The Wire

Half of Australians have private health insurance, with many paying steep premiums for top hospital cover. Currently health insurers can apply to increase premiums only once a year with the Health Minister’s approval.

But according to a consumer advocacy group, major health insurers are using “sneaky” loopholes to boost costs of top hospital cover, beyond the approved rates.

Choice analysis shows top hospital policies have risen 30 per cent over three years, significantly higher than the average 8.6 percent rise, reported by the government.