The government has announced it will investigate health insurers for using a loophole to raise their prices. In December last year, Minister of Health Mark Butler warned health insurers to stop ‘phoenixing’ policies after a Commonwealth Ombudsman report brought the practice to light. By law, health insurers can only raise prices once a year, but...
Most Australians will pay more for health insurance next week due to a reduction in a rebate designed to make health cover cheaper. Cuts to the Private Health Insurance Rebate take effect on April 1 at the same time as most policies are increasing in price by an average of 3.7% – which adds up...
Out-of-pocket payments for Private Health Insurance claims continue to rise, putting more pressure on Australian households during the cost-of-living crisis. New data from Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), which regulates the health insurance industry, found a 7% increase in Gaps paid for Hospital Cover claims for the quarter finishing December 2024, compared with the same...
Health insurance will increase by an average of 3.7% in April – the highest premium increase since 2018. Every year health insurers are allowed to raise their premiums only once. This year, Minister of Health Mark Butler rejected insurers’ proposed increases (reportedly up to 6%) at least twice before agreeing on an average premium increase...
Australian private health insurers have been criticised for using a loophole to raise the prices of Gold Cover policies. This week the Commonwealth Ombudsman found evidence some insurers have been raising prices through ‘product phoenixing’ – closing existing policies to new customers, and creating almost identical policies at a higher price. As a result, new...
Australians with Private Health Insurance are paying higher out-of-pocket payments for hospital treatment than a year ago, new data shows. The latest statistics from Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), which regulates the health insurance industry, show out-of-pocket fees for private hospital treatment increased by 8% in the 12 months from October 2023 to September 2024....
If you’ve used health insurance to pay for surgery in a private hospital or clinic, check your bill to make sure you haven’t been charged a Gap incorrectly. That’s the advice from Private Healthcare Australia, the peak body for the health insurance industry, after allegations that some specialists (including surgeons and anaesthetists) have been ‘double...
A ‘health tax’ passed by NSW government last week means NSW residents could face higher premiums for health insurance in 2025. The new legislation means the state government can increase its existing tax on private health insurance if insurers do not agree to pay a higher ‘bed rate’ of $892 for private patients in public...
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What is Home Nursing? Home Nursing is a type of supportive care to help you with the basic activities of daily living and to stay well and independent. Home nursing is usually used for: Home nursing can help with: Does private health insurance cover Home Nursing? If your private health insurance covers Home Nursing, it...
What are Orthotics (Podiatric Orthoses)? Orthotics or Podiatric Orthoses are specially designed inserts that treat foot problems by improving foot posture. If you have foot problems and need help to correct your foot posture, you need Orthotics and should see a Podiatrist. Orthotics are most commonly used to treat pain. They can be used to...
What is Orthodontics? Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, including: Orthodontists are specialist dentists who can fix crooked teeth, bad bites and align the jaw. Is Orthodontics a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra)...
What is covered under Optical? Optical covers eyewear, including: You would usually buy Optical eyewear after consultation with an Optometrist. Is Optometry a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Optometry Board of Australia regulate Optometry. Does Medicare cover Optical (glasses and contact lenses)? No. Medicare...
What are PBS Pharmaceuticals? The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is an Australian Government program that subsidises the cost of medicines so all Australians have prompt, reliable and affordable access to medicines. The PBS covers many common drugs. You pay no more than $31.60 (or $7.70 concession rate) for medicines listed on the PBS. What are...
What is Major Dental? Major Dental is where a dentist or dental surgeon provides complex dental treatments, including: In contrast, General Dental is where a dentist or dental surgeon provides basic treatment for your teeth, including: Is Dentistry a regulated profession in Australia? Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the...
What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine. An Acupuncturist inserts thin needles into various points in your body to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. The objective is to stimulate nerves causing the brain to release hormones and other chemicals that will help you heal more quickly. Other techniques used by Acupuncturists...
What are Hearing Aids? Hearing Aids are small electronic devices used to improve your hearing. They amplify and sometimes change sound to help those with poor hearing. A hearing aid has a: The microphone picks up sounds, the amplifier makes them louder and the speaker sends them to your ear. There are 2 main types...