When it comes to health insurance, there’s a rule that says two people buying the same policy can’t be charged a different premium – no matter what their health and habits are.  It’s called community-rating, and it’s designed to protect the old and sick from having to pay more. But there’s one loophole in the rule, and that’s geography. Victorians, Queenslanders and NSW residents pay the ... read more>

Australians who are getting older are one of the groups most at risk of getting hit by private health increases, according to the consumer group CHOICE.  If you wait until you are 35 to take out private hospital cover, you could pay an extra 10 per cent on top of your premium ... if you wait until you are 45, you could face paying an additional 30 per cent on top of your premium. It gets ... read more>

When it comes to the issue of rising private health premiums, we’re usually quick to point the finger at the health funds.  But according to an article written by News Corp National Health Reporter Sue Dunlevy, over a million Australians are paying up to three thousand dollars a year more for private health insurance as a result of government penalties. Things like Government means tests,... read more>

Like many of you, I was annoyed when I received the letter from my health fund about the latest round of Private Health Insurance premium increases.  As host of the Daily Drive show on Talking Lifestyle, I’ve conducted many interviews in the past month with key stakeholders about why these increases continue year-after-year. But they still get your goat. My mum’s increase with Australian ... read more>

This week’s money saving tip comes courtesy of Bek Day (pictured) who writes for Kidspot and is republished (in part) with permission from kidspot.com.au Bek says she is the first to admit that she doesn’t have any idea what she’s actually paying for with her private health insurance. Like many young couples, she thought she should get PHI in preparation for starting a family. When she di... read more>