Under 30s need private cover
27 June 2012From 1 July the Private Health Insurance Rebate will be means-tested.
A recent Galaxy Poll has replicated the results of Private Healthcare Australia’s studies relating to the impact of the Government’s means-test on privately insured Australians.
The Galaxy Poll says 30 percent of those affected will drop or downgrade their cover.
Private Healthcare Australia studies have concluded that the young and healthy are more likely to drop or downgrade their private health cover because they don’t believe they will need it.
Private Health Australia CEO Dr Michael Armitage says it is a myth that young Australians won’t need private cover.
Last year there were 9,235 claims with benefits exceeding $10,000 for privately insured Australians under the age of 30 years.
Benefits paid for all high claims over $10,000 for under 30s totalled $177 million in 2011.
The highest claims involved heart procedures, spinal procedures and mental disorders.
The High Claims Survey demonstrates how important it is for young Australians to plan for their health care needs.
Young people earning above $84,000 (single) or over $168,000 (family) can make a once off saving on their private health insurance by pre-paying their private health policy before 30 June, to cover the financial year 2012-2013.
Privately insured Australians should contact their health fund as soon as possible before 30 June to discuss if this is an option.
18 August 2012
I think everybody, who could afford private health insurance, should have it. We insure our car, house, boat, or ever, why not insure ourselves. The government should help the ones who would have difficulty to pay. If the government want to help the low income earners, so if they get sick or need a hip replacement or other major operation, then they would not have to wait, some times years in pain, to get in hospital, then help people to maintain their health insurance.