Author name: Ruth

  Your body goes through some incredible changes during pregnancy. Here’s how private health insurance, particularly with extras cover, can help you with some self-care essentials. Pregnancy is an exciting time, and there are a lot of changes happening in your body. That can mean some of your health and wellbeing needs change too, and you may find you need a little extra support to keep you feeling healthy, comfortable, and energised. Here are a few steps you can take for a healthy, happy pregnancy, and some of the ways extras cover can help support your wellbeing along the way. 1. Healthy Eating Healthy eating is always important for your health and wellbeing, and if you’re pregnant, it’s crucial for you and your baby. As your baby grows, aim to eat a wide variety of healthy foods to ensure you’re both getting the vitamins and minerals you need each day. A few things to focus on include: Fruits and vegetables: Aim to eat a variety of types and colours, with two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables each day. Grains (especially wholegrains): Breads, rice, oats, pasta, and quinoa. Protein: Lean meats, fish, eggs, and beans/legumes. Dairy: Milk, yogurt, and hard cheese products, preferably reduced-fat varieties. Iron: Found in lean meats, eggs, nuts, and tofu. Folate: Leafy greens, vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, and nuts. Folate and iodine supplements are typically recommended during pregnancy. How can health insurance help? Extras cover can include: – Diet and nutrition: A dietitian can provide personalised nutrition advice to ensure you and your baby are getting the most from your diet. 2. Exercise Staying active during pregnancy is important for both your body and mind. However, changes in your body during pregnancy may require some exercises to be modified. It’s important to always listen to your body. For the best health benefits, aim for a mix of: Cardio exercises: Walking, fitness classes, swimming, or cycling to boost cardiorespiratory fitness. Strengthening exercises: Resistance training, yoga, or Pilates to condition your muscles, which may help reduce back and pelvic pain and prepare your body for giving birth. How can health insurance help? Extras cover can include: Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can help improve your strength and mobility and manage aches and pains. Exercise physiology: An exercise physiologist can provide personalised exercise advice for pregnancy. 3. Mental Health and Wellbeing Preparing to welcome a baby can come with a range of emotions – excitement, fear, joy, stress, and anxiety. If your feelings become difficult to cope with, it’s important to seek help. It’s common for both men and women to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety while expecting a baby. How can health insurance help? Extras cover can include: Psychology: A psychologist can offer support, guidance, and strategies to help manage your mental health and wellbeing. 4. Aches and Pains Aches and pains during pregnancy are common, particularly in the back, neck, shoulders, and abdominal muscles. Stretching, gentle exercise, and pregnancy massage can help. How can health insurance help? Extras cover can include: Physiotherapy: A physio can treat aches and pains and show you exercises and stretches that can help. Remedial massage: A qualified therapist can soothe muscle and joint pain and improve mood and sleep. Chiropractic and osteopathy: These treatments can help reduce low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Natural therapies: Acupuncture and other natural therapies can soothe aches and pains and promote wellbeing. 5. Pelvic Floor As your baby grows, the weight can put pressure on your pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress incontinence. Strengthening your pelvic floor during pregnancy can help reduce this and avoid stress incontinence after birth. How can health insurance help? Extras cover can include: Physiotherapy: A physio can teach you exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, including clinical Pilates sessions. 6. Dental Care Continuing to care for your teeth and gums during pregnancy is essential. Hormonal changes can affect your gums, causing irritation, inflammation, and tenderness. How can health insurance help? Extras cover can include: Dental: Benefits for dental check-ups, scale and cleans, and treatments to keep your smile fresh and healthy. Extras Cover You Can Feel Good About With great benefits for physio, dietetics, remedial massage, and more, extras cover can help support your wellbeing. For more information on health insurance and private health insurance options, check out Flipr services. The right health insurance plan can support your health goals and provide peace of mind. Want to know more? If you’re looking for additional support to achieve your health goals beyond what your current Private Health Insurance policy offers, use our CheckYourBill platform to compare your current fund with other policies that better suit your needs. This comparison could potentially save you money while helping you improve your health, making 2024 your best year yet. If you haven’t already got Private Health Insurance, now is an excellent time to consider getting a policy to support your health aspirations. Whether you’re aiming to run a marathon or lose weight, having the right Private Health Insurance can significantly impact your journey. Start your journey today.  Related Blog Get Started Apply Now *All content and media found on the CheckYourBill Blog are created and published online for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, visit the nearest hospital emergency department, or call emergency services immediately.

Forget “happy wife, happy life,” it’s all about the tummy!  The human gastrointestinal tract, often referred to as the “gut,” is home to about 100 trillion bacteria plus other microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota. The mix of these microorganisms determines how well we digest our food, absorb nutrients, fight intestinal infections, and much more.  The gut also affects digestive problems we might experience after eating — like wind, constipation, and diarrhea, especially for people with functional gut disorders or diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Research is now starting to show how gut health can influence other health conditions such as mental health conditions, heart disease, and diabetes. Your gut microbiota is affected by a range of factors, including: Stress Illness Weight Overuse of Antibiotics Diet Here are the top five foods for improving gut health: 1. Wholegrains Wholegrains, including wheat, oats, rice, barley, and rye, comprise all three layers of the grain. They are a rich source of carbohydrates and protein, containing more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than refined cereal foods like white bread. This includes folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, iron, vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.  Incorporating wholegrains into your diet can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and diverticular disease, as well as support digestive health by preventing constipation.  Sources of wholegrains include brown or wild rice, oats, barley, and bread fortified with wholegrains. 2. Fruits and Vegetables There’s a reason fruits and vegetables are continuously recommended for inclusion in your diet – they’re deliciously good for you!  Naturally high in dietary fiber, fruits and vegetables are also high in vitamins, minerals, polyphenols (a compound found in plants including flavonoids and phenolic acid), and oligosaccharides (a type of carbohydrate that acts as a prebiotic). These are all associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and, of course, an improvement in gut health.  When choosing vegetables, try to keep things varied and your plate colorful. Include leafy green and cruciferous vegetables (such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts); legumes/pulses (such as chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils); and a variety of fresh fruits (choose whole fruits rather than juices). 3. Resistant Starch Resistant starch “resists” being broken down in the small intestine, moving unchanged into your large intestine. This resistant starch is then fermented in the large intestine and can produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate.  Renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, butyrate plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health by nourishing the cells lining the colon and promoting a balanced gut microbiome. Butyrate has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, reduced abdominal fat, and improved sleep.  Foods high in resistant starch include oats, barley, pulses/legumes (e.g., kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils), nuts and seeds, green bananas and plantains, cooked and cooled potatoes, and cooked and cooled rice or pasta. *Make sure to cool food in the fridge and eat within 2-3 days. 4. Fermented Foods Fermented foods aren’t just delicious – they’re great for your gut too! The distinctive tang comes from the breakdown of sugars and starches by beneficial bacteria and yeast, resulting in the creation of probiotics, including strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces. Once eaten, these probiotics colonise the gut, adding diversity to your gut microbiota. This intricate community of microorganisms plays a pivotal role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mood regulation.  Some delicious fermented foods that are great additions to any diet include pot set or kefir yoghurt, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, natto, miso, and sourdough bread. 5. Eat Plenty of Fish Fish is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for our overall health. Unlike other fats that our bodies can synthesise internally, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids must be obtained from dietary sources.  Omega-3 increases bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory chemicals in the gut and have been linked to protecting against diseases like bowel cancer and depression.  Aim to have fish two to three times per week and omega-3 enriched foods or drinks (such as eggs, bread, and milk). If you’re vegan or vegetarian, plant sources of omega-3 include chia seeds, Brussels sprouts, and walnuts.  Remember, before implementing any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian. The right Health Insurance plan can support your health goals and provide peace of mind. For more information on Private Health Insurance options, check out CheckYourBill services. Want to know more? If you’re looking for additional support to achieve your health goals beyond what your current Private Health Insurance policy offers, use our CheckYourBill platform to compare your current fund with other policies that better suit your needs. This comparison could potentially save you money while helping you improve your health, making 2024 your best year yet. If you haven’t already got Private Health Insurance, now is an excellent time to consider getting a policy to support your health aspirations. Whether you’re aiming to run a marathon or lose weight, having the right Private Health Insurance can significantly impact your journey. Start your journey today.  Related Blog Get Started Apply Now *All content and media found on the CheckYourBill Blog are created and published online for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, visit the nearest hospital emergency department, or call emergency services immediately.

When it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes, whether it’s exercising more, drinking less, or starting to practice mindfulness, it’s never as simple as ‘just doing it.’ Here are effective strategies for creating a healthier lifestyle and, more importantly, how to stick to it: 1. Connect Your Lifestyle Change to an Existing Habit Our days are full of habits, from brushing our teeth to showering, feeding pets, and changing clothes after work. Use these existing habits as your cue to practice new behaviors. For example, your morning cup of coffee could be your reminder to do a 10-minute meditation or practice a new language. When something becomes a habit, it’s a familiar behavior and doesn’t use up much energy or face much resistance. Knitting it together with an activity you already do can reduce stress and difficulty. 2. Schedule Your Lifestyle Change In Your calendar can be a great tool for planning and ensuring you allocate enough time for your goals. Put a block of time aside in your calendar to make sure it’s realistic. For instance, if your aim is to jog twice a week, scheduling specific days and times and mentally committing to them is more effective than waiting for the right moment. 3. Think About Your ‘Why’ Focusing on why this change is important to you is a great way to stay motivated. Identify if your motivation is extrinsic (based on what others might think or expect) or intrinsic (coming from a genuine desire within yourself). Intrinsic motivation, linked to your values or something you can develop excitement around, is more effective. 4. Link It to a Bigger Goal or Dream If you can’t find a strong intrinsic ‘why,’ link your change to a bigger goal. For example, if you’re trying to cook at home instead of getting takeout and have a dream to travel, focus on the money you’re saving for that trip. Visualising your goal can help keep you motivated. 5. Focus on One Change at a Time It can be tempting to make big, sweeping lifestyle changes, but choose one thing at a time. When trying something new, it takes up a lot of resources. The more new tasks we take on that aren’t yet automated, the more we ask of ourselves. 6. Be Realistic and Create Space for It Consider what else is going on in your life and what other commitments need your time and energy. If you feel there’s no time for this new activity, be realistic. Remove some other demands or wait until there is more time and space 7. Have a Flexible Mindset If you miss a day or find it challenging to stick to your new change, be kind to yourself. You don’t have to do things perfectly to make progress. Instead of seeing it as a failure, ask yourself what you can learn from it. Use gentleness and positivity with yourself. When to Seek Help If you’ve tried all these tips and still find it difficult to make changes, the reason may be deeper than a lack of self-discipline. Low motivation might come from low mood, or your subconscious might not be ready for the change. You may benefit from support and guidance, such as from a psychologist. Remember, no matter your age or circumstances, it’s never too late to make a positive lifestyle change and reap the associated benefits. As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, and the second-best time to plant a tree is now. The right health insurance can support your health goals and provide peace of mind. If you’re looking to enhance your health with the right Private Health Insurance, consider comparing policies through CheckYourBill services.  Want to know more? If you’re looking for additional support to achieve your health goals beyond what your current Private Health Insurance policy offers, use our CheckYourBill platform to compare your current fund with other policies that better suit your needs. This comparison could potentially save you money while helping you improve your health, making 2024 your best year yet. If you haven’t already got Private Health Insurance, now is an excellent time to consider getting a policy to support your health aspirations. Whether you’re aiming to run a marathon or lose weight, having the right Private Health Insurance can significantly impact your journey. Start your journey today.  Related Blog Get Started Apply Now *All content and media found on the CheckYourBill Blog are created and published online for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, visit the nearest hospital emergency department, or call emergency services immediately.

An out-of-pocket cost refers to the amount you need to pay for a medical appointment or treatment. Often termed a ‘gap payment’ or ‘patient payment,’ your out-of-pocket cost is the difference between what your doctor, allied health professional, or hospital charges for a service and what Medicare or your private health insurer covers for that service. When you receive medical treatment, any gap between the charges from your healthcare provider and what Medicare or your private health insurer pays for that service becomes your responsibility. This is the fundamental concept of out-of-pocket costs. Understanding how out-of-pocket costs work can help you better manage your healthcare expenses. Use CheckYourBill to find a Private Health Insurance policy that minimizes these costs while meeting your needs. The out-of-pocket cost you have to pay vary depending on: How much your doctor or health services provider charges you Whether you have treatment inside or outside a hospital Whether your treatment is covered by Medicare and how much Medicare pays for it If you are treated in a hospital, whether you are a public or private patient Whether you have Private Health Insurance for the treatment you are receiving and the level of that cover. Private Health Insurance can only cover doctors fees for treatment in hospital. Before you receive treatment, ask your doctor, health care provider and your hospital about any out-of-pocket costs you may have to pay. Otherwise, you may pay significant out-of-pocket costs for your treatment. Steve pays $500 in out-of-pocket costs Steve was admitted to hospital as a private patient. His doctor charged $1,500 for their service. The Medical Benefit Schedule (MBS) fee for the service was $1,000. Medicare paid $750 (75%) and Steve’s health insurer paid $250 (25%). This left a gap of $500 for Steve to pay as an out-of-pocket cost. Before agreeing to treatment, ask your doctor for: The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers for their services, An estimate of your out-of-pocket costs, Whether other doctors or health care providers are involved in your care and how you can get an estimate of their fees. Always request any estimates in writing.  Once you have the MBS item numbers, your health insurer can tell you exactly how much it will pay under your Hospital Cover for those treatments. Want to know more? If you’re looking for additional support to achieve your health goals beyond what your current Private Health Insurance policy offers, use our CheckYourBill platform to compare your current fund with other policies that better suit your needs. This comparison could potentially save you money while helping you improve your health, making 2024 your best year yet. If you haven’t already got Private Health Insurance, now is an excellent time to consider getting a policy to support your health aspirations. Whether you’re aiming to run a marathon or lose weight, having the right Private Health Insurance can significantly impact your journey. Start your journey today.  Related Blog Get Started Apply Now

If you’ve ever faced a prolonged illness or injury, you understand that health truly equals wealth. Being unwell not only restricts your lifestyle but also can be costly. With GP visits averaging $74.66 and the Medicare rebate covering only $39.75, and Australians visiting a GP 5.6 times a year on average, maintaining good health is a worthwhile investment of your time, energy, and money. Healthy choices can lead to significant financial savings. A Victorian study found that families adhering to the Australian Dietary Guidelines can save $150 a fortnight on groceries. Additionally, if you smoke a pack of cigarettes daily, quitting could save you over $10,000 a year, according to the Australian Government. Did you know that staying healthy might also lower your Private Health Insurance costs? And since Private Health Insurance can help you stay healthy, it’s a win-win situation. Use CheckYourBill to compare policies and find one that best supports your health and financial goals. Earn rewards by staying active and well Being active is one of the best things you can do for your health, giving you benefits such as better sleep and improved mood. In the longer term, exercising regularly is proven to reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. So it makes sense for Health Insurers to support their members in staying healthy because better health means fewer Insurance claims. In fact, some insurers will even reward you for it.  If you’re exercising at the gym as a form of treatment for a health condition or rehabilitation, most insurers – including Bupa, NIB, Medibank, AHM and HCF – will reimburse your gym costs, up to a certain limit (provided you have the required level of cover). You’ll need to fill out a form with your insurer and get it signed off by a relevant healthcare professional, such as a GP, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. Ask your insurer about their incentives.  Some insurers also offer specialised programs to reward you for moving your body regularly. For example, AIA has AIA Vitality, where members earn points for healthy actions such as going to the gym or taking 7,500 steps a day, which add up to shopping rewards or a discount on your premium. Medibank offers Live Better, where you can complete set health activities linked to physical activity, diet and emotional health, and collect points that add up to gift cards. Remember: always read the fine print before you sign up to health programs, as there may be joining fees, and the rewards might only add up in small increments.   Insurer programs for health conditions Some Health Insurers offer support for members living with certain health conditions. For example, HCF offers a Healthy Weight For Life program to members living with osteoarthritis who have a BMI of 28 and over, which includes nutrition and fitness advice.  NIB provides a Mental Health Care Support Program to members who’ve been hospitalised for mental health conditions, with a mental health nurse giving one-on-one support via phone.   Make sure you read the fine print and chat to your insurer about what’s involved before you sign up. Saving money on health Insurance If you’re healthy you might opt for a lower tier of Hospital Cover, then upgrade to a higher tier as you get older or as your health needs change. Having a lower tier means you’ll pay lower premiums but will only be able to claim on a limited range of clinical categories. Keep in mind that if you do need a procedure or treatment unexpectedly, you’ll have to upgrade your cover then serve a waiting period before claiming.  Speaking of health Insurance costs, if your insurer doesn’t reward you for being healthy, consider changing to a new policy. Our CheckYourBill Calculator makes it easy to compare your existing policy (and unlike other Private Health Insurance comparison sites, we show you every insurer and every single policy available on the market).  Compare your existing health Insurance using CheckYourBill.  Want to know more? If you’re looking for additional support to achieve your health goals beyond what your current Private Health Insurance policy offers, use our CheckYourBill platform to compare your current fund with other policies that better suit your needs. This comparison could potentially save you money while helping you improve your health, making 2024 your best year yet. If you haven’t already got Private Health Insurance, now is an excellent time to consider getting a policy to support your health aspirations. Whether you’re aiming to run a marathon or lose weight, having the right Private Health Insurance can significantly impact your journey. Start your journey today.  Related Blog Get Started Apply Now *All content and media found on the CheckYourBill Blog are created and published online for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, visit the nearest hospital emergency department, or call emergency services immediately.

Every year, many Australians set New Year’s resolutions to enhance their lives in various ways, and 2024 is no different. Some focus on improving their wellbeing, while others prioritize financial fitness or other personal goals. If you’ve made resolutions to improve your health or financial situation this year, reviewing your Private Health Insurance could be beneficial. For those without a policy, now might be the perfect time to consider getting one. At CheckYourBill, we help you explore Private Health Insurance options that align with your resolutions. Whether you’re aiming for better health coverage or financial savings, starting with a review of your insurance needs is a smart step forward. Click here to consult with our Private Health Insurance experts today   Can Health Insurance help you get healthy? Some Private Health insurers support your health goals by reimbursing part of your exercise expenses or offering incentives for staying physically active. Depending on your coverage level, if you’re using a gym for rehabilitation or treatment of a health condition, your insurer may cover a portion of your gym membership fees. Typically, you’ll need approval from a healthcare professional using a form provided by your insurer. It’s advisable to contact your insurer directly to understand their specific process. Furthermore, some insurers provide rewards programs that allow you to earn points for making healthy choices. These points can often be redeemed for lower premiums or gift cards in the future. Before enrolling in such programs, it’s essential to research any joining fees or terms and conditions associated with them. Read more about health insurer incentives for staying healthy Can Health Insurance help you lose weight? One of the most common New Year resolutions is to lose weight, and it’s worth knowing that your Private Health insurer can assist you in achieving this goal. Many insurers provide weight loss programs that include coaching and support services, especially for individuals managing health conditions like osteoporosis. To access these programs, you typically need to have appropriate coverage and meet the insurer’s eligibility criteria. To discover what weight loss support options are available to you, visit the health management programs section on your insurer’s website or contact them directly. It’s essential to review all the details and terms before enrolling in any program. Learn more.. Can Health Insurance help you get financially fit? Whether your financial goal is to save money or reduce your spending, rethinking your Private Health Insurance policy can help you get financially fit.   Having the right health cover will make a big difference to your budget through lower premiums and reduced healthcare costs during the year, so it’s worth reviewing your policy on a regular basis.   The first step is to consider what you need from your health cover. If you already have a policy, your needs may have changed since you first took out the policy. For example, if you’re not planning to have any more children, you don’t need cover that includes Pregnancy and Birth any longer, so downgrading your policy to a lower tier could save you money. Here are some factors to consider when reviewing your existing policy:  What is your budget?  Who needs cover (including family members)?  Do you have existing health conditions, or is it likely your health needs will change in the near future?   Do you need both Hospital and Extras Cover, or just one?  Specifically, what Extras Cover do you need?   When considering cost, you need to look beyond just premiums and think about total healthcare costs. For example, you may need to spend more on premiums to cover health conditions that are currently costing you a lot of money but you’ll end up saving more by having these conditions covered.  The next step is to compare your policy, new or existing, with other similar policies. There are 50 insurers, including open and restricted. You’re busy and you don’t have time to check the policies from each insurer, so thankfully CheckYourBill makes it quick and easy to compare among Health Funds. Want to know more? If you’re looking for additional support to achieve your health goals beyond what your current Private Health Insurance policy offers, use our CheckYourBill platform to compare your current fund with other policies that better suit your needs. This comparison could potentially save you money while helping you improve your health, making 2024 your best year yet. If you haven’t already got Private Health Insurance, now is an excellent time to consider getting a policy to support your health aspirations. Whether you’re aiming to run a marathon or lose weight, having the right Private Health Insurance can significantly impact your journey. Start your journey today.  Related Blog Get Started Apply Now

Why do Private Health Insurance premiums go up on April 1st? Every year in Australia, Private Health Insurance premiums increase to align with wage growth and inflation rates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, insurers spread out their annual rate adjustments across 2021-2023 and sometimes skipped them altogether. However, in 2024, premiums returned to normal, with all Private Health Insurance companies implementing increases on April 1st. This year’s premium hike averages 3.03%, the steepest rise since the pandemic period. Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler MP notes that while this increase resembles pre-pandemic levels last seen in 2019, it remains below Australia’s overall wage and inflation rate of 4.1%. Despite these adjustments, major Australian Private Health insurers have faced criticism for accumulating significant premiums during the pandemic. Insurers retained substantial sums while elective surgeries were halted during lockdowns. The ACCC has been actively pressing insurers to provide substantial refunds to policyholders through deferred premiums, cash-back payments, and limits on extras rollovers. Factors contributing to rising Private Health Insurance premiums include increased costs of medical devices, investments in IT infrastructure to enhance cybersecurity following recent cyber-attacks, higher hospital admissions, and general inflation affecting hospital operational expenses—all of which are passed on to policyholders. Summary Heading into 2024, ongoing inflation continues to impact many Australians’ budgets, with rising Private Health Insurance premiums adding further strain. The top five largest Private Health insurers by membership size, with the exception of one, are increasing their average policy prices beyond the industry standard of 3.03%. Medibank is raising prices by 3.31%, BUPA by 3.61%, HCF by 2.89%, NIB by 4.10%, and HBF by 3.95%. Conversely, insurers with the lowest rate hikes this year include HCi with a 0.27% increase, Defense Health by 1.00%, Australian Unity by 1.42%, People care by 1.63%, and Health Partners by 1.93%. Notably, all these insurers are mutual or not-for-profit entities. For those looking to manage their healthcare costs amid these increases, comparing Private Health Insurance plans through a trusted comparison service can help. Contact us today for a quick quote and find potential savings on your Private Health Insurance expenses this year. Compare Health Insurance Which Health Insurance companies went up the most in 2024? The top 12 health insurers that increased their premiums the most this year are CBHS, NIB, HBF, HIF, Phoenix, BUPA, OneMediFund, Hunter Health, Medibank, and St Lukes. Which Health Insurers were above the industry standard rate rise in both 2023 and 2024? The following Health Insurers have hiked their policy prices above the industry standard both last year and this year as well: CBHS, HBF, HIF, Phoenix, BUPA, Hunter Health, Medibank, ACA, and Navy Health. Industry Average Rate Rise in 2023 was 2.90% and the Average in 2024 is 3.10% Portability Don’t re-serve waiting periods when you switch to a new Health Fund or policy “John was immediately covered for a hip replacement in private hospital because he had already served his waiting periods for joint replacements on his old policy” The Top 10 Health Funds that had the lowest rate rise in 2024 The Health insurers with the least rate increase this year are HCI, Defence Health, Australian Unity, Peoplecare, Health Partners, TUH, Mildura Health, AIA Health, Queensland Country Health Fund, and Teachers/Nurses Health. Many Australians are over-insured or under-insured and may not have a policy that matches their health needs. Get advice now. Which health Funds in Australia were below the industry standard Health Insurance rate rise in both 2023 and 2024? These listed Funds are recognized for keeping their price increase lower than average for last year and this year running. They are HCI (who actually decreased their prices last year!), Peoplecare, TUH, Mildura Health, AIA Health, Teachers/Nurses Health, Doctors Health Fund, WestFund, GMHBA/Frank, Police Health, and LaTrobe Health. Here is the complete list for all Health Insurance rate rise increases for 2023 and 2024.  Conclusion Some Private Health insurers increase premiums more than others, but the reported percentage hike doesn’t directly correlate to your specific policy increase. For instance, while BUPA’s average increase is 3.61%, your individual policy might see a smaller or larger adjustment—perhaps 1% or 5%. You’ll receive official communication from your insurer detailing the exact change. It’s wise to regularly compare your policy with others in the market to ensure you’re getting the best value. Understanding how your coverage stacks up against alternatives is crucial. At CheckYourBill, we can assist you in finding Private Health Insurance options that not only meet your needs but potentially cost less. Why pay more for insurance when you could save without sacrificing coverage? Get started with a quote below. Related Blog The hospital “Gap” refers to the difference between what your private health insurance pays for a specific surgery and the total charges by the private doctor or anaesthetists. Private health insurance covers up to 100% of the Medicare Benefit Schedule fee for a procedure, but doctors can charge above this fee, creating a gap that the member must pay. When doctors participate in “gap cover” with the insurance company, the fund will pay more if the doctor agrees to a lower fee, resulting in no gap or a reduced gap for the patient. Understanding how gap cover works is crucial for minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. The best private health insurance funds for gap cover ensure that members face little to no additional costs for surgeries. Here are the top five funds that excelled in providing no-gap cover last year. Top 5 Private Health Funds for Best No-Gap Cover Last Year Get Started Apply Now

The 1 April 2024 Private Health Insurance (PHI) premium increase represents a return to norms with all Funds increasing rates on the same day, the first time this has occurred in five years. In this blog, we examine this premium round and investigate the noteworthy trends, product dynamics, competitive intensity and scale pricing strategies in the market. Trends in premium changes The following figures are average premium increases on products that cover singles across all states and excess levels. Unless otherwise stated, open and closed products are included and corporate products are excluded. Hospital and Combined Gold Hospital saw the greatest average increase at 6.4%, reiterating the claim cost pressures at this high level of cover. Combined Gold products fared slightly better, averaging 4.2% across the industry. Silver Plus products that cover pregnancy and/or joint replacements (shown as ‘Silver+ high’ in the graph below) saw average increases around 3.9% for standalone hospital and 2.9% for combined policies. Lower cover Silver, Basic/Basic+ and Bronze/Bronze+ tier products saw increases around 3% for standalone hospital and between 2.1% – 2.6% for combined products Extras Percentage back extras products (products with at least one percentage back modality) increased by 2.8%, compared to 2.1% for extras products with set benefits. This differential can be explained by the ‘automatic’ indexation of benefits on these products. Big 5 Funds The Big 5 Funds increased premiums at a greater rate than smaller players in the market. The smallest average increases were implemented by smaller Funds with open membership Product changes Number of product changes: Compared to the previous year, the landscape of Private Health Insurance (PHI) product changes has been relatively calm. The total number of Private Health Insurance (PHI) products in the market has remained mostly stable, with 106 new products introduced and 109 discontinued. Only 14% of Private Health Insurance (PHI) products experienced changes in coverage, were closed, or had modifications in benefits. This means approximately 86% of Private Health Insurance (PHI) products had minimal changes, marking the second-highest proportion of stability in the past five years. *Figures exclude corporate, are based on singles policies, each excess variant is counted as a separate product, state variants are combined and regarded as one product ^Only counts products where there has been a change of clinical categories or modalities covered. New products Hospital Several highly competitive Bronze Plus and Silver Plus – low products have been launched, making an already very competitive market segment even more competitive. This is detailed later in this blog. The Silver plus – high and Gold tier products launched generally sit above the market average for the level of benefits, reflecting the higher claims risk Funds are facing in these tiers. Extras There is a trend developing for extremely low coverage extras. nib launched its ‘DentalPass’ product, which costs around $3 a month and provides a small fixed benefit to the customer when visiting their provider network. Priced at under $20 per month, Medibank has launched ‘Healthy Living Extras’, offering a vaccination and just one dental check per year. The majority of the Extras products launched in the last 12 months offer good value for money and are priced below the market average for each level of benefits. This suggests the Extras market is also increasingly price competitive. Closed products There were 42 closures in the last year (3% annualised of all products). This is the second lowest rate of closures in the past five years. The majority of hospital closures were concentrated in the Gold and Silver Plus tiers, likely reflecting adverse selection challenges. Extras products that were closed were primarily grouped in the top half of the market in terms of coverage and were priced very competitively. Therefore, the closures were possibly driven by profitability challenges. Terminated products There were 109 terminations (and consequent forced migrations) in the year to 1 April 2024 – about 8% of all products. About 80% of the terminated hospital and combined products were in the Silver plus – high and Gold tiers. Of these, the majority were open for sale directly prior to the termination of the product, highlighting the claims cost challenges in these tiers. Products with changes in benefits 157 products had changes in benefits (11% of products). The majority of benefit changes involved the addition or subtraction of one or two coverage items, leading to a relatively minor change in value. 23 products saw a significant increase in coverage, while six saw a significant reduction. Competitive intensity We analyzed segments within the Private Health Insurance (PHI) hospital market that show the highest levels of ‘competitive intensity’. This refers to areas where insurers are most actively targeting customers. The graph below illustrates the count of $750 excess products across different tiers in NSW over the past five years (excluding corporate products). Similar trends are observed in other states as described for NSW. The Basic, Bronze, and Silver Plus – lower tiers have seen increasing competitive pressure over the last five years. Insurers are rapidly introducing new products to cater more closely to customer needs and preferences. These market segments also benefit from lower claims risk, avoiding high-cost medical categories such as joint replacements, pregnancy, and psychiatric hospitalizations. The Silver Plus – higher tier has also expanded, though to a lesser extent compared to the lower tiers. In contrast, the Gold cover tier is the only segment where the number of available products has decreased. Insurers offering Gold products have had to raise premiums significantly to maintain these offerings, as highlighted earlier. Scale pricing Here we analyze changes in the Private Health Insurance (PHI) market over the past year.The graphs below depict the number of insurers applying each scale of relative charges for various types of products. We focus on scales that have experienced notable adjustments.Specifically, we’ll examine the scale for One adult and dependents (Single Parent Family). In total, five Funds made some modifications to their Single Parent Family relativity. The main call out here being that Medibank reduced its Extras relativity from 2.0 to 1.9. Two adults

With the multitude of health insurance companies and brands available in Australia, choosing the right one can be challenging. It is crucial to select a health fund that provides reputable hospital coverage, fair extras rebates, flexible policy options, and exceptional customer service. In this article, we will examine the top five health funds in Australia for 2024. Our rankings are based on key performance data that is Publicly available from the latest annual State of the Health Funds Report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman for Private Health Insurance Who are the *best health insurance funds in Australia? Different Private Health Funds excel in various areas, so it’s not as straightforward as simply naming the top five. Interestingly, the big for-profit Private Health Insurers rarely top the charts. In Australia, not-for-profit Private Health Insurance funds tend to perform at a higher standard in the areas we have listed below. However, many not-for-profit funds have restrictions and are not accessible to everyday Australians. While the funds highlighted in this article are notable, it’s important to understand that these are general statistics. Any fund can have a mix of both poor-performing and high-value policies. The *best Private Health Insurance in Australia is one that is precisely matched to your needs and/or your family’s health needs – a process that requires expert advice from CheckYourBill. Get a quick quote now and check this off your to-do list. What Makes the *Best Health Insurance in Australia? We’ll start with an essential disclaimer: the following assessment of what makes the “*best” Private Health Insurance in Australia is based on general performance statistics. In other words, just because a Private Health fund appears strong on paper doesn’t mean it will be the best fit for you or that it will have a policy that suits your unique needs. This is why obtaining reliable Private Health Insurance advice and a transparent, informative comparison with CheckYourBill  is crucial. Several key indicators help measure the effectiveness of a Private Health Insurance company, including: – Gap-Cover performance in private hospitals– Coverage of hospital-related charges– Extras benefits provided– Total benefits returned to members compared to premiums paid– Member retention (customer satisfaction)– Share of total complaints relative to market share We will guide you through these performance indicators to help you understand their significance when comparing a Private Health Insurance company or brand. *Best Health Insurance for Member Retention   Member Retention means the percentage of members who join the health fund that remain as a member and do not leave. A high customer retention number means the fund members are happy and are less likely to cancel or switch to another insurer – a fair indicator that the fund is doing something right. Other factors may include a very convincing retention team that contact members when they leave to entice them to stay. *Top 5 Health Insurance Companies for Member Retention (Open vs Restricted)(Stats source) Who is the *best Health Insurance for Benefits vs Premiums paid The benefits-as-a-percentage-of-contributions score indicates how much a Private Health Insurer returns to members compared to what members pay for their policies. This figure can be understood as cents returned per dollar. For instance, if a Private Health Fund has a 90% benefits score, it means the fund returns 90 cents for every dollar received. The term ‘benefits’ includes any payouts across private hospital and extras cover. This metric serves as a general indicator, revealing that any fund can have both highly generous policies and less favorable ones. Therefore, this performance indicator shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor when choosing a new Private Health Insurer. When evaluating Private Health Insurance, consider that the benefits percentage score is just one aspect. Ensure you look at other key performance indicators to make an informed decision. *Top 5 Private Health Insurance Companies for Benefits % (Open vs Restricted)(Stats source) Percentage of Total Complaints Vs Market Share We created this metric by comparing the Health Fund’s share of total industry complaints versus their market share. For example, if a health insurer has a 20% Market share but only 10% of all complaints, we can surmise that the Fund has a 0.5 Quality Score (the lower, the better) and significantly fewer complaints than they should have. In other words, they’re looking after their members and minimising areas where customers may need to complain. *Top 5 Health Funds for Quality Score (Complaints vs Market Share) (Stats source) Who is the *best Health Insurance in Australia for hospital related charges covered? When a member with Private Health Insurance visits a private hospital for in-patient services, numerous hospital-related charges can be covered by their insurance provider. These charges often include accommodation, theatre-room fees, and associated doctor’s fees. The following list highlights the *top Private Health Funds that cover the most hospital-related charges across Australia. It’s important to note that performance can vary by state, so consider the specific performance of each fund in your region. By understanding which Private Health Insurance companies excel in covering hospital-related charges, you can make a more informed decision about the best coverage for your needs. This evaluation is based on a broad average across the country, highlighting the top performers in providing comprehensive hospital coverage. *Best Private Health Funds for Hospital-Related Charges (Australia-Wide)(Stats source) Which Health Insurance companies performed *best for No Gap Cover in Hospital? The hospital “Gap” refers to the difference between what your Private Health Insurance pays for a specific surgery and the total charges by the private doctor or anesthetists. Private Health Insurance covers up to 100% of the Medicare Benefit Schedule fee for a procedure, but doctors can charge above this fee, creating a gap that the member must pay. When doctors participate in “gap cover” with the insurance company, the fund will pay more if the doctor agrees to a lower fee, resulting in no gap or a reduced gap for the patient. Understanding how gap cover works is crucial for minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. The *best Private Health Insurance funds for gap cover ensure that members face little to no additional costs for surgeries.