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...
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...
Some ACT residents are being hit with shock bills for public hospital treatment, new figures show. Following news this week that health insurance premiums for ACT residents may rise by at least $180 next year, an analysis of billing records has revealed the high Gaps being paid for Canberra hospital treatment. Data from Private Healthcare...
With public hospitals under strain, health insurers are paying out greater sums for private patient treatment, new data shows. Quarterly health insurance statistics released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, which regulates the industry, showed a significant increase in the amount paid for Hospital Cover claims in the June 2025 quarter. Health insurers paid $4.98...
New data from the Australian Tax Office shows that the number of people being charged the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) has almost quadrupled over 6 years. Data found 768,537 Aussies paid the MLS in the 2022-23 financial year, up from 196,807 in 2017. An article in The Australian says the increase is due to rising...
Australians treated with natural therapies may soon be able to claim rebates on Extras Cover. Following a review completed last year, the government has reinstated 7 of the 16 natural therapies that were removed from private health insurance cover in 2019. The health insurance industry is now developing framework to cover: Private Healthcare Australia, the...
Bupa members who had Hospital Cover claims rejected between 1 May 2018 and 31 August 2023 may be entitled to compensation. The health insurer has announced it incorrectly rejected “mixed coverage” claims – claims for 2 or more treatments at a time – and certain other types of claims during this period. Bupa has apologised...
Members of Teachers Health and TUH are about to become part of the sixth largest health insurer in Australia. The two not-for-profit insurers have announced they will merge next week on 1 July, forming a combined insurer that will cover 500,000 people, Teachers Health said. TUH said the merger will bring some small benefits to...
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If you’re among the 1.7 million Australians caring for someone with dementia, or you’ve been diagnosed with the condition yourself, you might be wondering whether private health insurance can help. While there isn’t a cure for dementia, there are many treatments that can help manage the condition. In this blog we’ll explain more about using...
If you’re among the 7 million Australians living with a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer or bronchiectasis, you’ll be very familiar with hospital and clinic waiting rooms. From medical procedures to lifestyle support, living with a lung condition means supporting your health is vital. Here’s what you need to...
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...
For the 440,000+ Australians living with the impact of stroke, recovery can be a long journey. Rehabilitation after stroke is different for everyone, depending on how your brain is affected and how severe the stroke was. Here’s how private health insurance can help with the costs of recovery after a stroke. Your initial treatment will...
If you need to lose a lot of weight for your health, and eating well and exercise haven’t worked, you might be considering surgery. In 2014-15 (the latest statistics available) there were around 22,700 hospitalisations for weight loss surgery procedures in Australia – a number that’s more than doubled since 2005-06 – with 7 out...
If you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, your doctors have probably given you lots of information about how to manage your condition. The good news is that some of the lifestyle changes to manage heart disease, and many heart disease treatments, are covered by private health insurance. There are 2 main types of health insurance...
It’s the most common elective procedure performed in Australia, but cataract surgery has a long waiting list in public hospitals. According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, more than 90% of people who had their cataracts done in 2022-23 had to wait more than a year. If you have Private Health Insurance, you...
Around one in 5 Aussies will experience a mental health condition every year, so if your mental health isn’t as great as you’d like it to be, you’re not alone and there is lots of support out there for you. When it comes to support for mental health, private health insurance can help you get...