What the Coming Health Insurance Changes Mean for You

Something that has to be considered with using only the Public Health System as you get older is the waiting periods for things such as knee & hip replacements. My parents have had extensive waiting periods for this type of surgery, enduring a lot of pain in the mean time. They luckily ended up with a fantastic surgeon, but you cannot be sure of the doctor you will get. The more people who opt out of Private Insurance, the longer the waiting lists will become. Its a tough decision and a very individual one too. 

Sadly my last operation cost me 4000 $ from my pocket which I used the private fund and Medicare where I am paying nearly 90$ A week it is A joke the private health insurance once you say you got private health insurance then services in public system sleaze to go to private doctors and services ,I am sick of the system 

A few years ago we stopped extras cover and use the public health system for dental which has been very good. I am still undecided about dropping hospital cover but Jim's comment about what his hospital stay cost him has me quandary once again. 

The simple fact is if use your Private Health Insurance it will cost you big time and although I still have Private Health cover I always use Medicare which costs me nothing.....( I keep my health cover to avoid paying a surcharge at Tax Time and for use in an emergency)....ie. About 5 years ago I was taken to Hornsby Public Hospital with a suspected heart attack where I under went a whole series of tests and because I chose to use my Private Health Cover I came out owing more that $2800.......Then to rub salt into my wound the chap in the bed next to me had all the same doctors and tests and although he was from New Zealand, he used the Public Health System and he left hospital owing nothing.....WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN IF YOU USE YOUR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING.....BUT THE GREEDY DOCTORS CHARGE OVER THE TOP FEES AS DO THE HOSPITALS..... 

Thanks for this. I believe the changes are much bigger than just those mentioned eg. Naturopathy and natural therapies will no longer be covered. can you confirm please and what other benefit change? 

I have had private health insurance continuously for fifty five years. I now pay over $100 per week for top level cover and extras. And now when I need to use it the co payments and excess costs are still mounting! Had I gone under Medicare I would have had the same if not better care for nothing. The system is flawed. I should be able to get the same service at no cost . Why can’t I ?because the Government limits refunds to amounts which do not reflect what doctors charge. So if you haven’t joined a health fund - don’t bother!!! Further more premiums must rise because the Government has limited increases in the rebate to CPI when premiums and medical expenses are increasing at a greater rate! 

Thank you - this article was enlightening.