Private health insurance

Private health insurance helps cover some or all of your healthcare costs as a private patient. If you have private health insurance you can go to a private hospital and choose your doctor or specialist. You can also be treated as a private patient in a public hospital.

You don’t have to have private health insurance to get medical treatment. In an emergency you can go to a public hospital and they will treat you, or your doctor can refer you if you need hospital treatment.

Visit the Department of Health and Ageing (external site) for more information about private health insurance.

Can I complain about a health insurer?

Yes, but you are encouraged to first talk with the health insurer about your concerns. 

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of this discussion, contact the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (external site).