The Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading is a government initiative which applies a higher premium for individuals who take out private health insurance for the first time over the age of 30. It aims to encourage individuals to take out private health insurance earlier in life and maintain continuous coverage to avoid higher premiums in the future. The LHC loading is 2% per year that you’re uninsured and aged over 30, capped at 70%, and is payable for ten continuous years, after which it’s removed from your premiums.