AMA submission to the Inquiry into the value of private health insurance

The AMA submission to the Inquiry into the value of private health insurance argues that Private Health Insurers need to improve the value of the product they are offering Australians.  We need clear and simple to understand policies that give Australians security in the knowledge that they will be covered at their time of need.  Insurance needs to cover the items that people expect it will; such as mental health and pregnancy.

Most importantly, insurers need stop blaming others for their problems. Medical Fees are only a small proportion of expenses for major insurers, with a significant majority of services being provided at no or low cost to patients.  The submission also shows how a change to doctors’ fees, will not prevent premiums from rising.