Surge in health insurance for mature-aged Australians

In 15 February 2005, mature-aged Australians are leading a surge into private health insurance membership, with those aged over 55 accounting for most of the increase in member numbers in the December quarter.

Figures released today by the Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC) show health insurance membership among people aged 55 and over increased by more than 31,000 in the December quarter.

Among all age groups, health insurance rose by nearly 34,000 people in the December quarter - the second highest quarterly increase since September 2000.

The Howard Government's 30% Private Health Insurance Rebate and Lifetime Health Cover have helped to increase private health insurance coverage from about 30 per cent to 43 per cent.

More than 56 per cent of all surgery is now done in private hospitals. Private hospital admissions are increasing by 6 per cent a year with public hospital admissions increasing by 2 per cent a year and more than 500,000 people a year being treated in the emergency departments of private hospitals.