How are the private health insurers regulated?

The Australian government regulates private health insurers in Australia.

The government regulates:

• who can provide private health insurance
• how and when insurers can increase your premiums
• what private health insurance can and cannot cover
• waiting periods.

Private health insurance laws also cover what your insurer must let you know about your policy:

• What your policy covers and its features, in a Private Health Information Statement (PHIS).
• If there are going to be changes to your premium or cover.
• How you are affected if your insurer wants to discontinue your policy and move you to a new policy.
• If you have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for a hospital service, such as an excess or co-payment.