Choosing a private health fund made easy

The growing number of Australians covered by private health insurance will find it easier to make informed choices about their level of cover with handy new tools available on http://www.privatehealth.gov.au from November 9th.

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said the good news for consumers comes on the back of record memberships and record profits showing that the sector is strong and continues to grow under Labor.

"Better access to private health insurance information and a strongly performing sector is a good outcome for consumers," Minister Roxon said.

"The new online tutorials will make it easier for consumers to navigate their way through the 20,000 private health insurance products available in Australia and make a choice that best suits their needs.
"Being able to compare policies quickly and easily will be even simpler with the new online tutorials."

Minister Roxon said it was clear that the Government's proposed changes to the private health insurance rebate were not deterring consumers.

"Record numbers of consumers are taking out private health cover with 45.3 per cent of the population, more than 10.3 million Australians, now covered by private health insurance," Minister Roxon said.

"This continued growth again disproves the Opposition's scare tactics that our 2008 changes to the Medicare Levy Surcharge would result in a million people dropping out of private health insurance. In fact, we have seen more than 860,000 Australians take out hospital cover under Labor.

"The Government's proposed changes to the private health insurance rebate will ensure Government subsidies through the rebate remain focused on the millions of low and middle income Australians who need and deserve this assistance."

Minister Roxon highlighted these figures when addressing the Australian Health Insurers Association and pointed to the strong performance of the sector.

The new tutorials on the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman's site can be accessed at www.privatehealth.gov.au/footer/videos.htm.

(Source: The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing)