Statement from Dr Rachel David re ACCC report on PHI

31 Oct 2016Media Releases

PHA health funds have already made a considerable investment in developing policy to improve the transparency of private health insurance products for consumers, and maintain an affordable private health system.

In our dialogue with the Australian Government and its agencies during the PHI Review process, we have acknowledged the number and complexity of products in the market has led to consumer confusion.

The industry has committed to addressing this by working on common clinical terminology to define products with exclusions, improved transparency to consumers and better mechanisms to help consumers navigate the private health system.

The industry is aware the private health system and its rules can be confusing, which is why we are working with the Federal Government on improving transparency in the sector.

More than 13 million Australians rely on Private Health Insurance for security and peace of mind, so they can access healthcare when and where they need it.

The goals of long-term sustainability for private health, and affordability and transparency for consumers must be priorities for both the industry and Government. Keeping private health insurance sustainable and premiums affordable ultimately benefits all Australians by keeping pressure off the public hospital system.

 

Media contact: Jen Eddy 0439 240 755