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
What are Health Management/Healthy Lifestyle programs?Health Management/Healthy Lifestyle programs are classes, therapies, and other ways to help you live a healthier lifestyle. They help prevent chronic health problems or the need for medical treatments.It covers all or some of the costs of approved health-related programs, including:Does private health insurance cover Health Management/Healthy Lifestyle?If private health...
What is General Dental?General Dental is where a dentist or dental surgeon provides basic treatment for your teeth, including:Note, more complex treatments are covered under Major Dental, including:Is Dentistry a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Dental Board of Australia regulate Dentistry.Does private health insurance cover...
What is Eye Therapy (Orthoptics)?Eye Therapy or Orthoptics is the assessment, diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of eye disorders. It treats disorders of the eye muscles that prevent normal vision.An Orthoptist assesses, diagnoses, treats and rehabilitates patients with eye disorders, including:You may decide to see an orthoptist if:Is Orthoptics a regulated profession in Australia? No. In Australia,...
What is Exercise Physiology?Exercise Physiology is the practice of understanding how the body works and using exercise to manage medical conditions.An Accredited Exercise Physiologist will devise an exercise program that helps you manage medical conditions such as:An Exercise Physiology program could include:Is Exercise Physiology a regulated profession in Australia?No. In Australia, Exercise Physiology is a...
What are Endodontic Services?Endodontic Services or Endodontics is a dentistry speciality that focuses on saving teeth because there is no substitute for your natural tooth.An Endodontist is a specialised dentist who does further training and is an expert on the inside of the tooth, including:They can:Is Endodontics a regulated profession in Australia? Yes, the Australian Health...
What is Dietetics/Dietary Advice?Dietetics or dietary advice is where a dietician, an expert in food and nutrition, helps you manage your diet. Using scientific evidence, they help you reduce the risk of developing chronic disease.Dieticians often work with people who have:What is the difference between a Dietician and a Nutritionist?Both Dieticians and Nutritionists work in...
What is Chiropractic?Chiropractic is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system by a Chiropractor, including:A Chiropractor may treat you using manipulation, massage or ergonomic advice.Is Chiropractic a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Chiropractic Board of Australia register and regulate Chiropractors.Does...
What is Chinese Medicine?Chinese Medicine or Chinese Traditional Medicine is based on ancient Chinese practices that have been developed over thousands of years.Chinese Medicine practitioners use these techniques:They believe you achieve optimal health when Yin-Yang is balanced (harmony of opposites). Are Chinese medicines regulated in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates Chinese medicines....