How can I change my level of cover?

Kate Davies
Written by Kate Davies
Kate Davies
Written by Kate Davies Communications & Marketing Manager

Kate has more than 15 years of experience in private health insurance, spanning marketing, compliance, sales and member services. She specialises in creating clear, accessible content that helps members understand and get the most from their health cover. As Communications and Marketing Manager at Phoenix Health, Kate plays a central role in shaping the organisation’s voice and ensuring consistent, high-quality communication across every channel.

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Published: June 17, 2026
Last checked: June 17, 2026

Your health needs can change over time, and your private health insurance should be able to change with you. Whether you’re looking to be covered for more, wanting to reduce your premiums, or you’re simply reviewing your options, changing your level of cover helps ensure your policy continues to meet your needs.

When might you consider changing your cover?

There are many reasons why members choose to review their level of cover, including:

  • Planning to grow your family
  • Wanting to be covered for something specific
  • Reviewing your budget and looking to reduce costs
  • change in your health needs
  • You’re no longer using certain benefits included in your current cover

Before making any changes, it’s important to understand how upgrading or downgrading your cover may affect your benefits and waiting periods.

How do I change my level of cover?

Changing your cover with Phoenix Health is easy! Here’s how:

If you’re unsure which option best suits your needs, our team can help explain the differences between available cover options.

Need help choosing? If you’re considering changing your cover and have questions or would like help reviewing your options, get in touch with the Phoenix Health Team – we’re here to help you find the cover that’s your perfect fit!

What happens if I upgrade my cover?

When you upgrade your cover, it’s usually to access additional benefits or services. However, before you’re able to access these upgraded benefits, you’ll have to serve waiting periods before you can claim at the higher level of cover.

Waiting periods are a standard part of private health insurance and apply when you increase your level of cover. During this time, you’ll still be covered under the benefits you were eligible for on your previous level of cover.

What happens if I downgrade my cover?

Downgrading your cover may reduce your premiums, but it’s important to understand what you’re giving up before making the change.

When you remove or restrict certain services from your cover:

  • You’ll either no longer be able to claim, or only be eligible for restricted benefits for those services.
  • You could face waiting periods if you decide to add those services back in the future.
  • You need to be aware that you’ll experience out-of-pocket costs if you receive treatment for services that you no longer have cover for.

It’s important that you review your healthcare needs before downgrading your cover, to help you avoid unexpected costs later.

What do you need to consider before making a change?

Before upgrading or downgrading your cover, ask yourself:

  • Are there any treatments or services I may need in the near future?
  • Will I still have access to the benefits that matter most to me?
  • Am I comfortable serving waiting periods if I need to upgrade again later?
  • Does my current cover still suit my stage of life and healthcare needs?

Taking a few moments to review your circumstances can help ensure you’re choosing the right level of cover for both now and the future.

Still need help?If you’re considering changing your level of cover, our team can help you understand your options and explain any waiting periods that may apply.

You can manage your membership through Online Member Services or contact us directly by emailing [email protected].

Making sure you have the right cover is an important part of getting value from your health insurance, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.