What is an excess?
An excess is the amount you pay up front if you go to hospital or day surgery. The higher the excess, the less you pay for your regular premiums. The excess applies to all Members covered and is applied to the full cost of hospitalisation, including dependent children (*excluding exempt children as provided below) in both public and private hospitals and day surgery facilities.
In addition to your agreed excess, you may have other out-of-pocket costs associated with your hospital treatment.
The calculation of the excess amount will apply to hospitalisations in the order they are processed by Queensland Country. If the excess contribution on your first visit is less than your chosen excess option, and you’re admitted to hospital again in the same Membership Year you will be required to pay the remainder of your excess obligation.
The most you’ll have to pay each Membership Year for your excess payment is outlined below:
| Excess Level | Maximum Excess Per Membership Year | Maximum Excess Per Membership Year |
| Single | Couple/Family | |
| $250 | $250 | $500 |
| $500 | $500 | $1,000 |
| $750 | $750 | $1,500 |
Once the excess has been paid, the rest of the hospital accommodation charges will be sent to us, so you can enjoy the full benefits of your private hospital cover. Of course your medical costs will be determined by your doctors’ participation with our gap scheme. See Access Gap section for more information or use the Medical Costs Finder tool to find and understand costs for medical specialist services across Australia.
*With all of our hospital covers you won't be charged an excess if your dependent aged 12 years or under is admitted to hospital for medical treatment.