Health Insurance

‘No gap’ and ‘known gap’ arrangements can reduce bill shock for hospital treatment, but they rely on doctors joining an insurer’s scheme and they don’t solve costs outside hospital — especially specialist consultations in private rooms, which insurers can’t cover.

A large review of research involving nearly 470,000 U.S. patients ages 15 to 39 found consistent links between insurance status, stage at diagnosis and survival across many cancer types, with privately insured patients generally faring better than those on Medicaid or without coverage.

A Nevada Division of Insurance report says at least 16 carriers likely placed greater barriers on mental health and substance use care than on physical health services. State officials and lawmakers describe the findings as a starting point for further examinations that could extend into 2027, while consumers and advocates point to delays, denials and thin provider networks as real-world consequences.

Medicaid enrollment climbed to a record high during the pandemic under continuous coverage rules, then fell sharply when eligibility checks resumed. Data from the “Great Unwinding” show that state administrative choices—especially around paperwork and automatic renewals—played a major role in who stayed covered.

An analysis commissioned by the Department of Health and Aged Care finds the government saves about $554 per subsidised private health insurance participant each year on average, after accounting for rebates and forgone Medicare Levy Surcharge revenue. The results also point to larger savings among older people and raise the case for more targeted, risk-adjusted subsidies.

Australia is moving to restrict how life insurers use genetic test results, but different rules still apply across life, travel and health insurance. Understanding what you must disclose, what insurers can ask, and where grey areas remain can help you avoid disputes and unintended gaps in cover.

Private health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 4.41% from April 1, the largest rise in nine years. The increase exceeds inflation, and comes as insurers report strong profits. Here is how premium rises are approved, why claims costs matter, and what the recent numbers suggest about whether the increase is justified.

A practical overview of Australia’s leading private health insurers by market share in 2025, including how open vs restricted membership works, the difference between for-profit and not-for-profit funds, and what to check when comparing policies—especially portability rules around waiting periods.

Australia’s health insurance market is dominated by five big funds—Medibank, Bupa, HBF, HCF and NIB. Here’s a practical comparison using complaints ratings, out-of-pocket (gap) costs, and common discounts that can affect what you pay.

For freelancers, sole traders and small business owners, private health insurance can be a major line item—yet going without it can carry costs too. The right decision depends on your income, your health needs, and how much financial risk you can comfortably manage.