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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How do ambulances services work in QLD?If you live in QLD, you do not have to pay for being treated by paramedics and/or transported by ambulance.The Queensland government covers all ambulance costs for Queensland residents. This cover extends to Queenslanders who need ambulance services when they visit other states and territories.If you are a visitor...
How do ambulance services work in the NT?If you live in the NT, you have to pay for being treated by paramedics and transported by ambulance.You can find the current fees and charges for ambulance services on St John NT Ambulance’s website.You do not have to pay for the service if you hold a:Should I take...
How do ambulance services work in NSW?If you live in NSW, you have to pay for being treated by paramedics and transported by ambulance.You can find the current fees and charges for ambulance services in NSW on NSW Ambulance’s website.You do not have to pay for ambulance services if you hold a:You may also be...
How do ambulance services work in the ACT?If you live in the ACT, you have to pay for being treated by paramedics and transported by ambulance.You can find the fees and charges for ambulances services in the ACT on the ACT Emergency Services Agency’s website. You do not have to pay for ambulance services if you...
Although private health insurance covers a broad range of treatments within Hospital Cover, Extras Cover and Ambulance Cover, there are some treatments the Australian government excludes.We refer to these treatments as ‘excluded treatments’ because they cannot be covered.At present, there are 4 types of treatments that private health insurance does not cover because they are...
In Australia, Medicare does not cover ambulance services.In QLD and TAS, you do not have to pay for being treated by paramedics or transported by ambulance.If you live in a state or territory where you have to pay for an ambulance and do not have a private health insurance policy that includes ambulance services, you...
If you are considering taking out private health insurance, you may want Extras Cover.Extras Cover helps you cover the cost of a wide range of treatments that Medicare does not cover.In this overview, we explain everything you need to know about Extras Cover.We also provide a detailed summary of each of the common Extras Treatments...