If you’re facing high out-of-pocket medical expenses or need specialist treatment not fully covered by Medicare or private health insurance, you may be able to access your superannuation early under the ATO’s compassionate release provisions.
Eligible Australians can use their super to help fund essential care - such as surgery, dental procedures, IVF, or mental health treatment. Below we explain how this process works.
🔍 What Does “Compassionate Release of Super” Mean?
The ATO allows early release of super if it is needed for medical treatment that is not readily available in the public system or involves substantial wait times to treat. Applications can be made for:
A life-threatening illness or injury
Acute or chronic pain
An acute or chronic mental illness
Transport costs, palliative care or specialist treatments not covered by public healthcare
You must provide two medical reports in your application (one from a specialist and one from a GP or other specialist). The medical report needs to certify that the treatment is both necessary and not readily available in the public health system.
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📊 Who is Using This Option?
According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), in the 2023–24 financial year, there were 71,900 applications for early release of superannuation on medical grounds (including medical treatment and transport), with 50,200 applications approved. This represents an approval rate of approximately 70%, demonstrating that while many Australians use this option, applications must meet specific eligibility requirements.
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💼 What range of medical treatments can Private Medical assist with in providing medical assessment reports for?
Private Medical can assist you or your dependent with medical assessment reports for the following eligible treatments, including:
Dental treatment
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment
Bariatric surgery
Reconstructive surgery
Mental Health treatment
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🩺 How Private Medical Can Help
Private Medical offers convenient online Medical Assessment Report consultations with Australian-registered GPs. These consultations are designed to assess your eligibility for early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds, and to complete the necessary supporting medical documentation for your application — whether it is for yourself or a dependent.
We partner with Superannuation Access Providers (such as The Health Fund, Super for Health, and Super Health Ensemble Australia) who specialise in guiding individuals through the application process - from gathering medical reports to liaising with your super fund. You are welcome to use their services or manage the process independently.
When booking a Medical Assessment Report appointment with Private Medical, it is important to provide any supporting documentation related to your diagnosis or proposed treatment to ensure your GP report is comprehensive.
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⚠️ Things to Consider when applying for early access to super to fund medical expenses and treatment
Find out if you are eligible to use super to pay for your own medical expenses, or someone else's expenses
Early withdrawal of Super reduces your retirement balance and the potential for future compounding earnings.
The ATO may ask whether you have considered Medicare, private health, and community support options first
The medical practitioner reports must be completed, signed, and dated less than 6 months before you submit your application.
Always check your Super fund’s own requirements before applying
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✅ FAQs: Early Release of Super for Medical Care
Q: Do I always need a specialist report?
Yes. The ATO requires reports from both a registered medical specialist and a GP. Private Medical can provide the GP report required to support your specialist’s recommendation.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: It varies, but once applications are submitted correctly, the ATO may take a few weeks (phone or SMS updates follow after approval).
Q: Will I pay tax on the release amount?
A: Most withdrawals are taxed as a lump sum; tax — generally up to 32% — this is withheld by your fund before the payment. Some tax-free exception apply.
Q: What kinds of treatments are most commonly funded through super?
Examples include bariatric surgery, IVF treatment, spinal surgery, dental surgery, cancer treatment, and mental health care.
Q: Do private health insurers cover these treatments instead?
In some cases, yes — but often not in full. Early super access is generally considered when the out-of-pocket costs are high, or when insurance does not fully cover the treatment.
Q: Do I have to use a Superannuation Access Provider?
A: No. A Superannuation Access Provider will liaise with your super fund and support you through the early access and application process. If you prefer to apply directly to the ATO, it is important to contact your Super fund first to check their own early-access and application requirements.
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✅ Need a Superannuation Early Access Medical Report?
Book your Medical Assessment Report appointment with Private Medical today — whether for yourself or your dependent.
Book your appointment online (or call us on 135 001 for guidance and support).
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📚 Sources and Useful Links:
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - Early access to super
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – Compassionate Release of Super – Applications Received and Approved
Australian Taxation Office – Compassionate Release of Super – Eligibility and Medical Grounds
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - Compassionate release of superannuation - Report by registered medical practitioner
CSC - Early access to super
MDA National - Early release of super
Government Employees Superannuation Board (GESB) - Early release of super on compassionate grounds
The Australian - Superannuation Withdrawals How-to
Services Australia - Early release of superannuation
The Australian Treasury - Review of Early Release of Superannuation Benefits
Wikipedia - Superannuation in Australia
Super for Health – Early Access to Super for Medical Needs
The Health Fund – Medical Early Release of Superannuation
She Australia – Supporting Women with Super for Medical and Health Needs
Private Medical – Medical Assessment Report Service
