What student know about private health insurance in Australia

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Students often have little understanding of the importance of private health insurance, and may not be aware that they are liable for any medical expenses if they do not have cover. With this blog post, we aim to help students understand their options when it comes to private health insurance in Australia.

The cost of private health care varies widely depending on the type and level of cover. The QBE Study of Living Costs and Incomes - Annual 2017 reported that 87% of people surveyed had at least one kind of private health care coverage in 2016.The costs of hospital care and nursing home care is rising quickly and the Australian Government has estimated that the cost of private health insurance will continue to rise.

Some students may be able to access free private health insurance through their parents, while others may find they are not eligible for a subsidised plan. In this situation, it is especially important to understand the importance of private health insurance. The following information summarises some key points that you should be aware.

Why do I need private health insurance?

In Australia, most people who receive care in a public hospital must cover any remaining costs - what's called a ‘gap fee’.
 
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