Each year, we review our products to make sure they continue to deliver strong value for the Defence community.
In 2026, there are changes taking effect in April and July. Here’s what that means for your cover.
From 1 April 2026
Premium changes
Premium changes take effect from 1 April 2026 and are approved by the Australian Government.
In 2026, Defence Health’s average premium increase is 2.99%, that’s lower than the industry average of 4.41%.
As a not-for-profit fund, our focus is on keeping premiums as low as possible while continuing to invest in strong benefits for our members.
Your letter outlines what applies specifically to your policy, including any changes to the Australian Government Rebate or eligible discounts.
Increased Veteran Discount
From 1 April, the Veteran Discount increases from 5% to 7% on eligible Defence Hospital products (Defence Hospital Basic Plus, Defence Hospital Bronze Plus, Defence Hospital Silver Plus, Defence Hospital Advantage Silver Plus, Defence Hospital Gold).
This provides additional premium support for serving and ex-serving members of the Defence community.
More household options on selected Hospital products
We’re expanding household options on selected Hospital covers.
In addition to the existing Single and Couple options, Defence Hospital Basic Plus ($500 & $750 excess), and Essentials Hospital Basic Plus ($250 & $750 excess), products will now be available as:
- Family
- Family Plus
- Single Parent
- Single Parent Plus
This makes it easier to align your cover with your household.
From 1 July 2026
Higher Extras benefits on everyday services
From 1 July 2026, we’re increasing benefits across selected Essentials, Value and Premier Extras services to give members better value where it’s needed most.
This includes improvements for the most commonly used services. Plus mental health services will be expanded with access to accredited providers such as counsellors and mental health social workers.
These services are part of our focus on reducing out-of-pocket costs for everyday health care.
The specific benefits and amounts vary by Extras product.
Compare Extras improvements
Below is a summary of key improvements across Essentials, Value and Premier Extras.
| Product | Example | Improved Services | Mental health access |
| Essentials Extras | Physiotherapy Up to $82 back on initial consultation | Up to $67 on subsequent visits | around $40 more per visit Myotherapy Up to $57 back on initial consultation | Up to $48 on subsequent visits | around $30 more per visit Acupuncture Up to $63 back on initial consultation | Up to $51 on subsequent visits | around $30 more per visit |
| |
| Value Extras | Physiotherapy Up to $97 back on initial consultation | Up to $79 on subsequent visits | around $40 more per visit Podiatry Up to $68 back on initial consultation | Up to $55 on subsequent visits | around $20 more per visit Audiology Up to $145 back on initial consultation | Up to $115 on subsequent visits | around $76 to $68 more per visit (depending on visit type) |
| Expanded to include accredited counsellors and mental health social workers |
| Premier Extras | Physiotherapy Up to $108 back on initial consultation | Up to $89 on subsequent visits | around $38 more per visit Speech therapy Up to $181 back on initial consultation | Up to $107 on subsequent visits | around $71 to $45 more per visit (depending on visit type) Osteopathy Up to $94 back on initial consultation | Up to $76 on subsequent visits | around $40 to $36 more per visit (depending on visit type) |
| Expanded to include accredited counsellors and mental health social workers |
Benefits are subject to annual limits and waiting periods. The amount you receive depends on your cover and the provider you visit. You can also request a benefit quote in your Member Portal to see the full range of benefits.
No Gap dental expansion to Standard Extras, Essentials Extras and ADF Essentials Package Basic Plus
We’re expanding our No Gap dental program across selected Extras products. While Premier Extras and Value Extras included No Gap dental, Standard Extras, Essentials Extras and ADF Essentials Package Basic Plus will also be able to access this benefit from 1 July 2026.
Eligible members can access preventative dental services with no out-of-pocket costs at participating providers, subject to annual limits and service limits.
Will my premium increase because of the Extras improvements?
No. For the 2026 premium round, there is a 0% premium increase on all Extras products.
Members receive improved Extras value without any increase to their Extras premium.
While we’re not increasing your Extras premium, you may see a change in your overall premium related to the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance.
Why we’re making these changes
As a not-for-profit fund, we focus on delivering value to our members, not profits for shareholders.
We continue to invest in the services members use most, while keeping cover affordable and sustainable for the long term.
Need more information?
You can:
- Check your letter for personalised details
- Log in to the Member Portal to review your cover from 28 February
- Call us on 1800 335 425 if you’d like to talk it through
We’re here to help.