Life Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

How to Navigate Health Insurance Premium Hikes

Strategies to Manage Rising Health Insurance Costs

How to Navigate Health Insurance Premium Hikes?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In a challenging cost-of-living environment, Australians are bracing themselves for another wave of health insurance premium hikes, with Medibank and AHM customers already facing an average 2.96 per cent increase from June 1, 2023.
However, scouring for competitive coverage that suits you best can help ease the economic squeeze.

Understand Your Coverage

With the current increase in health insurance premiums, it's essential to evaluate whether your health coverage is serving your needs or not. Elizabeth Deveny, chief executive of the Consumers Health Forum, recommends taking time to understand what your policy covers and which extras are essential to your circumstances.

“Private health insurance is transferable so it’s worth shopping around and given the current cost-of-living pressures, it’s more important than ever to compare options and get the best deal”, remarks Dr Deveny.

To do this, she recommends visiting privatehealth.gov.au, where individuals can compare policies, get premium quotes, and take advantage of the coverage calculator. By using the website, you can determine which insurer offers the best deal based on your coverage needs.

For instance, basic hospital coverage without any specialist requirements or extras in Victoria can be as low as $104 per month or as high as $376 per month.

Think Switch, Not Ditch

With public wait times for elective surgeries getting lengthier, it is advisable to think twice before forgoing private health insurance to escape hikes in policy premiums. Lana Hambilton, head of health insurance at Compare the Market, encourages switching health policies rather than ditching them altogether when experiencing sizable policy hikes. This is especially important because specialized healthcare services like dental and optical expenses are not covered under public Medicare schemes; thus, private insurance is the only way out.

When assessing whether your policy suits your needs, consider consulting your GP regarding your medical and family records to ensure you're adequately insured. For families with children, adding extras like dental and optical to your health plan may make it more valuable in the long haul.

Published:Thursday, 1st Jun 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Call for Enhanced Support for Indigenous Insurance Customers
Call for Enhanced Support for Indigenous Insurance Customers
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Life Code Compliance Committee has identified significant gaps in support for Indigenous customers within the insurance sector, following an audit of three major insurers representing two-thirds of the market. The analysis reveals that these insurers lack adequate procedures for safe self-identification, a critical step towards ensuring cultural inclusivity and accessibility. - read more
Australian Insurtech Startups: Pioneering the Future of Insurance
Australian Insurtech Startups: Pioneering the Future of Insurance
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurtech sector is experiencing significant growth, with startups introducing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and customer engagement within the insurance industry. A recent report titled 'Insurtech Down Under: Trends, Tech and Triumphs' highlights the pivotal role these companies play in reshaping the market. - read more
Australian Insurers Address Surge in Mental Health Claims
Australian Insurers Address Surge in Mental Health Claims
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to a significant rise in mental health-related claims. The Council of Australian Life Insurers reports that mental health has become the leading cause of total and permanent disability claims, accounting for nearly one in three payouts. - read more
Calls for Overhaul in Australian Insurance Claims Handling Processes
Calls for Overhaul in Australian Insurance Claims Handling Processes
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australian consumer advocacy groups are intensifying their calls for substantial reforms in the insurance industry's claims handling processes. The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) has criticised the current system, highlighting ongoing issues that compromise consumer outcomes. - read more
WFI Insurance Rewards Sustainable Farming with Premium Discounts
WFI Insurance Rewards Sustainable Farming with Premium Discounts
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards promoting sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has announced a new initiative offering premium discounts to farmers who obtain AgCarE certification. This program, developed by AgForce, aims to recognise and reward farmers implementing eco-friendly practices on their properties. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Maximize Your Safety Net: Top Tips for Optimizing Income Protection Benefits
Maximize Your Safety Net: Top Tips for Optimizing Income Protection Benefits
Welcome to a pivotal guide dedicated to empowering you with the essentials of income protection insurance in Australia. As we navigate through times of uncertainty, safeguarding your financial wellbeing becomes not just a priority, but a necessity. Income protection insurance stands as one of the key pillars of financial security, ensuring a steady flow of income during periods when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices
The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices
Life insurance, a contract between an insurer and a policyholder, is designed to provide financial protection to loved ones in the event of the policyholder's death. For parents, this protection takes on a new level of significance. The birth of a child heralds a profound shift in priorities, with a focus on safeguarding the future of one's family. Hence, understanding life insurance options becomes a crucial aspect of responsible parenting. - read more
The Digital Age of Insurance: Keeping Costs Down with Online Quotes
The Digital Age of Insurance: Keeping Costs Down with Online Quotes
The horizon of the insurance industry has undergone a transformative shift with the advent of digital technology. With a few clicks, consumers can navigate the once-complex world of insurance policies from the comfort of their home. The digital landscape for insurance services offers unprecedented access to information, comparisons, and instant communication, fostering a more empowered insurance client. - read more
How Life Insurance Provides Financial Security for Your Loved Ones
How Life Insurance Provides Financial Security for Your Loved Ones
Life insurance is a crucial part of any comprehensive financial plan, providing peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your passing. - read more
How to Prepare for a Hassle-Free Life Insurance Claim
How to Prepare for a Hassle-Free Life Insurance Claim
Being prepared when it comes to life insurance claims can make a world of difference. Proper preparation helps you prevent delays and denials, ensuring that your loved ones receive the financial support promised by your policy without unnecessary hold-ups. By paying attention to the details, you can streamline the claims process, giving you and your family peace of mind during what is already a stressful time. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Insurable Interest:
A financial or other kind of interest in the insured item or person, necessary for a valid insurance contract.