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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Yes. Health insurance policies, premiums and insurer promotions are regulated by the government. Read about how the government regulates private health insurers.
About making a complaintIf you have a concern about a medical practitioner or other healthcare professional, you can make a complaint.You can make a complaint about:Be clear about what you would like to happen:In Australia, the best organisation to contact to make a complaint depends on where you live. This is due to the complex...
When you are being treated in the Australian Health System, you have rights.Australian Charter of Healthcare RightsThe Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed an Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights that outlines your rights as a patient.The Charter applies to everyone, wherever they receive healthcare in Australia, including:The Charter says you...
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) is the organisation responsible for the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme across Australia.It works with the 15 National Boards to regulate Australia’s registered health practitioners and protect the public. It ensures the community can rely on a safe health workforce registered under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.The...
The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) regulates 16 health professions, including doctors.It registers all regulated health professionals, including medical practitioners, against consistent, high-quality, national professional standards.The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) supports 15 National Boards to run the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS).The NRAS objectives are to:The National Boards set the registration...
About allied health professionalsAllied health professionals are health professionals that are not:They work with you to identify and assess your health concerns. They also provide treatment and help your recovery. More specifically, they can help you take care of both your physical and mental health with these types of services:They are university qualified with specialised...
A registered nurse (RN) looks after people of all ages in a wide range of settings.They promote health, prevent illness and care for ill, disabled and dying people.An RN works with patients and clients in a:They play a crucial role in a healthcare team. They can assess people with acute, chronic and complex health conditions,...
In Australia, medical practitioners are organised into specialist medical colleges. These are member-based training organisations that cover a particular specialty.The colleges have official status and a licence to uphold medical standards in their areas of medicine.The colleges are responsible for:To practise as a medical specialist, you must be a member of one of the colleges.In...