Private health insurance premiums are set to increase by an average of 5.6 per cent from April, according to the latest figures released by the Federal Government.

Federal Health Minister, Tanya Plibersek, urged consumers to use the Federal Government’s health fund website to compare services.

“Families can find the best deal by shopping around, as more than half of private health insurers are this year increasing their premiums by an average of less than 5%.” 

On average, a combined single policy costing $1,600 annually will increase by around $1.72 a week (after the 30% rebate has been deducted). On average, a combined family policy costing $3,400 annually will increase by around $3.70 a week (after the 30% rebate has been deducted).

The average premium increases for individual insurers will be published on the Department of Health and Ageing website to give consumers further information to help them choose the policy that is best for them. 

Consumers can use the Private Health website to compare plans