Strategies to Manage Rising Health Insurance Costs
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.
The Australian general insurance industry is on a trajectory of significant growth, with direct written premiums projected to surpass $144 billion by 2029. This forecast reflects a compound annual growth rate of approximately 4.7% from the $94.7 billion recorded in the previous year. - read more
Hutch Underwriting has recently unveiled enhanced professional indemnity (PI) insurance policies specifically designed for Australian tradespeople. These new offerings aim to provide comprehensive coverage by integrating advice, design, and incidental cyber exposures into a single solution. - read more
The Australian construction industry is currently facing significant challenges, including escalating material costs and a shortage of skilled labour. These issues are contributing to increased insurance claims costs, affecting tradespeople and insurers alike. - read more
Recent data from WFI Insurance indicates a substantial 75% decrease in farm liability claims over the past year, suggesting that Australian farmers are adopting more effective safety measures. This decline is particularly notable in incidents involving falls from height, which have reached their lowest level in four years. - read more
As Australia enters the summer holiday season, insurers and transport specialists are raising alarms about heightened road risks resulting from the convergence of increased freight activity and holiday travel. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and safety incidents. - read more
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
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
Life insurance can seem complex at first, but understanding the basics can help demystify this important financial product. At its core, life insurance is a contract between you and an insurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon your passing, in exchange for premium payments. - read more
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
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
Start Here !
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!
Knowledgebase
Coverage: The amount of risk or liability covered for an individual or entity by way of insurance services.