Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve worked hard to give back to our members and improve affordability. We are very proud to have been one of the first health funds in Australia to provide meaningful financial relief – well ahead of others in the market.
In fact, we were the only fund in Australia to provide our members with a discount on both hospital and extras premiums when the pandemic first impacted health services in 2020.
We have also delayed our annual rate rise three times, in 2020, 2021 and 2023, offered premium reductions and a program to provide cash payments towards member’s out-of-pocket hospital costs.
These measures have seen us give back over $19.7M to our members, which equates to an average per policy of approximately $400*.
We also continue to provide options and relief to our members who are facing financial hardship or unemployment.
As a not-for-profit fund, we will always keep premium increases to the absolute minimum necessary to ensure we can continue delivering you high quality cover that remains accessible and provides great value, even as healthcare costs continue to rise.
There are many factors that contribute to increases in the cost of healthcare. Here’s a look at some of them:
Australians have access to one of the best health systems in the world, however new and improved medical technology and treatment options often comes with higher costs.
Private Health Insurers are required to pay benefits for products listed on the Australian Government's Prescribed List of Medical Device and Human Tissue Products ('prescribed list') provided to a patient as part of hospital substitute treatment.
Of real concern is the inflated price of many items on the prescribed list, with Australians paying between 30 and 100% more for medical devices and human tissue products than other countries, including the UK and New Zealand.
There are more than 11,000 products on the prescribed list which includes set prices for artificial joints and pacemakers, but also includes items like staples and surgical sponges that should not be considered medical devices and human tissue products.
The exorbitant costs of all these items, which must be paid for by insurers, is having a direct impact on premiums.
While the Government has committed to reforms that will drive down prices, pressure from multi-national medical device companies has stalled promised reforms being implemented.
At Health Partners, we’re actively lobbying for these important reforms to be delivered to shift value away from medical device manufacturers to consumers, so we can continue to offer you affordable health insurance.
Australia’s ageing population and the associated rise in incidence of chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease means more and more people are using the health system. While treatment for these often complex medical conditions can be life-saving, they are costly and can require frequent hospital admissions.
Your premiums, including any necessary increases, ensure that we can continue to pay claims for these vital treatments now, and offer peace of mind that you can access treatment quickly and with your choice of doctor, should you need it in the future.
Health Partners’ premiums are adjusted relative to the costs associated with providing each individual policy. This means the amount your premium increases depends on your policy and may be above or below Health Partners’ average premium increase.
Having private health insurance has never been more important. There are some healthcare costs that aren’t covered by Medicare at all and private health insurance policies are designed to cover some or all of those out-of-pocket expenses. It also pays for a range of treatments including COVID-19 hospital-related claims for all members with Hospital cover and importantly lets you access treatment on your own terms.
You get to choose your own specialist, as well as where and when you’ll be treated.
Continuity of care is something that can’t be undervalued.
With Hospital Cover you can avoid long public hospital waits, which can take months or even years, by choosing your own doctor and timing for treatment.
You can view the full details of what’s covered under your policy and your premium (including your rebate entitlement if applicable) at any time by logging in to Members Online.
Using it for the first time? Register here.
*$19.7M as at 30 May 2023. Average per policy based on membership as at 30 June 2023.
You won’t need to re-serve equivalent waits
To make sure you’re happy
Caring for members’ health for over 85 years
You won’t need to re-serve equivalent waits
To make sure you’re happy
Caring for members’ health for over 85 years
© Copyright Health Partners. 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Health Partners is committed to providing quality and affordable health care, and we value our members and our obligation to protect your privacy. As part of our responsibility in protecting your privacy, from time to time we review our policies to ensure we are meeting our obligations. We have recently made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please click here to view the Health Partners Privacy Policy.
© Copyright Health Partners. 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Health Partners is committed to providing quality and affordable health care, and we value our members and our obligation to protect your privacy. As part of our responsibility in protecting your privacy, from time to time we review our policies to ensure we are meeting our obligations. We have recently made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please click here to view the Health Partners Privacy Policy.
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