Changes to Private Health Insurance

Understanding the 2019 private health insurance reforms.

Why is the Australian government introducing changes to private health insurance?

The new changes aim to make health insurance simpler to understand for all Australians, and make it easier to compare hospital products to find the cover that best suits your needs. Depending on your level of cover you may be affected by these reforms, so we’re going to make the transition smooth and ensure you understand what they mean.

We’ll keep you up to date on the reforms as they come into effect but in the meantime, here’s an overview of what’s changing this year

Watch the video below to learn more about the health insurance changes.

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Discounts for young Australians

We now offer aged-based discounts to 18-29 year-olds taking out eligible hospital cover.

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$750 excess

We also now offer hospital products with a $750 excess. Choosing a product with a higher excess can help reduce your health cover premiums.

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Changes to some natural therapy services

Following the government changes on 1 April 2019, all private health insurers are no longer permitted to pay benefits towards some natural therapy services.

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Standard Definitions and introduction of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic product categories

We have started using ‘standard clinical definitions’ across our website and whenever you hear from us. The name of your product is also being updated so it can be classified as ‘Basic’, ‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ or ‘Gold’ health insurance, to make it easier to compare.

What else is being introduced or changed?

  • We’re giving people with Restricted inpatient psychiatric services under their hospital cover the ability to upgrade and access higher benefits without an additional waiting period. The Mental Health Waiver can only be used once in a member’s lifetime across any private health insurer. 
  • Other changes include travel and accommodation benefits on some hospital covers for people in regional and rural areas who need to travel more than 200km for hospital treatment. 

To find out more about the government private health insurance changes, visit the Department of Health website.

 

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