Why did health insurance go up in 2026?

Health funds apply each year to the federal Health Minister to increase premiums. The 2026 industry-weighted average was 4.41% from 1 April 2026 — the biggest annual rise since 2017 — driven by higher hospital usage and medical-device costs.

Do all funds raise their prices by the same amount?

No. The 4.41% is an industry average. In 2026, fund increases ranged from under 2% to nearly 6%. Two members on similar policies can pay very different premiums depending on their fund.

Can I switch funds without losing my waiting periods?

Yes. Under Australian portability rules, when you switch to an equivalent level of hospital cover you keep any waiting periods you've already served. New benefits (or higher tiers) may carry fresh waits.

Is it better to prepay or switch?

Prepaying 12 months at your current rate locks in today's price; switching moves you to a fund that raised prices less for comparable cover. An advisor can run both options for you in about 15 minutes.

How current are these figures?

Rates current as at 1 April 2026. Source: gazetted fund figures published by the Department of Health.

2026 price rise · 4.41% avg

Your health insurance went up in 2026. See if you can do better.

The industry average rose 4.41% on 1 April — the biggest annual jump since 2017. But the average hides the real story: some funds rose far more than others. Two minutes to check, $0 to switch.

Top 5 movers, 2026

Industry avg 4.41%

AIA Health5.98%
nib5.47%
health.com.au5.47%
Medibank5.10%
ahm5.10%

Rates current as at 1 April 2026. Source: gazetted fund figures.

No markup on premiums · PHII Code member · 14 funds compared

Compare 14 funds with one advisor

Step 1 of 617%

Who is the cover for?

So we can price it correctly.

Free. No obligation. We never mark up your premium.

Every fund's 2026 increase, ranked

Sort by fund name or by 2026 increase. The biggest movers and the quietest ones are usually a long way apart.

The big number

Across the five biggest funds, Gold hospital cover is up around 71% in five years — far ahead of any single year's "average".

Source: CHOICE, 2026.

Prepay or switch?

Two ways to get ahead of the rise. An advisor can do the maths with you in about 15 minutes — no obligation.

Prepay at today's rate

Pay up to 12 (sometimes 18) months of premiums before your fund's increase hits to lock in today's price for that period. Good if you're happy with your current cover and just want a buffer.

Compare and switch

Move to a fund that raised prices less for comparable cover. Portability rules let you keep your waiting periods on equivalent benefits, so switching is usually faster than people think.

Australians who got ahead of the rise

Customer Reviews

Rated 4.8 stars from 250 real customer reviews

4.8 / 5

Verified Google Reviews

"Saved $612 a year and got better extras for our two kids. The whole switch took 15 minutes — and our advisor still answers when I call."

Priya R. — Melbourne, VIC

Verified customer

"Finally a comparison service that doesn't push me toward whoever pays the highest commission. Refreshing."

James W. — Brisbane, QLD

"Our advisor walked me through pregnancy waiting periods like a friend would. Couldn't recommend Comparify more."

Aisha M. — Perth, WA

"Saved $612 a year and got better extras for our two kids. The whole switch took 15 minutes — and our advisor still answers when I call."

Priya R. — Melbourne, VIC

1 of 3

Common questions

Why did health insurance go up in 2026?: Health funds apply each year to the federal Health Minister to increase premiums. The 2026 industry-weighted average was 4.41% from 1 April 2026 — the biggest annual rise since 2017 — driven by higher hospital usage and medical-device costs.
Do all funds raise their prices by the same amount?: No. The 4.41% is an industry average. In 2026, fund increases ranged from under 2% to nearly 6%. Two members on similar policies can pay very different premiums depending on their fund.
Can I switch funds without losing my waiting periods?: Yes. Under Australian portability rules, when you switch to an equivalent level of hospital cover you keep any waiting periods you've already served. New benefits (or higher tiers) may carry fresh waits.
Is it better to prepay or switch?: Prepaying 12 months at your current rate locks in today's price; switching moves you to a fund that raised prices less for comparable cover. An advisor can run both options for you in about 15 minutes.
How current are these figures?: Rates current as at 1 April 2026. Source: gazetted fund figures published by the Department of Health.

Rates current as at 1 April 2026.

Don't pay more than you need to in 2026

One quick form, one real advisor, 14 Australian funds compared.

Compare now