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...
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If you, or someone you love, is living with arthritis, you’re far from alone. Arthritis is the third most common chronic condition in Australia, according to the ABS, and reportedly affects 3.7 million of us. Arthritis is a term encompassing many different forms of conditions that affect the joints and cause inflammation, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis...
Maybe you’ve just finished studying or you’re moving out of home. Maybe you’ve entered your 30s or got married. Whatever your reasons for getting your own health insurance in your 20s instead of relying on your parents’ health cover, it’s a good feeling to be taking control of your finances and becoming independent. It can,...
So, you just got married. Congratulations! If you’ve been living together for a while, you might already have a joint bank account, but have you thought about a joint health insurance policy? Sure, it’s probably not your first priority after the wedding, but Health Insurance when you’re married is definitely worth considering. Before you and...
Baby names, schools and nursery furniture… there’s a lot to consider when you’re getting ready to be a parent. One of the things you’ll need to think about – sooner, rather than later – is what medical care you (or your partner) will want during pregnancy, where you’ll give birth and what healthcare professionals you’ll...
If you’re among the 1.3 million Australians living with diabetes, you’ll be very familiar with medical waiting rooms. Diabetes is a long-term condition requiring ongoing management and consultation with a team of healthcare professionals, so you’re probably wondering whether health insurance will cover the costs of living with diabetes. The short answer is yes, but it...
If you’re among the 2.7 million Australians living with asthma, you’ll be all too aware of the need to be proactive about your health. According to the 2021 Census, asthma is the third most common long-term health condition in Australia (behind mental health conditions and arthritis). So do you need health insurance for asthma? Here’s...
Most Australians have tried a diet at some point in their lives, which means many have discovered that crash dieting and programs which promise quick results are rarely successful in the long term. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, more than 2.3 million Australians over the age of 15 were on a...
If doing more exercise is a priority for you, well done for taking care of your health. Being physically active is proven to boost self-esteem, energy and sleep quality, and can also help you manage stress and depression. Plus, when you make exercise a regular habit, you’ll lower your risk of chronic diseases such as...