Customers have been warned that new health insurer incentives should not come at the expense of high premiums.
The privacy watchdog is proceeding with a complaint filed on behalf of millions of Medibank cyberattack victims,which could fast-track compensation claims.
If you want to keep your coverage but can’t find the extra money,there are a number of options available to you.
The latest average rise in private health insurance premiums is below inflation,but many policyholders will be paying well above the average.
Health Minister Mark Butler has emphasised the annual increase – which comes into effect on April 1 – is lower than the annual rise in wages.
Concerns about how life insurance deals with genetic testing are deterring people from getting important tests. Even the industry welcomes government intervention.
With health costs a big contributor to inflation,an opportunity to lock in this year’s cheaper rates for another 12 months will no doubt be welcome.
The gap fees for hip and knee replacements have risen 35 per cent in the past five years,while the out-of pocket cost of other procedures has surged 300 per cent.
Private health insurance companies say inflationary pressures and high costs from medical technology companies contributed to their request to increase premiums by up to 6 per cent.
Private health extras allowances typically expire on December 31. And there’s even more on offer this year than most.
As premiums rise,more Australians are considering self-insurance,setting aside money to cover time off work or unexpected medical bills.