Allied Health Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Australian Medical Association Advocates for Reforms in Private Health Insurance

Addressing Rising Premiums and Ensuring System Sustainability

Australian Medical Association Advocates for Reforms in Private Health Insurance?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has intensified its call for comprehensive reforms in the private health insurance sector, particularly in response to the recent 4.41% average premium increase effective from April 2026.
This hike, the largest in nearly a decade, has raised concerns about the affordability and value of private health coverage for Australians.

AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen highlighted the challenges facing the sector, emphasizing that the current system is struggling to meet the needs of patients and health care providers. She pointed out that without meaningful reform, Australians will continue to bear the brunt of a system burdened by outdated policies and inconsistent rebates.

The AMA has proposed several measures to address these issues, including the establishment of an independent body to oversee premiums and exclusions, ensuring greater transparency and accountability within the industry. Additionally, the AMA advocates for policies that enhance the value of private health insurance, making it a more attractive and viable option for consumers.

For health care professionals, these proposed reforms are significant. A more transparent and equitable insurance system can lead to better patient outcomes and a more sustainable health care environment. Staying informed about these developments is essential for practitioners navigating the complexities of insurance coverage and patient care.

In conclusion, the AMA's call for reform underscores the urgent need to address the systemic issues within private health insurance, aiming to create a more efficient and fair system for all stakeholders involved.

Published:Sunday, 19th Apr 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Homebirth indemnity deadline sharpens focus on scope and cover
Homebirth indemnity deadline sharpens focus on scope and cover
03 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
The end of a long-running homebirth indemnity exemption is becoming an immediate insurance and workforce issue for privately practising midwives, with the Australian College of Midwives on 29 October 2026 urging government action before the exemption ceases on 31 December 2026. For allied health and broader healthcare practices, the development is a reminder that registration, scope of practice and insurance availability can shift quickly when transitional arrangements expire. - read more
Why insurer resilience rules matter for allied health practices
Why insurer resilience rules matter for allied health practices
15 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
APRA's operational risk management standard, CPS 230, is now part of the rulebook for insurers, banks and superannuation trustees. Although most allied health clinics are not directly captured by the prudential standard, its direction of travel is highly relevant: regulators expect financial institutions to understand critical operations, manage service providers and recover from disruption without unacceptable harm to customers. - read more
Claims Handling Scrutiny Offers a Reminder for Clinics
Claims Handling Scrutiny Offers a Reminder for Clinics
08 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
ASIC’s latest focus on insurance claims handling should be read as more than a message for insurers. For allied health practices, it is also a practical reminder that the outcome of a claim can depend heavily on what happens before the insurer is contacted, how clearly the incident is documented and whether the policy responds to the work actually being performed. - read more
Why Health Data Breach Trends Should Prompt an Insurance Check
Why Health Data Breach Trends Should Prompt an Insurance Check
01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest Australian privacy breach reporting reinforces a message allied health practices cannot afford to treat as background noise: healthcare data remains highly attractive, highly sensitive and operationally difficult to protect. Even smaller clinics now hold information that can include medical histories, Medicare details, referrals, treatment notes, payment records and identity documents. When that information is exposed, the consequences can move quickly from an IT problem to a regulatory, reputational and insurance issue. - read more
New workforce strategy signals insurance review points for allied health
New workforce strategy signals insurance review points for allied health
25 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Government’s new National Allied Health Workforce Strategy is not an insurance document, but it should still be read closely by allied health practice owners. Its emphasis on workforce capacity, access, team-based care and more flexible service delivery points to a sector that is continuing to change how, where and by whom care is provided. - read more


Professionals Insurance Articles

Public liability insurance for allied health and healthcare practices: what it covers
Public liability insurance for allied health and healthcare practices: what it covers
Public liability insurance can help protect allied health professionals and healthcare practices if a patient, visitor or member of the public alleges they were injured or their property was damaged because of your business activities. This guide explains what it commonly covers, how it differs from professional indemnity insurance and what to check before choosing cover. - read more
Common Myths About Indemnity and Liability Insurance Debunked
Common Myths About Indemnity and Liability Insurance Debunked
Welcome healthcare professionals! Today, we're exploring a topic that's often misrepresented and misunderstood: indemnity and liability insurance. These forms of insurance are designed to protect your professional reputation and your financial well-being. However, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of these terms to truly benefit from them. - read more
Claims-made professional indemnity policies: retroactive dates, run-off cover and notifications
Claims-made professional indemnity policies: retroactive dates, run-off cover and notifications
Claims-made professional indemnity policies can depend on when a claim is made, when it is notified and whether the alleged conduct falls after the policy's retroactive date. This guide explains key policy terms Australian healthcare professionals should understand when reviewing, renewing or changing cover. - read more
Insurance considerations for employees, contractors and self-employed health practitioners
Insurance considerations for employees, contractors and self-employed health practitioners
Healthcare insurance needs can change depending on whether you are employed, contracting, doing locum work, working as a sole trader or running a private practice. This guide explains the key differences Australian health practitioners should consider when reviewing professional indemnity, public liability, income protection and business-related cover. - read more
Understanding AHPRA professional indemnity insurance requirements for registered health practitioners
Understanding AHPRA professional indemnity insurance requirements for registered health practitioners
AHPRA-registered health practitioners generally need appropriate professional indemnity insurance arrangements for their practice. This guide explains what the registration standard means, how employer cover and private practice can differ, and what to check before declaring your insurance arrangements. - read more

Knowledgebase
Loss of Use:
Insurance coverage that pays for the additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.