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While the new extras from Australia’s biggest health insurers claim they offer customers more bang for their buck, consumer advocates warn it could contribute to a two-tier health care system.
Health insurer Bupa is trialling a scheme offering three virtual GP visits each year, free of charge, to around 1 million customers with extra cover.
The program needed special approval from the federal health department because current law prohibits private insurers from covering outpatient medical services such as GP visits and certain diagnostic tests.
With other health insurers trying to offer similar benefits to offset high premiums, Consumers Health Forum Australia chief executive Elizabeth Deveney said the incentives could encourage a system where wealth determines access to care.
“I think all Australians want everyone to get fair health care and they don’t want these divides to deepen and continue to grow,” Devenney said.
She also expressed concern that the extras were not making up for the stress on the public system.
“My question is, what pressure is removed from up to three GP visits? It doesn’t look like a lot of pressure on the system more broadly,” Deveny said.
Although the extras have drawn criticism from certain sectors of the industry, private insurers say they help make entry-level service affordable for all their customers.
“We worry and like to look for areas where we can provide value,” said Bupa’s Dr Simon Benson.
“By providing this set number of sessions with zero out of pocket, we are also supporting our members at a time when the cost of living is high.”
Medibank customer Ruth Bolster has become an advocate for the insurer’s 24-hour nurse hotline after calling for medical advice when she suffered a detached eye.
“I called the 24-hour nurse line and got a really lovely lady,” she said.
“She said I think you should go straight to hospital and you shouldn’t drive.”
Medibank’s Miloš Milisavljevic said the phone service supports a range of customers’ medical needs.
“(It) could be anywhere from a cough and a cold, stomach or chest pain, or medication review or post-hospital support,” he said.
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