Premium Price Changes
Your health cover premium is changing on 1 April 2026
Every year, private health insurers across Australia review their premiums and can submit changes for approval to the Federal Minister for Health, Aged Care and Disability. To make sure we can continue to meet your health needs, we’ve carefully considered how to balance the increasing costs of healthcare and rising claim volumes, whilst continuing to provide ongoing value to our members.
Find out more about the reasons for this change.
Why are premiums increasing?
We understand that premium increases can be challenging. Please know that we’re committed to keeping increases as low as possible, while carefully managing the rising cost of healthcare in Australia and continuing to look for ways to deliver even greater value for our members.
Rising hospital care costs
We pay private hospitals for the care our members receive, including accommodation, theatre time, nursing care and other services. The costs that private hospitals charge health insurers have continued to rise due to higher staffing, infrastructure and operating expenses. As a result, the amount we pay for the same treatments is higher than in previous years.
Healthcare costs continue to grow nationwide
Across the healthcare system, the cost of providing care is increasing. Doctors, specialists, diagnostic services and medical suppliers are facing higher wages, technology and supply costs. These increases are happening across Australia’s entire healthcare sector, which means insurers are paying more for medical services overall.
Increased claims from our members
As access to healthcare returns to normal after disruptions over the previous years, such as COVID-19 lockdowns, postponed surgeries and reduced hospital visits - more of our members are getting the care they need. This includes hospital admissions, procedures and ongoing treatments. While it’s positive that members are using their cover, the higher number of claims increases the total benefits we pay each year.
How can I reduce my premium?
We know that rising costs can make budgeting tough, but there are a few simple ways to adjust your premium while still getting value from your cover.
Not every option will be available for everyone, but we’re here to help you explore what works best for your situation.
Contact us, opens in a new tab to learn more about your options.
Frequently asked questions
Here are all the ways we help you save
Make the most from your cover
Your cover comes with a range of tools, discounts and benefits designed to help you get the most value for your membership.
Visit our partnered providers
Our First Choice network brings together dentists, opens in a new tab, optometrists, opens in a new tab, physios, opens in a new tab and hearing , opens in a new tabwho offer quality care at set prices (also known as agreed rates)¹.
Reduce your hospital costs
With a large Medical Gap network, opens in a new tab, you could benefit from reduced or eliminated 'gap' costs for in-patient treatments nationwide including anesthesia, general practice, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and child health, surgery, ophthalmology and psychiatry².
Manage your health from the comfort of home
Access telehealth consultations from hub.health, opens in a new tab, and if recommended, medical certificates or treatments delivered to your door.³
Access free health and wellbeing tools
Explore a range of health and wellbeing resources to help you lead your healthiest life. Access personalised health insights with our free online skin or health checks in the GU Health app, opens in a new tab.
Use our Health Management Programs
We offer eligible members access to a range of programs at no additional costs to suit your needs – whether it's to help get you in shape, keep you out of hospital, improve your physical and mental wellbeing or to aid a quicker recovery after you've been in hospital.
You could pay less at tax time
Having hospital cover can help you save at tax time by avoiding the Medicare Levy Surcharge, opens in a new tab (MLS), which applies if you earn above a certain threshold. Plus, with private health insurance, you can access the Australian Government Rebate, opens in a new tab (AGR), further reducing your premiums and making health cover more affordable.
Skip public hospital wait lists
Our Hospital cover gives you more control over your care, letting you choose your doctor, your hospital and the timing of your treatment, so you get the care you need, when it suits you.
Save on everyday health
Our Extras cover helps you stay on top of your health and wellbeing without breaking the bank on dental check-ups, physio sessions and optical care.
Be prepared for the unexpected
The last thing you’ll want to worry about during an emergency is paying for the cost of an ambulance. Depending on the state where you live, our covers give you access to unlimited emergency Ambulance cover, so you’re protected when you need it most.
We’re here to help
We’re committed to being here for you, offering guidance and support at every step of your journey towards better health and wellbeing.
Disclaimers
1 GU Health's First Choice providers offer competitive fees for many commonly claimed treatments and consultations. These fees are reviewed at least annually and are subject to change. Always check guhealth.com.au/find-a-provider, opens in a new tab, or the GU Health App, opens in a new tab before booking to see if your provider participates or simply ask your provider if they are part of GU Health's network at the time of booking. Providers occasionally leave the GU Health's First Choice network so it’s important to check before booking to avoid disappointment. Annual limits, waiting periods & T&Cs apply.
2 Coverage may differ depending on your level of cover and policy exclusions, waiting periods, hospital excess and limits and whether you go to an GU Health Agreement Hospital, a non-agreement private hospital or a public hospital. Out-of-pocket expenses may apply.
3 The provision of treatments is not guaranteed. It will be based on the information you provide during your consultation and whether the GP deems it to be appropriate for the care of your condition(s).