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 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....