Australians with health cover are paying larger out-of-pocket costs for private treatment than ever, new data shows. The average Gap for private hospital treatment has climbed to $511.02 – an increase of 8.4% from the previous quarter, according to the latest statistics from government regulator APRA (the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority). Average Gaps for Extras Cover have increased to $65.02 – a 3.4% rise. Orthopaedic procedures remain the most expensive when it comes to out-of-pocket costs, with...
The cost of raising children continues to rise, with policies for families among the hardest hit in the latest health insurance premium increases.Analysis by health insurance comparison site healthslips.com.au found increases to Family and Single Parent policies have risen higher than policies that don’t include children.The government announced health insurance premiums would rise by an...
Senior Australians are facing a double whammy of health insurance cost rises, putting extra pressure on wallets during the cost-of-living crisis. Changes to the Private Health Insurance Rebate, coupled with high premium increases to policies that meet health needs of people over 65, mean senior Australians will be hit doubly hard by new health insurance changes. Currently the Private Health Insurance Rebate reduces premiums for people on low incomes by up to 24.288%, with reductions...
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...
CEO and Founder
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Technical Officer
Writer and Researcher
UX/UI Designer
Brand and Graphic Designer
Led by Chris Payne
There are several ways to make your premium for health insurance cheaper: The higher your excess (which is the amount you pay for a claim), the lower your premiums. However to avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge, your excess cannot be higher than $750 for a policy covering one adult, nor more than $1,500 for a...
What is covered under Insulin Pumps?Hospital Cover for Insulin Pumps includes hospital treatment to provide or replace diabetic insulin pumps used to treat diabetes.There are no devices or treatments listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).However, Medicare still covers visits to your doctor, other treatments to help with diabetes and several treatments for chronic kidney...
What is covered under Joint Reconstructions?Hospital Cover for Joint Reconstructions includes hospital treatment for surgery for joint reconstructions.Examples include:This clinical category includes these treatments listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).Some treatments you might expect to be in the Joint Reconstructions clinical category are under other clinical categories. For example, treatments for:Which Hospital Cover tiers...
What is covered under Joint Replacements?Hospital Cover for Joint Replacements includes hospital treatment for joint replacement surgery, including revisions, resurfacing, partial replacements and removal of prostheses. Examples include replacement of:This clinical category includes these treatments listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).Some treatments you might expect to be in the Joint Replacements clinical category are under...
What is covered under Kidney and Bladder?Hospital Cover for Kidney and Bladder includes hospital treatment to investigate and treat the kidney, adrenal gland and bladder. Examples include:This clinical category includes these treatments listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).Some treatments you might expect to be in the Kidney and Bladder clinical category are under different clinical...
What is covered under Lung and Chest?Hospital Cover for Lung and Chest includes hospital treatment to investigate and treat the lungs, lung-related conditions, the chest and the mediastinum.Examples include:This clinical category includes these treatments listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).Some treatments you might expect to be in the Lung and Chest clinical category are...
What is covered under Male Reproductive System?Hospital Cover for Male Reproductive System includes hospital treatment to investigate the male reproductive system, including the prostate.Examples include:This clinical category includes these treatments listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Some treatments you might expect to be in the Male Reproductive System clinical category are under different clinical categories....
What is covered under Miscarriage or Termination of Pregnancy?Hospital Cover for Miscarriage or Termination of Pregnancy includes hospital treatment to investigate and treat miscarriage of a pregnancy or to terminate a pregnancy.Examples include:This clinical category includes these treatments listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Which Hospital Cover tiers include Miscarriage or Termination of Pregnancy? Tier...