Premium review

We’ll send your premium communication and important policy documents to your email, or via post, depending on your contact preference.  

You can access a copy of your premium review notice in your online member area under ‘view my interactions’. You can also update your preferred contact method in your member area. 

Like most industries, healthcare costs are increasing year-on-year. Health funds must review their premiums and policies to ensure they remain sustainable and can meet the future claim obligations of all members in the fund. 

Healthcare costs are driven by a number of factors, including: 

• higher costs associated with new medical technologies and treatments 
• an ageing population requiring higher levels of care 
• rates of chronic health conditions increasing 

As a health fund, we have a responsibility to address and react to these rising costs and prepare for the future, to ensure our members continue to get access to the care they require. 

GMHBA is a member-based health fund and we continually try to put value back into our products for the benefit of all members. 

Learn more about private health insurance premium increases. 

In 2026, the average industry increase for health insurance premiums is 4.41%. We’re very pleased to share that GMHBA Limited’s average increase of 1.98% is the lowest increase across the industry for 2026, and below the industry average for the fourth year running.

The industry average is calculated using the figures from all health insurers in every state, across all products. That’s why the average increase of some funds, and the individual product-level premiums within a single fund, will be higher, while others will be lower.

Individual product-level premiums are impacted by:

• the amount and type of clinical categories and/or extras services covered, and
• the costs of paying benefits towards these services

The rebate amount you may be eligible to receive on your private health insurance policy is determined by income threshold.

Your rebate amount – if you have chosen to receive this as a reduction on your premium – will be shown in your 2026 premium review communication. The rebate tier that you are are currently claiming is included in your premium review communication. 

Learn more about rebate levels and income thresholds. 

All members in the same state/territory pay the same premium for the same policy. Private health insurers cannot discriminate against members based on health status, claims history or age. This is a government requirement called Community Rating. This system is intended to keep health insurance fair and accessible for all Australians. This is in contrast with other insurance industries that use risk rating, such as life insurance or car insurance.              

Learn more: Private Health Insurance Community Rating System

Health funds are required to justify a premium increase by submitting an application to the Federal Government for approval. All applications to increase premiums are first assessed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). The application is then sent to the Minister for Health and Aged Care. If a proposed premium increase is found to not be in the public interest, it won’t be approved.

Learn more about private health insurance premium increases.

Being a not-for-profit health fund, every decision we make is to benefit our members and community, not shareholders. The premiums you pay go toward paying out member claims and the cost of running the business. GMHBA is also an active contributor in building the health and wellbeing of communities.

Learn more about GMHBA and how we work. 

As of 1 April 2026, access to the AIA Vitality program will no longer be available through GMHBA. For further details about the changes related to this, please see your premium review communication, or your first notification sent in May 2025. You can access copies of these communications in your member area.  

You can also view the AIA Vitality FAQ’s for further information. 

There are plenty of reasons to have private health insurance – think of it as an investment in your health. Private health insurance can offer:

• greater choice of provider or specialist
• peace of mind for members and their families
• benefits for services not generally covered by Medicare such as dental, physiotherapy and prescription glasses under extras policies – this can be a great way for members to proactively look after their health.