What is the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO)?

The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO) is part of the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman protects the community when dealing with the Australian Government, particularly resolving complaints about the Australian Government.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman also oversees some private sector organisations, including private health insurers.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman protects private health insurance consumers by:

• resolving complaints about private health insurance
• identifying problems with private health insurers or healthcare providers
• giving advice to government and industry about issues affecting private health insurance consumers
• providing consumers with independent information about private health insurance.