2019 |Annual Review
  • 01 Our customers
  • 02 Our people
  • 03 Our community

Reshaping our health system for the better

We’re getting in front of the challenges facing healthcare in Australia. This year marked the biggest change to private health insurance in 18 years with the introduction of Federal Government reforms, designed to improve simplicity, transparency and affordability.

Medibank adopted all the voluntary reforms because we believe it’s the right thing to do for our customers.

But more needs to be done. With increasing rates of chronic disease and mental health issues, combined with an ageing population, more pressure is being placed on our health system.

It’s why we are actively pursuing new approaches to delivering healthcare outside of the hospital, focusing on preventative health and alternative care settings, and targeting chronic disease.

Reconstructions that are easier on the hip (pocket)


We’re supporting those keen to innovate, funding an Australian-first trial by Nexus Hospitals and orthopaedic surgeons. In line with international best practice, it will trial hip and knee replacements shifting to an early to home care model where clinically appropriate. Nexus is offering participating Medibank customers a zero out-of-pocket medical experience (hospital excess still applies), which is a win for patients.

Reforms introduced


$750 hospital excess

Discounts for young Australians

Rural and regional travel and accommodation allowance

Standardised Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic tiers

Standard clinical definitions

Removal of some natural therapies

Mental health support

Learn more about the reforms at medibank.com.au/changes

We continue to address out-of-pocket costs and push for greater cost and quality transparency for patients.

And we’re sharing our expertise with others to help improve Australia’s health system – expanding our chronic disease management program CareComplete to other health payors and partnering with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to protect them against incorrect claims.