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...
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 wages. The...
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 peak body for...
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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...