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...
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...
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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...