ACCC report to the Senate on private health insurance

Overview

The ACCC is consulting on its 16th annual report to the Senate on private health insurance.

The ACCC is interested in understanding whether there are particular problems relating to information provision in this industry. This includes examining the role of insurers, health providers and intermediaries in assisting consumers to understand their policies and make informed decisions about accessing health services that best suits their needs.

Specifically, the ACCC is interested in determining:

• whether consumers are able to clearly understand:
  • the extent of coverage under their own or different policies; and
  • the impact of exclusions, excesses and gaps that apply to policies
• whether the provision of information is sufficiently clear, transparent and consistent to minimise the risk of unexpected costs, or reduce barriers to accessing health care.

Submissions are welcome by 13 February 2015.

Why your views matter

The ACCC is tasked by an order of the Senate to provide an annual report on competition and consumer issues in the private health insurance sector.

We are required to report on any anti-competitive or other practices by health insurers or providers which reduce the extent of health cover for consumers and increase their out-of-pocket medical and other expenses.