Medicare Levy Calculator
Calculate your Medicare Levy and Medicare Levy Surcharge based on income and family status.
Children and other dependants for MLS family threshold
Eligible private hospital cover exempts you from the Surcharge
Only needed if Family status selected
How It Works
The calculator applies the standard 2% Medicare Levy to your taxable income, checking against the low-income threshold ($26,000 single, $43,846 family + $4,027 per child) for reduction. It then checks your income against the MLS thresholds ($93k/$186k) and applies the surcharge rate (1%, 1.25%, or 1.5%) if you don't hold private hospital cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare Levy?
The Medicare Levy is 2% of your taxable income, charged to all Australian taxpayers to help fund public healthcare. Low-income earners (under $26,000 for singles) pay a reduced levy or are exempt entirely.
What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge?
The MLS is an additional 1% to 1.5% charged to higher-income earners who don't hold eligible private hospital cover. For 2025-26, it applies to singles earning over $93,000 or families over $186,000 (plus $1,500 per dependent child after the first).
How do I avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge?
Hold an eligible private hospital insurance policy with an excess no greater than $750 (singles) or $1,500 (families/couples). General or extras-only cover does not qualify — it must include hospital cover.
Can I get a Medicare Levy exemption?
Full exemptions apply if you're a foreign resident for the full year, or a Norfolk Island resident. Half-year exemptions are possible for part-year residents. Low-income earners get a reduced levy or full exemption below the threshold.
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