If you need an over bed table for a short recovery, hiring can make perfect sense. But if your need stretches beyond a few months, buying outright almost always works out cheaper. Here is what you need to know before you decide.
Key takeaways
- Hire costs $12–$30/week in Australia, plus bond and delivery fees.
- A $200 over bed table pays for itself in 8–13 weeks compared to hiring.
- Long-term users, NDIS participants, and Home Care Package holders are almost always better off buying.
- Hiring suits short recoveries (4–12 weeks) where you are not sure you will need the table long-term.
- Free shipping and a no-restocking-fee return policy mean buying carries very little financial risk.
In this article
When hiring an over bed table makes sense
Hiring is a genuinely good option in some situations. The key is knowing when it works in your favour and when it quietly costs more than it should.
Short-term recovery: the 4 to 12 week window
If you are recovering from surgery, a fall, or an acute illness and your physio or doctor expects you to be back on your feet within 6–12 weeks, hiring is a reasonable choice. You get the equipment you need now without committing to a purchase you may not want in a few months.
This is especially useful if you are not sure whether an over bed table will suit your setup at home. Hiring lets you trial it before deciding.
Who offers over bed table hire in Australia
Hire is available through several channels across Australia:
- ILS (Independent Living Specialists): $14/week, 50+ locations nationally
- CarePlus (VIC): $12/week, minimum 2-week rental
- Rehab Hire: $24/week, available online
- State-based hire programs: Some local councils and hospital equipment loan programs offer low-cost or free short-term loans. Contact your local council or hospital discharge coordinator to ask.
The Australian Red Cross also runs medical equipment loan schemes in some states, which may include over bed tables at no charge for short-term use.
Hidden costs of hiring to watch for
The weekly rate is not the full story. Before signing a hire agreement, check for:
- Bond: typically $50–$60, refunded on return in good condition
- Delivery and pickup fees: often $30–$80 each way, depending on location
- Minimum hire periods: most providers require at least 2 weeks upfront
- Condition charges: any wear beyond normal use may be deducted from your bond
Add those up and a 6-week hire that looks like $72 (at $12/week) can quickly become $150–$230 once bond and delivery are included.
When buying is the better choice
For most people who need an over bed table beyond a short post-surgery window, buying outright saves money and removes the ongoing administration of hire agreements.
Long-term use and chronic conditions
If you are living with a chronic illness, managing an ongoing mobility issue, or caring for an elderly family member at home, an over bed table becomes a permanent fixture rather than a temporary aid. In those cases, buying is almost always the smarter call.
You own the equipment outright, you can adjust and clean it as often as you like, and there are no weekly fees running in the background. A good-quality over bed table from a reputable supplier will last many years.
NDIS and Home Care Package funding
If you or a family member has an NDIS plan or is on a Home Care Package, assistive technology like an over bed table can often be funded. In that situation, buying is almost always the right choice: the funding pays for the purchase and you keep the equipment long-term.
We recommend speaking with your NDIS planner or Home Care Package coordinator to confirm eligibility before purchasing. In many cases, a quote from a supplier is all you need to get the item approved.
The break-even guide: how long before buying wins
Here is a simple way to work out which option saves you money, based on typical hire rates and purchase prices in Australia.
| Over bed table price | Break-even at $15/week hire | Break-even at $25/week hire |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | 7 weeks | 4 weeks |
| $150 | 10 weeks | 6 weeks |
| $200 | 13 weeks | 8 weeks |
| $300 | 20 weeks | 12 weeks |
These figures cover hire fees only and do not include bond or delivery. Add those in and the break-even point arrives even sooner. For most people, if you expect to use an over bed table for three months or more, buying is the better financial choice.
Making the decision
Here is a simple way to choose:
- Hire if your need is short-term (under 8 weeks), you are trialling the equipment, or a free loan program is available in your area.
- Buy if your need is ongoing, you have NDIS or Home Care Package funding, or your expected hire period is more than 8–10 weeks.
We offer free shipping on all over bed tables and a no-restocking-fee return policy. That means if you buy and it is not right for your setup, you can return it without losing money. It removes the main risk of buying over hiring.
Browse our range of over bed tables to find the right fit for your home.