Published 28 May 2025
New research reveals privately insured Australians are putting off hospital care due to upfront excess costs.
A new national survey* reveals that cost-of-living pressures are impacting Australians' ability to access timely hospital care, with 1 in 2 respondents with hospital cover delaying or avoiding surgery due to the upfront excess charged by their health fund.
Amid rising bills and stretched household budgets, the survey, commissioned by not-for-profit private health insurer GMHBA, highlights an affordability crisis in private health care.
A third of those who deferred treatment said they simply couldn't afford to pay the excess at the time, didn’t want to dip into savings or go into debt for essential care. Others put off treatment for a year while they served out health insurance waiting periods or underwent multiple treatments at once to prevent paying multiple excess fees. Another commented they would need to tap into their home mortgage if they were required to cover the excess tomorrow.
GMHBA is the only major fund in Australia that charges no excess on same-day hospital admissions across all available hospital products^, removing a key financial barrier and helping more people get the care they need, when they need it.
Eligible GMHBA members who require common day procedures like colonoscopies, endoscopies, eye surgeries, infusions and more will have the excess waived, in contrast to many larger insurers, which can charge up to $750 in excess for a single day in hospital.
“Health care shouldn’t be something people put off because they can’t afford a bill at admission,” GMHBA CEO David Greig said.
“We’re proud to support all our eligible members, whether they have Basic, Bronze, Silver or Gold hospital cover, by adding an excess waiver to same day hospital procedures on all eligible hospital covers.”
The research also revealed that:
- 81% would need to rely on credit cards or savings for a same-day procedure.
- 10% say they would delay surgery if they had to pay their excess tomorrow.
- 6% would have to borrow from family to cover the cost of the excess.
- 84% said a no-excess same-day hospital admission option would make them more likely to proceed with care.
With growing awareness of how private health insurance can support, or stress, family budgets, GMHBA’s approach is earning attention from younger Australians, families and retirees alike.
When asked whether a policy that waived the excess for same-day admissions would influence their choice of insurer, 75% of respondents said it would:
“It would help a lot. I delayed my last [surgery] due to expense however it was a tumour so should have been a bit more urgent,” – Victorian respondent.
“It would make a world of difference. I think it is so important [and] would make such an impact on my financial situation. I would not have to sacrifice essentials like food and transport to be able to support myself,” – Queensland respondent.
“It would mean I wouldn’t need to put off the procedure until a financially better time and also wouldn’t need to live very basic after the procedure,” – NSW respondent.
As part of its not-for-profit mission, GMHBA says offering no-excess on same day procedures reflects its long-term commitment to affordability and prevention.
“It’s not just about saving money, it’s about helping people stay healthy and avoid more serious complications down the track,” Mr Greig said.
“We’ve been caring for members for more than 90 years and are committed to their long-term health and trust.”
For more information visit www.gmhba.com.au/campaigns/same-day-stays
* The GMHBA survey was conducted in May 2025 via Askable, with a sample of 200 Australians who hold private health insurance hospital cover.
^ Does not apply to closed hospital products. All hospital waiting periods apply, including standard 2- and 12-month waiting periods and waiting periods for pre-existing conditions which may be up to 12 months.
