Nearly two million Aussies skipping health insurance payments

And 11 per cent said they might miss one in the coming 12 months.

“As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, households are increasingly forced to make tough choices about which expenses to cut, often prioritising essential needs over health insurance premiums in a bid to stretch their budgets,” Finder insurance expert Tim Bennett said.

But he said missing a health insurance payment can have serious consequences.

“For many Australians, a lapse in coverage means they risk being underinsured at a critical time,” he said.

Women (18 per cent) were significantly more likely than men (12 per cent) to have missed a health insurance payment over the past year.

Bennett said the data highlights a worrying trend.

“As more people struggle with affordability, the safety net of health insurance is becoming increasingly fragile,” he said.

“It’s crucial for individuals to stay proactive about their payments to avoid gaps in coverage that could leave them vulnerable.”

Bennett said health insurance played a crucial role in safeguarding against unexpected medical issues.

“The fear of incurring high out-of-pocket costs can deter people from visiting their doctors for even routine check-ups, ultimately compromising their health,” he said.

“Having adequate coverage ensures that people can access necessary treatments and services when they need to, without having to sit on a long wait list.”

He urged people finding it difficult to keep up with their payments to talk to their health fund about a potential payment plan.

“Unlike other services such as phone or internet plans, insurance premiums are paid in advance,” Bennett said.

“This means if your policy falls into arrears, you don’t automatically lose eligibility for services and benefits. However, you may not be able to file a claim until your payments are current.”