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

Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies
Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings
Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As the Australian summer school holidays coincide with peak freight activity, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks. The surge in freight traffic, coupled with increased holiday travel, amplifies the potential for road incidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. - read more
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a suspension of the planned changes to individual disability income insurance (IDII) policy contract terms. Originally set to take effect from 1 October 2022, the implementation has been deferred for at least two years, providing insurers and policyholders additional time to adapt to the forthcoming regulations. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Trauma Cover: Calculating Adequate Protection for Life's Unexpected Moments
Trauma Cover: Calculating Adequate Protection for Life's Unexpected Moments
The financial fabric of our lives consists of both planning and safeguarding against the unforeseen. Trauma cover, a lesser-known but crucial aspect of personal insurance, provides this protection by offering a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of specific serious illnesses or injuries. In the tapestry of financial planning, it acts as a vital safety net, ensuring that unexpected health crises do not lead to monetary distress. - read more
Life Insurance Comparison: Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer
Life Insurance Comparison: Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer
Life insurance is a crucial consideration for middle-aged to older Australians. It provides financial security for your loved ones in the unfortunate event of your death. Understanding the various options available is vital to making an informed decision. - read more
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Comparing Life Insurance Policies
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Comparing Life Insurance Policies
Choosing the right life insurance policy is one of the most important decisions for Australians, especially for those who are middle-aged or older. Life insurance provides financial security for your loved ones in the event of your passing, ensuring that they are not burdened with financial hardships. - read more
A Millennial's Guide to Life Insurance
A Millennial's Guide to Life Insurance
For many millennials, navigating the complexities of personal finance and future planning can feel like a bewildering journey. Among these financial responsibilities, life insurance emerges as a paramount consideration. More than just a safety net, life insurance can be the cornerstone of a sound financial strategy, providing peace of mind for both the policyholder and their loved ones. - read more
How Pre-Existing Conditions Influence Life Insurance Premiums
How Pre-Existing Conditions Influence Life Insurance Premiums
When it comes to life insurance, a pre-existing condition refers to any medical condition or illness that you have been diagnosed with before applying for a life insurance policy. - 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
Rider:
An optional provision added to an insurance policy that provides additional benefits or coverage.