<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>337627</docID> <postdate>2025-02-05 09:29:28</postdate> <headline>Health insurance premiums hike ‘worst case scenario’</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-337628" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20221110001728062433-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="601" /></p> <caption>Australians are being advised to shop around, with health insurance premium hikes on the horizon. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Tess Ikonomou</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Australians could be slugged with one of the biggest health insurance premium increases in recent years, amid a cost-of-living crisis.</strong></p> <p>Some could be forced to fork out an extra $369 if a proposed six per cent rise in premiums - being sought by insurers - is approved by the federal government.</p> <p>Young families could be hit with an increase of up to $248 per year, while retired couples face an average premium of more than $5967 a year.</p> <p>The latest data by comparison business Compare Club shows a projected rise this year of six per cent, up from previous increases of 3.03 per cent in 2024, and 2.9 per cent in 2023.</p> <p>Health Minister Mark Butler previously rejected a requested increase of up to six per cent, from insurers.</p> <p>Customers are being urged to review their policies to ensure they're getting the best bang for their buck.</p> <p>Compare Club head of research Kate Browne said the requested hike was a "worst-case scenario" but people should be prepared.</p> <p>"Even if the funds are negotiated down by the health minister, we're still expecting a significantly bigger premium hike than last year," she said.</p> <p>"Now more than ever, it's critical for Australians to remain vigilant and take proactive steps like reviewing their policies and comparing providers."</p> <p>Ms Browne said the data indicates families who switch to better-value policies can save an average of $462 a year.</p> </body>