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...
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 Australia...
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 billion...
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It’s a question we’re asked often at healthslips.com.au: what’s the cheapest health insurer in Australia? There is no definitive answer because everyone’s health and insurance needs are different. But if you’re trying to save money on health insurance, here are some tips to help you find the most affordable insurer for your unique needs. 1. Focus on policies, not insurers When you’re looking for the cheapest health insurance, instead of focusing on insurer brand, focus on...
There are literally thousands of health insurance policies available in Australia (64,252 open policies as at 2 December 2025, to be exact). So if you think your health cover isn’t quite hitting the mark, you have tonnes of alternatives. Staying with a policy that isn’t right for you means you’re throwing money down the drain, and potentially leaving yourself without sufficient cover when you need to claim for health treatments. So, how do you know if you’ve got the...
If you’re likely to need surgery this year, you could be in for a long wait. Although your surgery will be free under Medicare in the public health system, there may be a lengthy wait for non-urgent procedures. Of course, if you have health insurance, you can be seen quicker as a private patient, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your surgery will be free. Depending on your policy, and the doctors...
If you hear the word ‘grommets’ you might think of surf lifesaving, but for many Australian families, the word means surgery. Around one in 15 kids in Australia need surgery for grommets, where a tiny tube is inserted into the eardrum to help reduce middle ear infections and glue ear. Although this procedure (known clinically...
If you’re having a baby, or thinking about starting a family in the next couple of years, one of the bigger decisions to weigh up is whether it’s worth having health insurance so you can deliver your baby in private care. There’s lots of confusion about what health cover for pregnancy includes and what it...
Losing your job is an incredibly difficult experience that can leave you reeling emotionally – especially if it was unexpected. On a practical level, it also means a lot of decisions and adjustments to make, particularly around your finances. You may need to reassess your expenses until you land a new job. When it comes...
Of the 48 insurers selling health insurance in Australia right now, 22 of them are not-for-profit, which means they aren’t focused on making and returning a profit to shareholders. So, does that mean policies from these insurers are cheaper? Here, we explore whether you’ll save money on health insurance by buying a policy from a...
Unlike Hospital Cover, Extras Cover is the form of health insurance that won’t help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge, so it might not be a big priority for some people. But if you want to save money on health maintenance costs, such as dental treatments and physiotherapy, Extras Cover can be a good investment....