January 1, 2022;
The introduction of permanent telehealth benefits for a range of services;
Cover for COVID-19 hospital admissions for members on all levels of hospital cover and additional telehealth services for physiotherapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and osteopathic services and podiatry, received before December 31, 2022; and
Financial hardship relief.

THG also announced a disaster relief support package for its members impacted by the catastrophic flooding in Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) to apply for three months of free cover.