Couples health insurance can cost more

BEING coupled up for health insurance could be more expensive than flying solo.

Private health insurance premiums are set to jump by 3.25 per cent on April 1, resulting in many members reassessing their cover before this month ends.

A new analysis by financial comparison website Finder has found about 3.5 million Australians are on couples policies, and it could be wasting them money. For a couple with top cover, including pregnancy, it costs around $370 per month, compared with $280 per month for one top policy and one basic policy, the analysis found.

Finder spokeswoman Kate Browne urged members – particularly couples – to reassess their cover because they could be missing out on savings. “If you’re planning a family and have top cover as a couple, you are paying for two people’s pregnancies when only one of you is giving birth,” she said. “Having a single policy means you can pick a policy that’s specific to your needs and save money.”

Lisa Ondaatje, 37, and her partner Michael Kassar, 36, are expecting their first child in June and have separate insurance policies to save money. She pays $228 per month and he pays $170.

“I have top hospital cover, including obstetrics, and I looked at changing health insurance cover about one year ago,” Ms Ondaatje said. “Michael and I have stayed on our own policies and will reassess it again down the track.”

She said this proved to be cheaper than going on to the one policy for now.

‘ ... you are paying for two people’s pregnancies when only one of you is giving birth’ Finder’s Kate Browne

CUA Health product manager Harmeet Saini said couples could save with separate policies but it was important the person taking out the lower level of cover understood the exclusions of their policy.

“They need to also be aware of the waiting periods that may apply to them if they include those excluded services at a later date.”

Before the price rises start next month, Mr Saini said members should be proactive in checking up on their cover, given the health system was undergoing significant reform.

“Some people may end up with a couple of extra services that they were previously not covered for; others may lose some minor services or there may be no change,” he said. Lisa Ondaatje, 37, and her partner Michael Kassar, 36, are preparing to have a baby but have opted for separate health insurance policies to save money.

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