Claims for private hospital procedures rise, APRA report finds
More and more Australians are seeking private hospital treatment, new data has shown. The latest statistics from industry regulator Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) revealed a 5.1% increase in hospital treatment episodes claimed on health insurance in the 12 months from July 2023 to June 2024. Health insurers paid more than $18 million in claims...
Aussies parents paying large Gaps for obstetric care
Australian women who choose to have their baby delivered by an obstetrician at a private hospital are paying alarmingly high out-of-pocket fees, it’s been revealed. According to Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), the peak body for the health insurance industry, obstetricians are charging as much as $650 for first consultations, a significantly higher fee than that...
Health insurers respond to Ozempic’s popularity
One private health insurer has reduced its cover for Ozempic amid a surge of popularity for the weight-loss drug. Last month, HBF, the largest health insurer in Western Australia, announced it was reducing rebates for Ozempic, saying the rise in claims had become unsustainable. So far, no other insurers have changed their position on the...
Health insurers paying more benefits than ever, report shows
Australians are depending on their health insurance more than ever before, new data has revealed. The latest Private Health Insurance statistics from government regulator APRA has found that health insurers paid $17.6 billion in benefits for Hospital Cover treatments in the 12 months to March 2024, an increase of 9.7%. Insurers also paid out $6.2...
Misunderstanding health insurance policy causes ‘bill shock’
Not understanding exactly what your health insurance policy covers could leave you with ‘bill shock’ later if you need surgery or another significant treatment. A recent ABC story explored the impact of discovering your health insurance doesn’t provide the level of cover you expected. It profiles two Australian women who faced large bills for hip...
Health insurance premiums to rise 3.03% on 1 April
Australians could be paying around 3.03% more for health insurance in 2024 after 1 April. The federal government has approved an average health insurance premium increase of 3.03% –but individual policies may rise or less, depending on the insurer. According to the ABC, the largest government-approved increases were 5.82% for CBHS Corporate Health, followed by...
Insured Australians paying $410 for hospital treatment, new data shows
Australians with health insurance are paying an average of $410.67 out of pocket for hospital treatment, according to the latest industry statistics released by APRA.
Out-of-pocket fees up by 300%, data shows
Out-of-pocket fees for elective in-hospital procedures have increased up to 300% in the past five years, says Private Healthcare Australia.