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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The following steps can help you decide which Hospital Cover tier is best:
Yes. You can purchase Hospital-only Cover.Most private health insurers offer Hospital Cover, Extras Cover and combined cover (both Hospital Cover and Extras Cover).
Generally, private health insurers impose waiting periods before you can make a claim, when you take out Hospital Cover or upgrade your policy.Occasionally, insurers may waive waiting periods.Waiting periods are designed to ensure that individuals cannot make a large claim and then cancel their policy shortly after becoming members.Waiting periods vary depending on the clinical...
Hospital Cover is a type of health insurance that helps you pay for the cost of treatment as a private patient in hospital. If you have Hospital Cover, you can choose to be treated as a private patient in a:
How do ambulances services work in WA?If you live in WA, you have to pay for being treated by paramedics and transported by ambulance.You can the current fees and changes for ambulance services in Western Australia on the St John WA Ambulance website.You do not have to pay for the service if you hold a:Should...
How do ambulances services work in VIC?If you live in VIC, 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 Victoria on Ambulance Victoria’s website.You do not have to pay for ambulance services if you hold:You may not have to...
How do ambulances services work in TAS?If you live in TAS and you are in the state or its islands, you do not have to pay for being treated by paramedics and transported by ambulance.The Tasmanian government covers the costs of ambulance services for Tasmanian residents.The exceptions are if you have:If you are visiting Tasmania...
How do ambulances services work in SA?If you live in SA, you have to pay for being treated by paramedics and transported by ambulance.You can find SA’s current fees and charges for ambulance services on the SA Ambulance Service website.You do not have to pay for the service if you hold a:You do not have...