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...
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What is Home Nursing?Home Nursing is a type of supportive care to help you with the basic activities of daily living and to stay well and independent. Home nursing is usually used for: Home nursing can help with:Does private health insurance cover Home Nursing?If your private health insurance covers Home Nursing, it falls under Extras Cover.Ask your...
What are Orthotics (Podiatric Orthoses)?Orthotics or Podiatric Orthoses are specially designed inserts that treat foot problems by improving foot posture.If you have foot problems and need help to correct your foot posture, you need Orthotics and should see a Podiatrist.Orthotics are most commonly used to treat pain. They can be used to improve your posture...
What is Orthodontics?Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, including:Orthodontists are specialist dentists who can fix crooked teeth, bad bites and align the jaw. Is Orthodontics a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Dental Board...
What is covered under Optical?Optical covers eyewear, including:You would usually buy Optical eyewear after consultation with an Optometrist.Is Optometry a regulated profession in Australia?Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Optometry Board of Australia regulate Optometry.Does Medicare cover Optical (glasses and contact lenses)?No. Medicare does not cover the cost of...
What are PBS Pharmaceuticals?The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is an Australian government program that subsidises the cost of medicines so all Australians have prompt, reliable and affordable access to medicines.The PBS covers many common drugs.You pay no more than $31.60 (or $7.70 concession rate) for medicines listed on the PBS.What are Non-PBS Pharmaceuticals?The PBS does...
What is Major Dental?Major Dental is where a dentist or dental surgeon provides complex dental treatments, including: In contrast, General Dental is where a dentist or dental surgeon provides basic treatment for your teeth, including:Is Dentistry a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Dental Board of Australia...
What is Acupuncture?Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine. An Acupuncturist inserts thin needles into various points in your body to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. The objective is to stimulate nerves causing the brain to release hormones and other chemicals that will help you heal more quickly.Other techniques used by Acupuncturists include:Acupuncturists treat a...
What are Hearing Aids?Hearing Aids are small electronic devices used to improve your hearing. They amplify and sometimes change sound to help those with poor hearing. A hearing aid has a:The microphone picks up sounds, the amplifier makes them louder and the speaker sends them to your ear.There are 2 main types of Hearing Aid:Whatever the...