With private health insurance premiums on the rise, is it time to switch providers? – 9News

Like petrol, groceries and interest rates, private health insurance is going up this year, some policies as soon as April 1.

But now is the time to do a health check on your policy to make sure you’re covered for what you need and that you’re getting value for money.

March is traditionally the month of incentives when health funds offer free weeks or months, frequent flyer points, and even cash back to switch.

Experts have told people to research before switching private health insurance providers as prices rise. (9News)

The key is to not be lured by the incentives and make sure the policy suits you.

Father-of-two Daniel Katsogiannis made the switch to a new health fund and has now saved $40 a fortnight with more suitable coverage for his family’s needs.

“I found the most surprising thing was the value for money I’m now getting compared to what I was getting before,” he said.

For a young family like Mr Katsogiannis’, they are unlikely to need cover for cataracts and hip replacements while an elderly couple won’t need pregnancy or IVF cover.

Father-of-two Daniel Katsogiannis switched private health insurance providers. (9News)

A survey by comparison group iSelect found 39 per cent of people with health cover who switched policies in the past two years said they saved at least $100 on their annual premium while 18 per cent said they saved at least $300 a year.

“It’s really important the policy is actually suited to you or your family’s need,” iSelect spokesperson Sophie Ryan said.

“Even though there are those deals and incentives on offer, you really need to shop around and find out what is valuable to you to find suitable cover.”

Ms Ryan said to pick a policy that suits your family needs. (9News)

Premiums are due to rise by an average 2.7 per cent this year which would add an average of $125 to a family policy and $58 to a single’s policy.

Some funds, on the back of COVID-19 and lower claims while elective surgery was cancelled, have deferred their premium increases till later in the year.

While it may offer some reprieve now, the rise will likely coincide with higher interest rates.

HCF has deferred its premium increases by seven months; BUPA, ahm, Teachers Health and Defence Health by six months; and Medibank, nib and AIA by five months.

Many private health insurance providers are offering new incentives. (9News)

Among the incentives includes $900 cashback for anyone who takes out a combined hospitals and extras policy and meets certain conditions with AIA.

The $900 will be paid over three years with the first $300 cashback coming on April 30.

Qantas Health is offering up 120,000 frequent flyer points on sign-up and BUPA is offering up to eight weeks free on eligible policies.

Can this car take the next exit from the right lane?

Almost 14 million Australians have private health insurance.