Private Health Insurance Membership Rises In Australia

Figures released today show that more Australians are continuing to take out private health insurance (PHI) membership.

A total of 44.7 per cent of all Australians were covered by private hospital insurance in the September 2009 quarter. This is the highest proportion of people with hospital insurance since December 2001.

More than 75,000 extra people are now covered by private hospital insurance, and more than 100,000 extra people have general treatment or ancillary cover.

The figures released today by the Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC) show that:

• 9,820,963 persons (44.7% of the population) were covered by hospital treatment policies, an increase of 75,721 people from June 2009 (44.5%);

• 11,304,187 persons (51.4% of the population) were covered by general treatment policies, an increase of 105,443 people from June 2009 (51.2%); and

• 11,352,056 persons (51.6% of the population) were covered by either hospital, general, or hospital and general treatment combined policies, an increase of 94,171 people from June 2009 (51.4%).

Almost all age groups, with hospital insurance, showed increases in the September 2009 quarter. The largest increase was an extra 10,136 people aged 20-24, which helps underpin the sustainability of the system for all.

The Rudd Government is also taking action to make the private health insurance system fairer and more sustainable.

Currently the Government subsidises the private health insurance of all Australians, regardless of their income. Changes proposed by the Rudd Government mean subsidies will be provided to those most in need, including all singles earning up to $120,000 per year, or couples on less than $240,000.

Treasury modelling estimates that after these reforms 99.7% of people will remain in PHI.

This measure is part of the Government’s reform of the health system, will save about $1.9 billion over the next four years, and allow the Government to invest more in better services, new medicines and improved technology.

Topics: Australia, Governance, health care, health insurance, health insurance membership, PHI, PHIAC, private health insurance, Private Health Insurance Administration Counil, Rudd Government, treasury

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