Can Divorced Couples Share Health Insurance In Australia? 

Divorced couples should notify their health insurance provider about their divorce as soon as possible after their separation. This is important so the policy details can be accurately updated and separate health insurance policies issued (if each half of the couple wants to change their cover to a single policy). 

To remove an ex-spouse from a health insurance policy, you'll need to contact your health insurance provider and request a change to the policy details. You may need to provide proof of the divorce, such as a decree nisi or final divorce confirmation. However, the policyholder is the only person who can add or remove a person from a health insurance policy. 

No – a divorce shouldn’t affect your waiting periods for health insurance benefits if you take out a new single policy at a similar level to your previous insurance policy. However, if you switch to a new hospital insurance policy with a higher level of cover after your divorce, you may need to serve waiting periods for certain benefits which you weren’t covered for previously. If you’re unsure about which waiting periods may apply to you, you should contact your health fund to confirm the exact details of how your divorce will affect your health cover, as all funds have different rules and regulations. 

Yes – health insurance is considered a financial asset and may need to be changed or cancelled as part of the divorce settlement agreement. You should seek independent legal and tax advice about how your divorce will affect your health insurance and how you should complete your tax return in the year you separate and divorce.