The number of Australians paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge at tax time continues to rise. New data from the Australian Tax Office shows the number of people who paid the Surcharge jumped from 768,537 in 2022-23, to 885,087 in 2023-24 – a 15% increase. The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) applies to people who earn above the ATO income threshold and do not have Hospital Cover covering all members of their household. The thresholds...
Health insurance regulations mean top-level cover has increasingly become unaffordable for many Australians. That’s the finding in an Actuaries Digital article, which suggests that the 4 tiers – Basic, Bronze, Silver and Gold – should be restructured. The number of Australians with Gold tier policies has dropped from 95% in 2005 to just 30% in 2026, due to younger claimers being concentrated on expensive Gold policies. This means many people do not have access to services such as private maternity cover, assisted reproductive services...
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...
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What is Occupational Therapy?The term ‘occupational’ in the context of Occupational Therapy refers to everyday activities that people do, as well as activities that bring meaning and purpose to life:Occupational Therapy helps you participate in activities you find useful and meaningful, including:Through Occupational Therapy, you understand what activities you can do and how to manage...
What are Vaccinations?Vaccinations, also known as immunisations, are medicines that protect you against harmful diseases that you have not come into contact with before.They do this by encouraging your immune system to produce antibodies, as it does when exposed to a disease. You do not develop the disease because the medicine contains only killed or...
What is Speech Therapy?Speech Therapy (or Speech Pathology) deals with speech and swallowing disorders. It helps you to communicate more effectively.Speech therapists (or Speech Pathologists) can help if you have problems with:They treat a range of conditions, including:Speech therapists work with people of all ages but more often with children and older people.There is no...
What is Remedial Massage?Remedial Massage is a Natural Therapy that aims to treat:It is a key component of sports medicine and often used to treat injuries like bruising, sprains and strains. Remedial Massage is increasingly used by anyone suffering from pain or injury in the body.A remedial massage therapist uses deep massage to treat injuries...
What is Psychology?Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour.Psychologists are experts in mental processes, brain function and behaviour. They can help change the way you think, feel, behave and react. They treat:Psychology can help with any aspect of your life, such as understanding why you act the way you do or working out a...
What is Podiatry?Podiatry is the study of problems with the lower limbs, ankles and feet.A Podiatrist treats:Podiatrists work in a broad range of areas, including:Podiatrists with additional qualifications and registration may perform foot surgery.Is Podiatry a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Board (Ahpra) and the Podiatry Board of Australia regulate...
What is Physiotherapy?Physiotherapy uses manual therapies like massage, manipulation, stretching and exercise programs to treat:Physiotherapists work with you to reduce pain and stiffness, speed up the healing process and improve movement.Is Physiotherapy a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Physiotherapy Board of Australia regulate Physiotherapists.Does private...
What is Osteopathy?Osteopathy is the study of biomechanics or how each part of the neuro-musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, nerves and other tissues) works and influences every other part.It is similar to Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Remedial Massage. Osteopathy is different because it draws on each to provide a holistic approach to health through manual readjustments and...