New data from the Australian Tax Office shows that the number of people being charged the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) has almost quadrupled over 6 years. Data found 768,537 Aussies paid the MLS in the 2022-23 financial year, up from 196,807 in 2017. An article in The Australian says the increase is due to rising...
Australians treated with natural therapies may soon be able to claim rebates on Extras Cover. Following a review completed last year, the government has reinstated 7 of the 16 natural therapies that were removed from private health insurance cover in 2019. The health insurance industry is now developing framework to cover: Private Healthcare Australia, the...
Bupa members who had Hospital Cover claims rejected between 1 May 2018 and 31 August 2023 may be entitled to compensation. The health insurer has announced it incorrectly rejected “mixed coverage” claims – claims for 2 or more treatments at a time – and certain other types of claims during this period. Bupa has apologised...
Members of Teachers Health and TUH are about to become part of the sixth largest health insurer in Australia. The two not-for-profit insurers have announced they will merge next week on 1 July, forming a combined insurer that will cover 500,000 people, Teachers Health said. TUH said the merger will bring some small benefits to...
Australians uncertain about whether or not to get health insurance could find the decision a little easier next week, as of 1 July. Those who don’t have Hospital Cover and earn over a certain income threshold get charged the Medicare Levy Surcharge at tax time – a levy of between 1% and 1.5%. For some...
Australians are claiming on private health insurance more than ever, new data shows. The latest figures from APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority), which regulates the health insurance industry, show that insurers paid $18.9 billion in Hospital Cover claims for the 12 months ending 31 March 2025 – an increase of 6.9%. For Extras Cover claims,...
Healthscope private hospitals remain open for surgeries and treatments, despite the organisation going into receivership this week. Some Australians with Hospital Cover were concerned that private hospital treatment could be harder to access in the wake of the Healthscope collapse, but the organisation said its hospitals will remain open for treatments. Healthscope – which operates...
The government has announced it will investigate health insurers for using a loophole to raise their prices. In December last year, Minister of Health Mark Butler warned health insurers to stop ‘phoenixing’ policies after a Commonwealth Ombudsman report brought the practice to light. By law, health insurers can only raise prices once a year, but...
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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...
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...
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)...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...