The findings come as the industry grapples with the rising cost of healthcare in Australia with premiums due to go up on 1st April 2026.

Despite some misgivings about health insurance, the survey of 1,000 Australian private health insurance policyholders also points to a growing sense of value. Three in four Australians (76 per cent) say they value their cover more than they did five years ago - and Australians are willing to make sacrifices to keep it. Nearly half would cancel streaming services (48 per cent) and home upgrades (43 per cent), and one in three would drop their gym membership (37 percent) and spend less on groceries (31 per cent).

Rebecca Harwood, Group Executive, Health Insurance at Australian Unity, said the results highlight just how much Australians value the security of private health cover — even in a cost-of-living crisis.

“Whether it’s about access to health and medical care, faster treatment, planning their future, or a safety blanket for the family, it’s clear Australians want the confidence health insurance provides.

“And at a time when budgets are stretched, it’s heartening to see Australians prioritising their health. Health insurance ranked as the most important form of cover for more than half of policyholders (51 per cent) — well ahead of home and contents (23%) and car insurance (13 per cent),” she said.

Despite our loyalty to health insurance, the results also showed room for improvement. More than half of Australians (53 per cent) who plan to switch providers in 2026 are doing so because they believe their current provider is too expensive, and nine out of ten (89 per cent) believe the system needs an overhaul. 

Ms Harwood said the results underline an important opportunity for the sector to continue to lift consumer understanding.   

“Premium increases reflect the cost of delivering medical and health services across the country. It’s important people understand the extensive process behind premium increases and the role this plays in maintaining access to quality care. 

“As an industry we have an opportunity to do better. That means giving people greater clarity about what their cover includes, helping Australians understand the rigorous premium review process, and ensuring policyholders continue to get value for money,” she said. 

Ends

Notes to editor: 

Key data from the research:

- One in two (51%) Australians rank Private Health Insurance as most important to them, ahead of Home and Contents insurance (23%) and Car insurance (13%). 
- Nearly one in three Australians (28%) would keep their health insurance at any price increase.
- Three out of four Australians (76%) value private health insurance more than they did five years ago. 
- Eight out of ten Australians (79%) would keep their health insurance without a tax benefit. 
- The most common sacrifices Australians would make to keep their private health insurance include streaming services (48%), home upgrades (43%), gym memberships (37%) and spending less on groceries (31%).
- Less than half of Australians (43%) clearly understand their policy cover.
- More than half of Australians (53%) are planning to change providers in 2026 because they believe their health insurance is too expensive.
- Nine out of ten Australians (89%) believe the health insurance system needs an overhaul.

About the research
The research was conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 1,000 Australians 18+. Surveys were distributed online throughout Australia including capital city and regional areas between 12 January and 22 January 2026.   

About Australian Unity 
Established in 1840, we are Australia’s first wellbeing company, delivering health, wealth and care services for our members and the community.
As a social enterprise, we’re motivated by our purpose to positively impact the wellbeing of millions. We reinvest profits to sustainably deliver products and services that matter most to our members, customers and the community. 
 

Media contact

T: 1300 408 776
E: media@australianunity.com.au