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...
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...
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No. You cannot remove someone aged 15 or older from your Medicare Card without their consent. They have to personally request to be removed from your Medicare Card.
How to add a newborn baby (under 52 weeks or one year) to your Medicare CardMedicare will add your newborn baby to your Medicare Card once they are enrolled in Medicare.You should enrol them as soon as possible.According to Medicare, a newborn baby is up to 52 weeks of age or their first birthday.After the...
Your Medicare number is on your Medicare Card:If you cannot find your Medicare Card, you can get your Medicare Number by contacting the Medicare Program on 132 011.
You can access a digital copy of your Medicare Card as soon as you enrol in Medicare.To access a digital copy:To access the Express Plus Medicare app, you need a myGov account linked to your Medicare Online account.
Your family can get a second Medicare Card with the same details.Medicare will provide an extra card when more than one family member needs a card. They will issue only one extra card.If a member of your family is over 15, they may want to get their own card.If you do not receive your card...
If you are aged over 15 and enrolled in Medicare, you can get your own Medicare Card.There are 2 steps to get your own card:You can be listed on 2 Medicare Cards. For example, if you are over 15, you can have your own card and also be listed on your parents’ card.You can also...
What to do if your Medicare Card is about to expireIf your Medicare Card is about to expire, you do not need to do anything.Medicare will send you a new Medicare Card about 4-8 weeks before your current card expires.It will be sent to the address you have already provided.What to do if your Medicare...
To enrol in Medicare, there are 3 steps:Once you have enrolled in Medicare, you will be given a Medicare Card, which looks like this:It usually takes 3-4 weeks for Medicare to send out your card.