Retirement
Aussies suffering major health insurance headache
One major Australian health insurer has highlighted significant unresolved issues in the industry, including rising unaffordability and confusion over costs.
Aussies suffering major health insurance headache
One major Australian health insurer has highlighted significant unresolved issues in the industry, including rising unaffordability and confusion over costs.
HCF managing director Shaun Larkin says Australians are still oblivious about health insurance.
“We know that the private health insurance industry is complex and people are seeking greater clarity,” Mr Larkin told Nest Egg.
As many as one in five Australians are not made fully aware of their condition post-hospital departure, HCF’s analysis shows.
“Our data shows 19 per cent of patients didn’t receive information in writing about symptoms or health problems to look out for after leaving the hospital, [which] could potentially lead to re-admission due to side effects and additional care required at home,” Mr Larkin said.
“We know that as an industry we need to provide better access to information that clearly outlines what members can expect from their policy, related claims and benefits, and doing so in a way that is jargon-free, simple, and practical.”
An area that requires clarity is cost transparency, with many Australians left in shock when they receive the bill.
“It’s this information that we know is often difficult to obtain and adds to the confusion that people sometimes experience with hospital stays,” Mr Larkin said.
“We encourage people to seek information about their procedure from a clinical point of view as well as obviously considering the costs and potential out of pocket expenses.”
To that end, HCF is launching new informational tools to show much private hospital patients can expect to pay on average, providing “a more complete picture of the costs associated with medical and surgical procedures.”
“It breaks down how much of the total cost is paid by HCF, Medicare and the member. It also shows a breakdown of key costs for a procedure including the surgeon, pathology, anaesthetist and other specialists,” Mr Larkin said.
“We encourage people to do their research around procedures and to explore their policy and their fund’s no-gap or known-gap arrangements for medical services.”
Retirement Planning
Empowering your future: Financial literacy and retirement planning in Australia
In today’s complex financial landscape, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires more than just saving money. It demands a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How much do you need to retire comfortably in Australia?
Retiring comfortably in Australia is a goal shared by many, but achieving this requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the cost of living. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning advice for Australians: Avoiding common pitfalls
Retirement planning is a critical step in securing your financial future, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Read more
Retirement Planning
Mastering financial planning for retirement in Australia
Financial planning for retirement is a nuanced journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning, particularly in Australia's unique financial landscape. Read more
Retirement Planning
Crafting your retirement planning spreadsheet in Australia
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially in Australia where the landscape of superannuation and investments offers unique opportunities and challenges. Read more
Retirement Planning
Maximising your pension plan in Australia: Strategies for a comfortable retirement
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning in Australia, securing a comfortable retirement through your pension plan has become increasingly important. Read more
Retirement Planning
Supporting our veterans: A guide to financial resources and benefits
Military veterans have made invaluable contributions to their country, and in recognition of their service, there are numerous financial resources and benefits available to support them in civilian ...Read more
Retirement Planning
The ultimate retirement planning checklist for Australians
Retirement planning is a multifaceted process that demands careful attention to financial, legal, and personal considerations. Read more
Retirement Planning
Empowering your future: Financial literacy and retirement planning in Australia
In today’s complex financial landscape, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires more than just saving money. It demands a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How much do you need to retire comfortably in Australia?
Retiring comfortably in Australia is a goal shared by many, but achieving this requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the cost of living. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning advice for Australians: Avoiding common pitfalls
Retirement planning is a critical step in securing your financial future, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Read more
Retirement Planning
Mastering financial planning for retirement in Australia
Financial planning for retirement is a nuanced journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning, particularly in Australia's unique financial landscape. Read more
Retirement Planning
Crafting your retirement planning spreadsheet in Australia
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially in Australia where the landscape of superannuation and investments offers unique opportunities and challenges. Read more
Retirement Planning
Maximising your pension plan in Australia: Strategies for a comfortable retirement
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning in Australia, securing a comfortable retirement through your pension plan has become increasingly important. Read more
Retirement Planning
Supporting our veterans: A guide to financial resources and benefits
Military veterans have made invaluable contributions to their country, and in recognition of their service, there are numerous financial resources and benefits available to support them in civilian ...Read more
Retirement Planning
The ultimate retirement planning checklist for Australians
Retirement planning is a multifaceted process that demands careful attention to financial, legal, and personal considerations. Read more