Health Insurance

Premium changes below the industry average

Our average increase of 3.98% is below the industry average of 4.41%, showing our ongoing commitment to keeping costs down for our members.

Over the last 5 years

Over the last 10 years

Agreement Hospitals

Here’s how you benefit as an Australian Unity member

At Australian Unity, we’re focused on delivering real value and support, helping members get the most from their health insurance. Depending on your level of cover, Australian Unity members benefit from the following:

Save on your health insurance by prepaying today

You can prepay your health insurance up to 12 months in advance before your new premium is effective.

To take advantage of this:

Log in to Online Member Services and select ‘Payments’

Online Member Services

Go to ‘Make a payment,’ enter your preferred amount and click 'Continue'

Enter your payment details to finalise your payment

On a direct debit? No worries! Your direct debit will kick back in after your prepaid period

Need more time to pay?

We’ve extended our lock-in period, with payments accepted until 30 April 2026. After 1 April 2026, call us if you’d like to lock in your 2025 rate. Otherwise, payments will apply at the 2026 rate.

Important: If you make changes to your policy on or after 1 April—such as changing your cover or scale—your prepaid period will be recalculated based on the new rate.

Why do premiums change?

Like all health funds, we adjust our premiums each April to ensure we can continue supporting our members' healthcare needs. Our adjustments balance affordability with ensuring members maintain access to high-quality care. These changes reflect the rising costs of medical services in Australia, and the growing healthcare demands of our community.

Watch Rebecca Harwood, Group Executive Health Insurance, explain why premiums change, how the premium round works and the Federal Government oversight before any change is approved.

Healthcare in Australia

Australia’s ageing population and rising demand for advanced medical treatments continue to drive up healthcare costs.

In 2025, we paid out over $701 million in claims, with procedures like joint reconstructions costing upwards of $3,529 in private hospitals. These growing costs put pressure on premiums, which help ensure members can access timely, high-quality care when they need it most.

Cost of hospital procedures

Public hospital wait times

Did you know?

In 2023-24, the average public hospital waiting times have increased compared to previous years, which means it’s more important than ever to hold Private Health Insurance. The following shows the waiting times for 90% of patients admitted for the following elective surgeries:

Procedures	Public Wait times	Private Wait times
Procedures	Cardio-thoracic surgery (Heart, lung and chest surgery)	120 days (4 months)	Shorter and more flexible wait times^
Neurosurgery (Brain and nervous system):	290 days (9.7 months)
Orthopaedic surgery (Bone, joints and structures)	393 days (13.1 months)
Ophthalmology surgery (Eyes and surrounding tissues)	528 days (11.7 months)

Top 5 hospital claims

Top 5 extras claims

Did you know?

On most of our Extras products, you can access some preventative dental treatments with no out-of-pocket costs when you visit any provider in our No Gap Dental Network (yearly and service limits apply). Visit our No Gap Dental Network page to find a clinic near you.

Our contributions to health cover claims in 2025

In 2025, we paid out over $701 million in claims, with procedures like hip replacements that can cost upwards of $38,000 in private hospitals. These growing costs put pressure on premiums, which help ensure members can access timely, high-quality care when they need it most.

Member benefits

Member perks

Rewarding members like you

As an organisation focused on wellbeing, we believe in looking after our members. That’s why as a private health insurance member, you can get access to extra perks and discounts on other Australian Unity products.

Find out more Member perks

Wellplan Rewards

Save money on groceries, petrol & more

With Wellplan Rewards, you can save money on everyday things like groceries, petrol, movie tickets and even clothes. Enjoy discounts at over 100+ stores. And it’s all part of your Australian Unity health insurance membership⁸

Find out more Wellplan Rewards

Refer a friend

Be rewarded for telling your friends about us

With "Member Get Member" you’ll receive a $100 gift card^* every time a friend you refer joins Australian Unity and takes out Hospital, Combined Hospital and Extras, or Overseas Visitors Cover. Just make sure that they give us your details when they sign up. Plus, you don’t have to share your gift card with your friend. Happy days!

Discover Member Get Member

*Only available if the friend you refer has not held active or suspended health insurance with Australian Unity in the last 12 months. Not available through intermediaries (eg Aggregators). Cover must be purchased through the Australian Unity call centre or website. See full terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do premiums change each year?

While premium increases are never welcomed, they are necessary to keep pace with the rising cost of healthcare treatment. Premium increases normally occur every April across all health funds. We’re committed to keeping premium increases as low as possible whilst ensuring that our members have access to the best healthcare options when they need it.

Why is my current premium different to the amount shown in my email/letter?

The premium quoted in your letter is based on the information we had on 24 February 2026. Any changes following that date can result in changes to your current and/or future premium. Your premium can also be affected by other factors including the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance and any Lifetime Health Cover loading. Contact us for more information specific to your membership.

Why is my current premium different to the amount I was quoted when I joined?

If you joined Australian Unity in the past 90 days, your premium may be different to what you were quoted if we’re waiting on your Australian Government Rebate form or Transfer Certificate or if the details we’ve received are different from those used for your quote when you first joined us. Contact us for more information specific to your membership.

Am I getting the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance?

If you are claiming the Australian Government Rebate as a premium reduction, your latest ‘Health Cover Update’ communication will outline these details under the 'Your premium details' section. If you are not claiming this, visit our Government rebate page to see if you are eligible and how to apply.

Can I pay my health insurance in advance and lock in my premium amount?

Yes, if you pay your health insurance premiums in advance you could effectively lock in today's price up until 31 March 2026. This means you won’t be affected by any increase in the price of your cover for this period. Paying in advance locks in the price only, and not the terms and benefits of your cover (which may change from time to time).

I’m experiencing financial hardship, what support is available?

If you're experiencing financial hardship, please contact us to discuss the support options we have available.

My circumstances have changed and I’m not sure if my product meets my needs, what should I do?

Check your Fact Sheet to see what you’re covered for and decide if it’s still right for you or contact us for a Right Cover Check.

My premium increased more than the industry average percentage. Why did this happen?

Premium increases vary from product to product and can be attributed to a range of factors, including rising healthcare costs and the increased number and complexity of claims paid. The industry average considers premium increases across all funds, reflecting a mix of small and large changes. While it provides a general overview, individual experiences can vary depending on the specific product you hold.

You’re with an award-winning health insurer

Our commitment to customers and delivering outstanding health insurance is award winning! We’ve been named Health Insurer of the Year (Retail) 2023 at the Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards. Plus, WeMoney has awarded us Best Bronze Hospital Cover and Best Comprehensive Hospital Cover 2024.

We're here for you

Online Member Services

Manage your health insurance online. You're in control with 24-hour access to your membership.

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Premium changes below the industry average

Our average increase of 3.98% is below the industry average of 4.41%, showing our ongoing commitment to keeping costs down for our members.

How we compare to other funds

Over the past 5 and 10 years, our average premium increases have been lower than many major funds.

Over the last 5 years

Average premium price changes by health insurer (2022-2026)

Average premium price changes by health insurer (2022-2026)

Over the last 10 years

Total average premium price change (%)

Average premium changes 5-year average (2022-2026) vs 10-year average (2017-2026)

Agreement Hospitals

Hospital Agreement Comparison

Hospital Agreement Comparison

Here’s how you benefit as an Australian Unity member

Real Wellbeing experts

Service excellence

Rewards and Member perks

Flexibility and comprehensive cover

Preventative health and health support programs

Save on your health insurance by prepaying today

.regular-section .banner-header-wrapper+.banner-content-wrapper:not(:first-child){margin-top: 0px !important;} You can prepay your health insurance up to 12 months in advance before your new premium is effective.

To take advantage of this:

Need more time to pay?

Member scenario:

Why do premiums change?

How your premiums are set each year

Healthcare in Australia

Cost of hospital procedures

Increasing costs of hospital procedures

The cost of hospital treatment is on the rise.

Increasing costs of hospital procedures

The cost of hospital treatment is on the rise.

Public hospital wait times

Did you know?

In 2023-24, the average public hospital waiting times have increased compared to previous years, which means it’s more important than ever to hold Private Health Insurance. The following shows the waiting times for 90% of patients admitted for the following elective surgeries:

Top 5 hospital claims

Top 5 extras claims

Did you know?

On most of our Extras products, you can access some preventative dental treatments with no out-of-pocket costs when you visit any provider in our No Gap Dental Network (yearly and service limits apply). Visit our No Gap Dental Network page to find a clinic near you.

Our contributions to health cover claims in 2025

Member benefits

Rewarding members like you

Save money on groceries, petrol & more

Be rewarded for telling your friends about us

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do premiums change each year?

Why is my current premium different to the amount shown in my email/letter?

Why is my current premium different to the amount I was quoted when I joined?

Am I getting the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance?

Can I pay my health insurance in advance and lock in my premium amount?

I’m experiencing financial hardship, what support is available?

My circumstances have changed and I’m not sure if my product meets my needs, what should I do?

My premium increased more than the industry average percentage. Why did this happen?

You’re with an award-winning health insurer

We're here for you

Online Member Services

Call us

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You can prepay your health insurance up to 12 months in advance before your new premium is effective.