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        <title>Medibank Newsroom</title>
        <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/</link>
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                <title><![CDATA[New report reveals wellbeing gap for Australia's international students]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/new-report-reveals-wellbeing-gap-for-australias-international-students</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[New report reveals wellbeing gap for Australia's international students]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[New research released today by Medibank suggests that one in four international students living in Australia are struggling with their health and wellbeing, with loneliness emerging as a key warning sign of deeper risk.
Developed jointly by Medibank and international management consultancy Nous Group, and in partnership with six university partners, the report brings together the voices of international students, university perspectives, healthcare data and broader evidence to better understand the health and wellbeing experiences of students studying in Australia, and to identify opportunities to strengthen support.
The findings highlight the unique challenges many international students face as they navigate life in a new country while balancing study, work, financial pressures, and building new social connections.
The research indicates that:

one in four international students struggle with their health and wellbeing;
loneliness is a key warning sign of deeper health and wellbeing risks; and
students who need support most are often the least able to access it.

Medibank Executive Overseas, Becky Hyde said that understanding students' experiences is critical to ensuring support is reaching those who need it most.
&quot;International students make an enormous contribution to our communities, campuses and economy, but their experiences and wellbeing needs are often different to those of domestic students,&quot; she said.
&quot;What we've heard is that for many students, health and wellbeing challenges don't start with a crisis. Feelings of loneliness, isolation and disconnection can be early warning signs that someone may be struggling, and the findings reinforce the importance of fostering genuine connection and belonging on campus and beyond.
“Creating opportunities for students to connect is important, but we also need to understand whether those efforts are actually helping people feel they belong.
“That means treating health navigation, peer connection and professional care as connected parts of the same student journey, rather than separate supports students must piece together themselves.
&quot;We will use the insights and recommendations from this report to help shape how we better support our international student customers and university partners, particularly at key moments throughout the student journey when support is needed most.&quot;
The report identifies three priority areas for action:

Identify and respond to emerging difficulties earlier.
Treat social connection as core student success infrastructure.
Build awareness of available supports and make them easier to access.

Nous Group Principal and Global Head of Higher Education Zac Ashkanasy said: &quot;Most international students report a positive experience, but that headline hides a sizeable group facing pressures across their study, daily lives and social connections at the same time. Loneliness is an early warning sign of deeper risk, and social connection is not an add-on to the student experience.&quot;
&quot;Universities are not starting from zero. Many already provide lots of great services, but not enough of the students at greatest risk are using them. The opportunity is a more connected, timely, and navigable system, designed around what students need rather than how universities are organised.&quot;
The report highlights how belonging isn’t an abstract quality. Students are more likely to ask for help when they feel they have a place in the community around them, and connection changes how students respond to pressure. A student who feels known is more likely to ask a question, attend a support session, or speak up before things escalate.
The report was released at the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) in Sydney on Thursday 29 October, where Medibank and Nous will join university leaders and students to discuss the findings and opportunities to strengthen student wellbeing across the sector.
The report, National Report: International Student Health and Wellbeing, is available for download here.
About the report
The National Report: International Student Health and Wellbeing was developed jointly by Medibank and Nous Group. It draws on a survey of 2,296 international students across six universities, focus groups with more than 150 students, interviews with 42 university staff, student and university partner roundtables, university administrative data, Medibank OSHC claims data and existing literature.
The survey was cross-sectional, and its findings cannot be generalised to all international students in Australia.
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                                    <author>sharna.rhys-jones@medibank.com.au (Sharna Rhys-Jones)</author>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:30:00 +1100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Health Minister visits Myhealth as demand for free urgent care continues to grow ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/health-minister-visits-myhealth-as-demand-for-free-urgent-care-continues-to-grow</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[ The Hon. Mark Butler MP has visited Myhealth to meet clinicians and see firsthand the role Urgent Care Clinics are playing in improving access to care for local communities]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Almost 8,000 people have received free urgent care at the Myhealth Burwood Medicare Urgent Care Clinic since opening in December 2025, with the service now treating an average of 200 patients every week and helping take pressure off busy hospital emergency departments.
Yesterday, The Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, visited the clinic in Sydney's Inner West to meet clinicians and see firsthand the role Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCC) are playing in improving access to care for local communities.
Delivered by Myhealth, and adjacent to the Myhealth Burwood clinic, the UCC provides free urgent care for Medicare card holders and offers a convenient alternative to hospital emergency departments for people with urgent, but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Amplar Health Chief Executive and Group Lead Robert Read said the growing demand for urgent care services demonstrates the important role the clinics are playing in Australia's evolving healthcare system.
&quot;Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are a great example of thinking differently about how we deliver healthcare, helping people access timely treatment while easing pressure on busy hospital emergency departments,” Mr Read said.
&quot;As Australia's health needs continue to change, services like urgent care clinics are helping support the health system transition by ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
&quot;An urgent care clinic is a great alternative to visiting a hospital emergency department or waiting for a GP appointment when you or your family need medical attention quickly.
Urgent care clinics provide treatment for a wide range of illnesses and injuries including fractures, sprains, minor cuts and lacerations, burns, ear infections, urinary tract infections, rashes, and cold and flu symptoms.
With GPs, pathology and diagnostic imaging services available onsite or through local arrangements, the clinics are able to manage many conditions that would otherwise present to hospitals. Dr Monique Moloney said the clinics are seeing strong demand across all age groups.
&quot;The clinics are caring for patients of all ages, including many children and young families.
&quot;Interestingly, our largest patient group is adults aged 24 to 40 years, who most commonly attend for fractures, lacerations, gastro symptoms and cold and flu presentations.&quot;
Consultations at Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are free for Medicare card holders, with no out-of-pocket consultation fee. Following treatment, patients can choose to have a discharge summary shared with their regular GP to support continuity of care.
The Medibank Group's 92% investment in Myhealth reflects its commitment to strengthening primary care and supporting better access to healthcare in the community. Through investments in Myhealth and Better Medical, the Medibank Group is now one of Australia's largest primary care providers, helping accelerate the shift towards more accessible, preventative and community-based care.
Myhealth Urgent Care Clinics in NSW
Myhealth delivers Medicare Urgent Care Clinics at:
Myhealth Burwood Urgent Care – Shop G01, 8 Elsie Street, Burwood
Myhealth Top Ryde Urgent Care – MM17C, Level 1, Top Ryde Shopping Centre, corner Devlin Street and Blaxland Road, Ryde
Myhealth Liverpool Urgent Care – Level 2, Westfield Liverpool, 2090 Macquarie Street, Liverpool
All three clinics are open from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank convenes leading health voices to advance primary care reform ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-convenes-leading-health-voices-to-advance-primary-care-reform</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[More than 100 clinicians, policymakers, researchers, patient advocates and healthcare stakeholders gathered in Sydney today for the Medibank Group’s Primary Care Symposium]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[More than 100 clinicians, policymakers, researchers, patient advocates and healthcare stakeholders gathered in Sydney today for the Medibank Group’s Primary Care Symposium, exploring how Australia can strengthen primary care and improve health outcomes for future generations.
The Symposium brought together some of the country's leading voices in healthcare to discuss the challenges facing primary care and the reforms needed to improve access, affordability, prevention and the long-term sustainability of the health system.
The event featured keynote presentations from internationally recognised longevity and prevention expert Professor Luigi Fontana, who explored the role prevention can play in extending healthy years of life, Productivity Commission Commissioner Dr Alison Roberts, who discussed the importance of a whole-of-system approach to strengthening prevention, and Associate Professor Elizabeth Scott, University of Sydney, who shared perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing primary care reform.
A panel discussion featuring patient advocate Lisa Robins and RACGP President-elect Dr Ramya Raman highlighted the importance of ensuring patients remain at the centre of future reforms.
Medibank Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Wilson said strengthening primary care is critical if Australia is to meet the health challenges of the coming decades.
&quot;People in Australia are living longer than ever before, with life expectancy now reaching 81.1 years for men and 85.1 years for women. But we're also seeing rising rates of chronic disease, with six in 10 Australians now living with a chronic condition,” Dr Wilson said.
&quot;A significant amount of Australia's disease burden could be avoided or reduced by addressing modifiable risk factors, which is why prevention and access to high-quality primary care must be at the centre of healthcare reform.
&quot;Today's Symposium brought together experts and leaders from across the healthcare sector because no single organisation can solve these challenges alone.&quot;

Primary care is the front door of our health system. When people can access the right care at the right time, we can improve health outcomes, reduce avoidable hospitalisations and build a more sustainable healthcare system for future generations.

The Symposium forms part of Medibank's broader commitment to healthcare reform through research, advocacy, partnerships and health service delivery.
In recent years, Medibank has strengthened its role in primary care through investments in Myhealth and Better Medical, making it, one of Australia's largest primary care providers, supporting a network of around 1,500 GPs across Australia.
Through these investments, Medibank is helping drive the transition towards more connected, multidisciplinary and prevention-focused models of care.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said a strong primary care system is critical to improving the health of communities and addressing growing demand across the healthcare system.
&quot;General practice is the foundation of Australia's healthcare system. We need a system that supports prevention, continuity of care and multidisciplinary care, while ensuring patients can access affordable care when and where they need it,&quot; Dr Wright said.

General practice stands ready to play a bigger role.  Nearly all GPs provide preventative care, and want to do more – but appropriate funding and time is needed to deliver this critical care.

Research commissioned by Medibank and conducted by RedBridge highlights both the growing pressures on primary care and strong community support for reforms discussed at the Symposium.
Research highlights
Cost pressures and access challenges


Healthcare is the most important issue for 9% of Australians and one of the top three issues for 42%.


Among those who prioritise healthcare, emergency department wait times and the cost of private health insurance and GP visits are the leading concerns.


26% of Australians report they or a member of their immediate family have delayed or avoided seeing a GP due to cost pressures in the past three years.


Among people with private health insurance, 21% have delayed or avoided GP care due to cost, rising to 33% among those without private health insurance.


37% of families with two or more children report going without GP care due to cost.


35% of renters report not seeking GP care due to cost pressures.


57% of Australians experiencing economic stress have forgone GP visits.


44% of Australians say an emergency department would be among their top three care options when they are unable to access a GP.


Support for primary care reform


71% of Australians support team-based care once the model is explained.


81% believe GP clinics should offer integrated services such as psychologists, physiotherapists and dietitians.


The research found women are more likely to prioritise the health needs of others ahead of their own healthcare, creating additional barriers to timely care.


The Medibank Group Primary Care Symposium was designed to contribute to the national conversation on primary care reform and help shape a shared vision for a more accessible, affordable and prevention-focused health system.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:30:00 +1100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank launches Cancer Coaching program to support customers through cancer treatment]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-launches-cancer-coaching-program-to-support-customers-through-cancer-treatment</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank customers undergoing cancer treatment can now access personalised virtual support.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Medibank customers undergoing cancer treatment can now access personalised virtual support through a new Cancer Coaching program delivered in partnership with Osara Health.
The program is designed to help customers navigate the physical, emotional and practical challenges that can accompany a cancer diagnosis, complementing the care provided by their treating clinical teams.
Available to eligible customers with resident hospital cover who are undergoing treatment for cancer or have received a cancer diagnosis within the last three months, the program provides access to trained health coaches, personalised care planning, practical education resources and digital symptom tracking tools, at no additional cost.
Medibank Chief Customer Officer Milosh Milisavljevic said a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and many people need support that extends beyond their medical treatment.
&quot;Everyone's cancer journey is different, and the challenges people face often go beyond the clinical aspects of their care,&quot; Mr Milisavljevic said.
&quot;Through the program with Osara Health, we're helping customers access personalised support, practical tools and evidence-based resources that can help them feel more informed, confident and supported throughout treatment and recovery.
&quot;The program complements the care that customers receive from their doctors and healthcare teams, while supporting customers to navigate to day-to-day challenges such as fatigue, sleep, nutrition, exercise and mental wellbeing, it is not intended to replace clinical or psychological care.”
Osara Health Co-Founder &amp; CEO Raghav Murali Ganesh said the collaboration would help more Australians access supportive cancer care when they need it most.
“We’re incredibly excited to be working with Medibank and to bring our shared vision for cancer support to life,” said Mr Murali Ganesh.
“Together, we have an opportunity to give more people the kind of support that considers the whole person, alongside the medical care they are already receiving.
“It's fantastic to work with an organisation so committed to finding new ways to support its customers through what is often an overwhelming, life-altering experience.
“We all know that cancer doesn't discriminate by postcode, which is why it's so important that our program is accessible no matter where you live. Partnering with Medibank means we can reach even more Australians living with a cancer diagnosis, wherever they are in the country.”
Participants in the Cancer Coaching program receive:

Three personalised one-on-one virtual coaching sessions over six to 12 weeks
Support from a dedicated health coach throughout the program
A personalised care plan tailored to individual goals and needs
Weekly digital education modules covering topics such as nutrition, exercise, sleep and symptom management
Access to the Osara Health app for symptom tracking and practical ongoing support
Care coordination and planning informed by individual treatment needs.

Customers can communicate with their coach via phone, SMS or email and continue to access resources through the Osara Health app after completing the program.
For more information or to enquire about eligibility, customers can contact Medibank's Customer Health Support Team on 1300 733 338.
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                                    <author>sharna.rhys-jones@medibank.com.au (Sharna Rhys-Jones)</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:30:00 +1100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Better Medical launches mobile GP clinic pilot for aged care in Queensland]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/better-medical-launches-mobile-gp-clinic-pilot-for-aged-care-in-queensland</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[New ‘Your Doctor in Aged Care’ pilot expands access to primary care for older Australians ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Better Medical has launched a Queensland pilot program to improve access to primary care for older Australians living in residential aged care facilities through its dedicated mobile aged care clinic, Your Doctor in Aged Care.
The new model brings Better Medical's aged care GP services together under a dedicated clinic structure that provides centralised administration, coordination and clinical support. By reducing the administrative burden on GPs, the model enables doctors to spend more time delivering high-quality care directly to residents.
The Queensland service currently supports around 10 GPs caring for almost 800 residents across 24 residential aged care facilities and provides additional support to aged care GPs and residents in other states.
The pilot was developed in response to growing demand for more streamlined GP services in aged care, increasing workforce pressures across primary care and the need for more sustainable ways to support GPs caring for Australia's ageing population.
Better Medical Director of Medical Services and GP with an interest in aged care, Dr Claire Broadley, said the model was designed to improve access to care while supporting clinicians to practise at the top of their scope.
&quot;Aged care continues to face significant workforce and access challenges, particularly in regional communities where access to GPs can be limited,&quot; Dr Broadley said.
&quot;Older Australians deserve timely, high-quality and compassionate medical care. By providing dedicated administrative and operational support behind the scenes, we're making it easier for GPs to focus on what matters most, caring for their patients.&quot;
&quot;Through this new Queensland-based service, we're supporting 10 GPs delivering care to almost 800 residents across 24 aged care facilities. It's an important step towards improving continuity of care and expanding access to medical services for older Australians.&quot;
&quot;We're proud of what we've built and excited about the opportunity to continue refining the model and exploring how it could support more residents in the future.&quot;
Amplar Health Group Lead Robert Read said the pilot is a model which seeks to improve health outcomes for older Australians and further extends our commitment to improving aged care in Australia.
&quot;Primary care is the front door to Australia's healthcare system. It plays a critical role in helping people stay healthier for longer, reducing avoidable hospitalisations and helping patients access the care they need, when and where they need it,&quot; Mr Read said.

As Australia's population ages, we need smarter and more sustainable ways of delivering care. Models such as Your Doctor in Aged Care bring healthcare directly to residents while supporting GPs to provide proactive, comprehensive and connected care.

&quot;At Amplar Health, we're committed to strengthening primary care because a stronger primary care system delivers better outcomes for patients and a more sustainable healthcare system for Australia.&quot;
&quot;We're proud to support Better Medical as it tests and refines this model in Queensland, with the potential to expand access to high-quality aged care services for more older Australians in the future.&quot;
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Fifty years of our modern health system and the green card that changed Australia]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/fifty-years-of-our-modern-health-system-and-the-green-card-that-changed-australia</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[As the Medibank Group turned 50 on 1 October 2026, its story overlaps with Medicare, the creation of our modern health system and the way Australians think about illness and wellbeing.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[As the Medibank Group turned 50 on 1 October 2026, its story overlaps with Medicare, the creation of our modern health system and the way Australians think about illness and wellbeing.
For many Australians, the green Medicare card is simply part of life. It’s tucked away in wallets, hidden in drawers or forgotten about until someone asks to see it – often without a second thought.
Yet few pieces of plastic have done more to shape modern Australia. Behind it sits a simple but powerful idea: that people across Australia should be able to access healthcare when they need it, from the mundane to the life-threatening, regardless of their circumstances.
Its history is intertwined with Medibank's own story. It’s why this 50-year story matters. Medibank was one of the most significant social reforms of the post-war era, and a coalition of powerful interests fought to stop it.
The Senate blocked the original bills before a joint sitting pushed them through, enabling the Whitlam government to launch the new scheme on 1 July 1975.
It took real nerve to build something that ambitious with so much lined up against it.
The Fraser government then changed the model, adding a levy and giving more space to private cover.
With this, the government established Medibank Private on 1 October 1976, marking the beginning of our own distinct journey within Australia's health system.
The Hawke government brought universal cover back in 1984 under a new name, Medicare, while Medibank Private continued on its path before it was corporatised in 1997 and listed on the ASX in 2014.
Over the past half-century, a lot has changed, with demand for services shifting in response to demographic trends and evolving consumer needs and expectations. Today, Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world, but it’s under pressure.
Since 1976, Australia’s population has nearly doubled from 14 million to 27.8 million, with the proportion aged 65 and over jumping from 9 per cent to 17 per cent.
Fifty years ago, Australians were more likely to die prematurely from cardiovascular disease and injury, driven by high smoking rates and lower safety standards.
Today, people in Australia are living around 11 years longer compared to 1976. Yet a greater proportion of those extra years are spent in ill health, with around 60 per cent of adults living with at least one chronic condition, while rates of mental ill health have also increased substantially.
Dementia has now overtaken heart disease as Australia’s leading cause of death, illustrating a broader shift from acute illness to long-term, age-related conditions.
Artificial intelligence may be the next big shift, with the potential to change how disease is prevented, diagnosed and treated. But we cannot assume that AI will always act in a patient’s interest. Left unchecked, the algorithm will follow the money, creating a real risk that people will be taken advantage of when they are at their most vulnerable.
In health, AI must be safe, accountable and designed around what is best for each person’s health. Healthcare is fundamentally human. Technology should strengthen that, not replace it.
While technology will be part of the solution, it will not resolve the pressure building across the system on its own.
Today, under the Medibank and ahm brands, Medibank offers private cover in a competitive environment. People value the choice and shorter waits it offers, but they feel every premium rise.
Medicare is about universal access and the idea that adequate healthcare should not depend on your personal wealth. It’s the system’s safety net.
It’s the dynamic balance at the heart of Australian health, and this is where the two anniversaries meet.
Independent modelling estimates privately funded hospital activity delivered a net benefit of about $836 billion over 50 years in 2026 dollars.
The model counts about 100 million avoided public hospital visits, 318 million public bed-days saved over 50 years, as well as almost 28,000 equivalent public beds freed in the latest year.
These are modelled estimates, not cash in a bank account.
But the message is clear. Private health has helped Medicare by expanding system capacity, absorbing demand for elective surgery, supporting workforce development and accelerating the adoption of innovations such as day surgery and virtual care.
Yet pressure on both the public and private systems continues to build, even as health spending rises.
But the problem isn’t so much how much we spend as where. Most of our health dollars go to treating people once they’re unwell. We’ve built a hospital-based sick care system, when the biggest gains are in prevention, primary care and care in people’s homes.
Given our current needs in health, care today is more about helping people avoid or live with complex conditions. This takes care that’s connected, with the GP, specialist, hospital, pharmacist, physiotherapist and psychologist working from the same picture instead of leaving patients to join the dots.
For households, the debate in health right now is more basic. Will the GP bulk bill? How big is the out-of-pocket at the specialist? Can dad get his knee done before next winter?
Medicare is loved because it gives everyone access to healthcare when they need it most. It’s foundational to our health system and one of the greatest success stories of our nation. The green card still gives us a sense of pride.
Fifty years ago, it took nerve to build our health system – both public and private. It remains the envy of the world. Our job now is to show the same nerve in writing its next chapter, because what we have is no longer fit for purpose.
As the Medibank Group marked 50 years on 1 October 2026, we know that a strong, functioning health system is one where both the public and private sectors work together.
We began with the ambition of giving people in Australia greater choice and control in how they access healthcare.  Half a century on, although our world now looks very different, that purpose still defines us and the contribution Medibank, ahm and Amplar Health make to the health system.
Right now, we are at a critical juncture. Preserving and strengthening Australia's health system will require sustained reform, continuous innovation in care models and increased adoption of technology. This change will require genuine partnership between government, the health sector and the community.
Transformational change is essential if we are to meet growing consumer health needs and to keep our health system one of the best in the world.
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                                    <author>David Koczkar</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:21:00 +1100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank Group marks 50 years with additional $50m mental health investment, taking total to $100m]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-group-marks-50-years-with-additional-50m-mental-health-investment-taking-total-to-100m</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank Group marks 50 years of supporting people in Australia with an additional $50 million investment in the future of mental health. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[This October, Medibank Group is marking 50 years of supporting people in Australia with an additional $50 million investment in the future of mental health - bringing the total recent investment to $100 million - as it looks to the next chapter of Australia’s evolving health system.
Since 1976, Medibank Group has supported people in Australia through some of life’s most important health moments, paying more than $200 billion in today’s dollars in benefits, supporting more than 1.2 billion claims and funding around 75 million hospital admissions and procedures.
Building upon our 50-year history as one of Australia’s leading health insurers, Medibank Group now includes our Medibank and ahm brands, and our Amplar Health portfolio, including Better Medical and Myhealth, one of Australia’s largest multidisciplinary primary care networks, together with strategic investments and joint ventures across short stay surgical and acute mental health hospitals.
Today, more than six million Australians trust Medibank Group with their health and wellbeing. Among them, over 40,000 customers have been with Medibank Group since 1976, and more than 20% of customers have held their policies for over 25 years - a testament to the enduring role Medibank has played for generations of people.
$100 million total investment in mental health over five years
To mark the 50-year milestone, the Medibank Group has today announced an additional $50 million investment over five years to invest in mental health access, prevention and innovation for customers and the broader community.
Medibank Group CEO David Koczkar said the health company has supported people in Australia through some of their most important moments over the past 50 years.
“We’re proud of the contribution we’ve made to Australia’s health system and the role we’ve played in helping people live healthier lives. As one of Australia’s largest health companies, we have an important role to play in helping shape what comes next,” Mr Koczkar said.
“We believe mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, as almost half of us will face mental ill health at some point in our life. Mental health is fundamental to our overall health and wellbeing, but too many people still face barriers to getting the support they need.
“The rate of mental ill-health is growing at an alarming rate in Australia. Over the past decade, we have spent around $2 billion towards our customers’ mental health hospital admissions. For many people, the current system is not working and is creating more problems for our stretched health network.
“Our additional $50 million investment in mental health - bringing the total to $100 million – demonstrates our commitment to improve mental health in Australia, to help more people access support earlier and when they need it most.”
The additional investment will support initiatives including an expansion of our Virtual Psychology Clinic and new acute mental health innovation with hospitals and will also extend to a new partnership with Smiling Mind, making mental wellbeing tools more accessible to Medibank customers and the broader community.
Independent research on the evolution of Australia’s health system
New research commissioned for Medibank's 50th anniversary explores how Australia's health system, and the place of private healthcare in it, has changed over five decades.
The research estimates privately funded healthcare activity has helped ease pressure on Australia’s public hospital system, avoiding an estimated 100 million public hospital separations and around 318 million public hospital bed-days over the past 50 years. This translates to the equivalent to freeing up approximately 28,000 public hospital beds in today’s health system, helping to redirect capacity towards emergency and complex care.
The research also highlights the significant role of the private system in delivering care, with private hospitals accounting for around 40% of hospital admissions nationally and approximately 67% of elective surgery admissions.
For Medibank Group, the changing demands on the health system are reflected in how Australians are using healthcare.
The average number of health services accessed by a Medibank customer annually has more than doubled, from five services per customer in 1977 to 11.5 in 2025.
“Australia’s health needs have changed dramatically over the past 50 years,” Mr Koczkar said.
“People are living longer and managing more complex health needs, and healthcare is increasingly about prevention, ongoing support and helping people stay healthier, not simply treating illness when it occurs.”
Reflections on the past and looking to the future
In recent video interviews with Medibank, former Australian prime minister John Howard AO and current Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler reflected on the contributions of the Medibank Group to the health system in Australia.
John Howard AO, who served from 1996 to 2007, reflected on Medibank Group’s role in the evolution of Australia’s private health system. During his time in government, significant reforms were introduced to strengthen private health insurance, an achievement he has described as one of his government’s most significant legacies.
Mr Howard said Australia’s combination of public and private healthcare had helped create a strong and balanced health system.
“I think we have a happy medium. It’s neither totally private nor totally public. It’s a bit of each,” Mr Howard said.
“We need a strong public system to provide a safety net. But we also need a supplement of a private system that looks after people who are prepared to put money aside for a rainy day.”
Australia’s Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said the combination of public and private healthcare remained an important part of Australia’s health system.
“Australia is fortunate to have one of the best health systems in the world and at its heart is a strong public health system that delivers world class care to Australians whenever they need it,” Mr Butler said.
“But alongside that sits a vital private health system, giving Australians more choice, supporting access to timely care, and playing a critical role in easing demand on our public hospitals.
“Our public and private health systems work together to ensure that Australians have access to treatment when they need it, where they need it.”
As Australia’s health needs have evolved, so too has Medibank Group’s role, with the company increasingly expanding its focus beyond health insurance.
Over the past decade, Medibank Group has invested almost $500 million in expanding its health capabilities across primary care, home-based care, virtual health and digital health, helping people access more connected and personalised care across different stages of their health journey.
“As we look to the next 50 years, we want to help make mental health support more accessible and ensure more people can get help earlier, when it can make the biggest difference,” Mr Koczkar said.
“We’re proud of how far Medibank Group has come, but our focus is firmly on the future and continuing to make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of people in Australia.”
For further information about the historical timeline of the Medibank Group, visit History | Medibank Group.
Assets available for media use
A video news release featuring Medibank Group Medical Director Dr Shona Sundaraj, Mr John Howard AO and historical Medibank footage available HERE.
Radio interviews featuring Medibank Group Medical Director and GP Dr Shona Sundaraj, Mr John Howard AO, Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing of Australia, Medibank customer Chris Seers and Medibank Chief Executive Officer David Koczkar available HERE.
Medibank Group 50 years strong booklet - a visual storybook discussing the evolution of healthcare in Australia available HERE.
Archival Medibank images and behind the scenes photos of Mr John Howard AO, available HERE.
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                                    <author>emily.ritchie@medibank.com.au (Emily Ritchie)</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank customers embrace virtual GP care as demand surges]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-customers-embrace-virtual-gp-care-as-demand-surges</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Thousands of Medibank customers are turning to virtual GP appointments, highlighting the growing role telehealth is playing in improving access to primary care across Australia]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Thousands of Medibank customers are turning to virtual GP appointments, highlighting the growing role telehealth is playing in improving access to primary care across Australia.
New data shows significant growth in the use of Medibank's GP telehealth service, delivered by Amplar Health Online Doctor, with August appointments up 34% on July, reflecting increasing demand from customers seeking convenient, timely access to healthcare.
Currently running as a pilot, the service gives eligible Medibank customers access to three fully covered virtual GP appointments each year at no additional cost, helping Australians access quality primary care when and where they need it most.
The increase comes as Australians continue to face challenges accessing primary care, particularly in regional and rural communities and amid ongoing GP workforce pressures.
Medibank Group Medical Director and GP Dr Shona Sundaraj said the strong growth demonstrates how virtual healthcare is helping address some of the biggest barriers Australians face when seeking medical care.
&quot;Australians are increasingly embracing virtual healthcare because it offers something many people are struggling to find, timely, convenient access to a GP,&quot; Dr Sundaraj said.

We know there are people living in regional and rural communities who can face long wait times or significant travel to see a doctor. We also know there are busy parents juggling work, school drop-offs and caring responsibilities who simply can't afford to spend half a day getting to and from an appointment. Virtual GP consultations can help bridge those gaps by bringing healthcare to people wherever they are.

&quot;Importantly, virtual care can also make it easier for family members to be part of a consultation when needed. As our population ages, being able to have an adult child, carer or other support person join an appointment can make a real difference to a patient's understanding of their healthcare and treatment options.
&quot;This is about equity of access. Quality healthcare shouldn't depend on your postcode, your work schedule, your caring responsibilities or your ability to travel. Virtual care is playing an increasingly important role in ensuring more Australians can access the healthcare they need.&quot;
Medibank is continuing to invest in digital health services such as a mental health line, nurse line and virtual psychology, all as part of its broader commitment to helping customers stay healthy and access care earlier, with virtual GP appointments complementing traditional face-to-face care.
The service enables eligible customers to securely connect with an Australian-registered specialist GP from home, work or while travelling within Australia, providing convenient support for a range of everyday health concerns.
The surge in demand reflects broader changes in how Australians want to access healthcare, with more people seeking flexible healthcare options that fit around increasingly busy lives.
Dr Sundaraj said virtual GP services are not intended to replace a patient's regular doctor, but to complement existing care and are becoming an important part of the healthcare ecosystem.
&quot;Primary care remains the foundation of a strong health system, but Australians are telling us they want more ways to access that care,&quot; Dr Sundaraj said.

By combining virtual health services with traditional healthcare pathways, we can help more people get the right care at the right time. Whether it's a parent managing competing priorities, someone in a regional town or a customer who simply needs medical advice quickly, virtual GP services are helping remove barriers and making healthcare more accessible.

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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:06:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Amplar Health unveils new brand as it accelerates its mission to transform healthcare for Australians ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/amplar-health-unveils-new-brand-as-it-accelerates-its-mission-to-transform-healthcare-for-australians</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Amplar Health has unveiled a new brand identity, marking an important milestone in its evolution and reflecting its growing role in delivering more seamless, personalised and proactive healthcare experiences for Australians]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Amplar Health has unveiled a new brand identity, marking an important milestone in its evolution and reflecting its growing role in delivering more seamless, personalised and proactive healthcare experiences for people in Australia.
As the healthcare delivery company of the Medibank Group, Amplar Health is central to the Group's vision of creating the best health and wellbeing for Australia and its 2030 ambition of supporting better health outcomes for more Australians while helping build a more sustainable health system.
The refreshed brand comes as Amplar Health expands its reach beyond its traditional business-to-business foundations and increasingly delivers healthcare services, under the Amplar Health identity directly to patients across Australia.
Over the past year, Amplar Health delivered 5.3 million patient interactions, helping Australians access care where and when they need it. Through innovative models of care such as home-based services, the organisation also helped save 194,000 hospital bed days in FY26, reducing pressure on the healthcare system while improving patient experiences.
Today, Amplar Health supports Australians through a growing range of services including home hospital services, virtual nursing and GP services, prevention and wellbeing programs, and primary care services through Myhealth and Better Medical clinics.
The new Amplar Health brand reflects our commitment to reshaping healthcare through experiences that combine technology, data and deeply human care. By focusing on earlier intervention and prevention, delivering care in the settings that work best for people and leveraging insights and clinical expertise to deliver more integrated care, we aim to improve outcomes for patients, customers and communities while making healthcare accessible, proactive and personalised to individual needs at every stage of their journey.
Amplar Health Group Lead Robert Read said the new brand represents both the organisation's evolution and its future ambition.
&quot;We're taking another important step in Amplar Health's evolution,” Mr Read said.

Our refreshed brand reflects our ambition to deliver better healthcare experiences for more Australians while staying true to what matters most, providing exceptional care and support

&quot;This is an exciting moment for our people, our customers and the future of Amplar Health.&quot;
Mr Read said Amplar Health's role in the future of Australian healthcare had never been more important.
&quot;Australia's healthcare system is undergoing significant change, and Amplar Health is well positioned to help support that transition. Through virtual care, hospital-in-the-home services, prevention programs, primary care and innovative partnerships, we're making healthcare accessible, connected and sustainable,” he said.
&quot;Our ambition is simple but powerful. We want to empower lives and transform health by delivering the integrated healthcare experiences Australians deserve. Every service we provide and every innovation we pursue contributes to Medibank's vision of better health and wellbeing for Australia.&quot;
The launch of the new Amplar Health brand signals the organisation's commitment to continued growth and innovation as it works to reach more people, support more communities and contribute to a more proactive, personalised and sustainable future for healthcare.
Abour Amplar Health
Backed by 30 years of expertise, Amplar Health connects Australians with personalised primary care, aged care, rehabilitation, hospital and mental health services. We deliver healthcare when and where people need it and are guided by a robust clinical governance framework. Through more seamless and proactive healthcare experiences, Amplar Health is helping create better health outcomes for individuals at every stage of their health journey while supporting a more sustainable healthcare system. That's how we deliver amplified healthcare, everywhere we are.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank Group releases Annual Report 2026, marking 50 years strong ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-group-releases-annual-report-2026-marking-50-years-strong</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[The report highlights another strong year for the Group, with growth across health insurance and health services, expanded healthcare delivery through Amplar Health, deeper customer engagement and continued investment in improving access to care.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Medibank Group today released its Annual Report 2026, marking 50 years of supporting the health and wellbeing of people in Australia.
The report highlights another strong year for the Group, with growth across health insurance and health services, expanded healthcare delivery through Amplar Health, deeper customer engagement and continued investment in improving access to care.
Today, more than six million people in Australia trust Medibank Group with their health and wellbeing through Medibank, ahm and Amplar Health, reflecting the company's evolution from the only private health fund that covers Australia into a health company.
In a joint message, Chair Mike Wilkins AO and Chief Executive Officer David Koczkar said FY26 demonstrated the strength of Medibank's strategy and its growing role across Australia's health system.

This October marks 50 years of Medibank. For 50 years, we have stood alongside people in Australia to help them choose the right care and access it when it matters most. Today, customers turn to us not only for health insurance, but for health and wellbeing support that makes a genuine difference in their lives,

A first look at the new Medibank Group brand
The 2026 Annual Report marks the first look at our refreshed Medibank Group brand identity, offering an early preview ahead of the official launch on 1 October 2026.
Coinciding with the Medibank Group's 50th anniversary, our new identity has been designed to celebrate the organisation's heritage while creating a clearer distinction between the Medibank Group and our consumer brands, Medibank, ahm and Amplar Health.
Our 50-year anniversary is the perfect opportunity to launch a Medibank Group brand identity that honours our heritage while reflecting our maturity, strength and future ambitions.
By drawing on elements of our original 1976 identity, we've created a modern brand that respects our history while positioning us for what's next.
Another strong year for the group
The Annual Report also highlights another strong year including:


Delivering value for customers through affordability and wellbeing initiatives, including more than $250 million of savings delivered through Members' Choice and no gap networks


Expanding healthcare delivery through Amplar Health, including supporting 5.3 million patient interactions


Expanding Medibank's primary care network through the acquisition of Better Medical


Continuing to invest in mental health and prevention programs, with $11.5 million invested in mental health initiatives as part of Medibank's five-year, $50 million commitment


Progressing towards becoming one of Australia's healthiest workplaces, including being recognised as Best Enterprise Organisation at the AFR BOSS Best Places to Work Awards


Releasing Medibank's first Sustainability Report aligned to Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards


These achievements reflect the dedication, expertise and care of our people across the organisation.
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                                <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:55:00 +1000</pubDate>
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