Health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 4.41% on 1 April, but some Australians are already experiencing bill shock after finding their policies will increase by as much as 10.74%. In the past few weeks policyholders have been notified by health insurers about their premium rises on 1 April 2026 and in some cases, the increases are significantly higher than 4.41%. Analysis by health insurance comparison...
Out-of-pocket fees for Australians with health insurance have risen, new data shows. Statistics from health insurance industry regulator APRA reveal average Gaps for hospital treatment rose by 7.7% in 2025, from an average of $437.61 to $471.29. Gaps for Extras Cover claims were up 5.6% from an average $59.53 to $62.87. Despite the increased Gaps and the cost-of-living crisis, Australians are holding onto their health insurance policies. There was no change to...
The government has approved a 4.41% average health insurance premium rise for 2026 – the highest increase in 9 years. Every year, health insurers must apply to the Minister for Health and Ageing to raise premiums. Last year’s average increase was 3.73%, while the 2017 average was 4.84%. Policyholders will be advised of their premium change over the coming weeks, with new premiums effective from 1 April. The Private Health Insurance Rebate will also be reduced from 1 April...
Increased out-of-pocket costs for specialists are leading many Australians to delay or cancel specialist care, a recent study has found. A survey of 4,000 people by Private Healthcare Australia – peak body for the health insurance industry – found that 55% of people received a higher specialist bill than expected in the past 3 years, and almost one in 3 people had delayed or cancelled specialist care due to costs. The survey – which included 2,300 people...
The Australian Medical Association (AMA), an advocacy group for doctors, says private health insurance no longer provides value for money, and wants the government to overhaul the industry. The association’s annual Private Health Insurance Report Card, released today, found premium prices had doubled over the past 16 years, outstripping health inflation.“Australians are paying more for their...
Increased claim costs are putting health insurers under pressure, new data shows. The latest figures from industry regulator, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), show $5.2 million was paid for hospital treatment claims in the September 2025 quarter – an 8.0% increase compared with the same quarter last year and much higher than the growth in...
Specialist fees for private hospital care in Australia have increased dramatically – in some cases, by as much as 9 times, new data shows. Figures from Private Healthcare Australia, the peak body for the health insurance industry, found that average out-of-pocket fees charged for treating private patients have surged by staggering amounts between 2018-19 and 2023-24. Average...
The Minister of Health has warned health insurers to focus on providing value to customers when they apply to increase their premiums over the next few weeks. Private health insurers are allowed to raise premiums once a year only, subject to government approval. Insurer applications for 2026 premium increases are due in November, with approved prices...
CEO and Founder
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Technical Officer
Writer and Researcher
UX/UI Designer
Brand and Graphic Designer
Led by Chris Payne
Being a single parent can mean needing to keep an extra tight grip on your finances. Regardless of whether or not you have a co-parent contributing to household costs, health insurance will be one of your larger expenses as a single parent. For that reason, you’ll want to get the best health insurance for single...
If there’s one thing you can count on as a parent, it’s that accidents and injuries are likely to happen. Whether it’s a sprain on the soccer field or grazes from falling off a bike, kids’ bodies often go through a bit of rough and tumble. While minor injuries aren’t a big deal, if you or...
If you’re taking out a health insurance policy for yourself only, or reviewing your existing policy because your health needs and budget may have changed, here’s what you need to consider to find the best cover for singles in Australia. Do I need health insurance for myself? The main benefit of private health insurance for one adult...
If you’re in a relationship, you might be wondering whether you can get more value from your health insurance by combining cover with your partner. Or perhaps your children have left home and moved onto their own health insurance policies, so you’re considering changing from a Family to a Couples policy. Either way, you’ll want...
As the cost-of-living crisis continues in Australia, knowing how to save money on health insurance could pay off – literally. As experts on private health insurance, we at healthslips.com.au have plenty of great hacks for reducing the cost of private health insurance. Here’s our round-up of the best tips. Change your excess If you’re admitted to hospital...
Whether it’s dental visits or private hospital treatment for grommets, there are lots of good reasons to have private health insurance for your kids. But with living costs rising, you might be wondering whether you can get away with insuring your children only, and going without health cover for yourself and your partner. So, does...
Most people don’t think about their kidneys much, but for the 246,200 Australians who are living with kidney disease, this pair of essential organs is very much front and centre. Living with kidney disease means your day-to-day life is organised around a lot of medical appointments and lifestyle adjustments. If you’re looking for health insurance...
When you’re separating from your partner, there are a lot of tough decisions and arrangements to be made – especially when it comes to finances. One of the things you may need to do is change your health insurance policy and, if you have children together, decide how your children’s healthcare will be covered. We know...