Health Insurance
Premium changes 2026
Premiums will change from 1 April 2026. You will receive details of your new premium by email or post in March.
How your premiums are set each year

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.
We carefully consider multiple factors to keep our cover both valuable for you and sustainable for the future.
How we compare to other funds
Over the past 5 and 10 years, our average premium increases have been lower than many major funds.
This year, our average increase of 3.98% is below the industry average 4.41%, showing our ongoing commitment to keeping costs down for you, now and in the future.
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
Average premium changes 5-year average (2022-2026) vs 10-year average (2017-2026)
Average premium changes 5-year average (2022-2026) vs 10-year average (2017-2026)

Agreement Hospitals
Hospital Agreement Comparison
Hospital Agreement Comparison
Our contributions to health cover claims in 2025

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
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:
Common surgical claims
Our most common surgical claims in 2025
Common extras claims
Top 5 most common extras claims in 2025
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.
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
Important
- Make sure to prepay by 31 March 2026 to lock in your current rate. Payments from 1 April 2026 will reflect your new premium rate.
- 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.
Member scenario:
Sam’s current premium amount is $50 a month. As of 1 April 2026, this will change to $55 a month. Sam would like to prepay 12 months in advance to lock in the current premium ($50 x 12 months = $600). By prepaying in advance, Sam will save $60.
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:
Real Wellbeing experts
Established in 1840, we are Australia’s first wellbeing company, delivering health, wealth and care services for our members and the community.
For more than 20 years, Australian Unity, in partnership with Deakin University, has tracked the wellbeing of Australians through the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index.
Service excellence
Award-winning personalised service and Australia based local support
Flexibility and comprehensive cover
Access to an extensive provider network with over 500 hospitals
No preferred providers – freedom to choose your treating doctor
No Gap Dental across all mainland states and territories
Ambulance transportation – unlimited emergency transport to hospital is included on all covers
Preventative health and health support programs
Weight Loss programs
Quit Smoking programs
Doctor Health Checks
Personal Health Coaching
Diabetes Australia Membership
Bone Density Scans
Lift for Life
Mammogram Screenings
Cervical Cancer Vaccinations
Rewards and Member perks
Wellplan Rewards program with discounts at over 100 stores
Member perks – including exclusive discounts on a wide range of insurances
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.
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
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!
*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?
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
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.
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