What can I do if I have a problem with my private health insurance?

Work out whether you have a problem with your private health insurance and your:

• doctor
• other health professional
• hospital
• health insurer.

Be prepared:

• Put your complaint in writing.
• Gather any supporting documents. 
• Be clear about what outcome you are seeking.

Contact the person or organisation you have a problem with:

• doctor
• other health professional
• hospital
• health insurer.

Try to resolve the issue with them directly. Often, a complaint can be resolved quickly with a phone call.

If you cannot resolve the matter directly with your health insurer, doctor, other health professional or hospital, lodge a complaint with the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Please note the Commonwealth Ombudsman cannot deal with complaints about the quality of service or care provided by doctors, other healthcare professionals or hospitals. It deals only with problems relating to private health insurance.