Australian Health Insurers Record Highest Claims in 2024, Surpassing AU$9 Billion

Australian health insurers reached a record high in claim payments under the 2024 health benefit scheme, with payments totaling approximately AU$9.4 billion for the year ending December 2024. This surge reflects a 9 percent increase in hospital high claims compared to the previous year, indicating rising healthcare costs and complexities in hospital care services. High claims, defined as claims exceeding AU$10,000 in payouts, now constitute over half of all hospital benefit payments, marking a growth in the financial burden on health funds. The report by Private Health Services Australia underscores significant trends in insurance claim patterns, highlighting challenges in managing increased cost and demand pressures within the Australian hospital care sector.