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Canstar has researched and rated 628 health insurance products from 24 health insurers across Australia to determine which insurers are offering outstanding value on a state by state basis for Australians.
Canstar’s Health Insurance Star Ratings is the largest of our suite of ratings and awards based on sheer size of the rating. We have 287 consumer profiles which cover various demographics across the states and territories in Australia, and we look at 628 health insurance products to assess their value for those profiles.
This whole process has provided us an appreciation for the task that each consumer must go through when trying to choose the right health insurance policy for our individual needs. It is not only about finding a policy that will meet our budget, but also finding one that will provide the cover we need. With the large range of options available from multiple health fund providers, this process can be difficult.
That is where our Star Ratings step in to assist in putting you on the right path to finding a product that not only matches your budget but also provides value based on what it covers. So – which health funds received Canstar’s Outstanding Value award on a state by state basis?
Queensland Health Insurance winners
According to the most recent APRA statistics, 44.5% of Queenslanders hold private hospital cover and 50.2% hold an extras policy – incidentally, this level of coverage is the lowest of any state bar the Northern Territory!
When it comes to what Queenslanders look for in a health insurance policy on Canstar’s website, the most-sought hospital & extras inclusions are:
| Hospital Inclusions | Extras inclusions |
|---|---|
| Cardiac | General and/or Major Dental |
| Joint replacement | Physiotherapy |
| Colonoscopy | Massage |
Source: based on visitors to Canstar health insurance selector tables over 12 months to September 2016
When it comes to what health insurance costs for Queenslanders, Canstar’s 2016 research has calculated the following average premiums:
| 2016 Health Insurance Premiums – Hospital and Extras Packages QLD | |
|---|---|
| Consumer Profile | |
| Young Singles – Female | $ 1,831 |
| Young Singles – Male | $ 1,831 |
| Young Couples – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,699 |
| Young Single Parents – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,312 |
| Young Family – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,874 |
| Couples and Families – With Obstetrics | $ 4,450 |
| Established Singles – Female | $ 2,048 |
| Established Singles – Male | $ 2,048 |
| Established Couples | $ 4,108 |
| Established Single Parent | $ 3,553 |
| Established Families | $ 4,127 |
| Mature Singles | $ 2,174 |
| Mature Couples | $ 4,374 |
| Based on packaged cover policies considered for 2016 Canstar Health Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums include Base Tier Australian Government Rebate of 26.791%. “Mature” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac and hip/knee replacements. “Established” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac. | |
The Queensland 2016 Outstanding Value winners are:
| Award | Category | Region | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Hospital Cover | QLD | HIF |
| Outstanding value | Health Insurance – Extras | QLD | Queensland Country Health |
| Outstanding value | Hospital & Extras Package | QLD | HIF |
Compare Health Insurance in QLD
Considering a health insurance policy in QLD? See our comparison table below for a snapshot of the hospital cover policies available for a single male, sorted by our star ratings (highest to lowest) with links direct to the providers website.
NSW Health Insurance Winners
According to the most recent APRA statistics, NSW residents are diligent about their health insurance, with 47.9% holding private hospital cover and 57.6% holding an extras policy.
In terms of what NSW residents look for in a health insurance policy on Canstar’s website, the most-sought hospital & extras inclusions are:
| Hospital Inclusions | Extras inclusions |
|---|---|
| Cardiac | General and/or Major Dental |
| Joint replacement | Physiotherapy |
| Knee Reconstruction | Massage |
Source: based on visitors to Canstar health insurance selector tables over 12 months to September 2016
When it comes to what health insurance costs for NSW residents, Canstar’s 2016 research has calculated the following average premiums:
| 2016 Health Insurance Premiums – Hospital and Extras Packages NSW | |
|---|---|
| Consumer Profile | |
| Young Singles – Female | $ 1,818 |
| Young Singles – Male | $ 1,818 |
| Young Couples – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,673 |
| Young Single Parents – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,340 |
| Young Family – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,813 |
| Couples and Families – With Obstetrics | $ 4,318 |
| Established Singles – Female | $ 1,992 |
| Established Singles – Male | $ 1,992 |
| Established Couples | $ 4,000 |
| Established Single Parent | $ 3,513 |
| Established Families | $ 3,984 |
| Mature Singles | $ 2,128 |
| Mature Couples | $ 4,278 |
| Based on packaged cover policies considered for 2016 Canstar Health Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums include Base Tier Australian Government Rebate of 26.791%. “Mature” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac and hip/knee replacements. “Established” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac. | |
The NSW 2016 Outstanding Value winners are:
| Award | Category | Region | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Hospital Cover | NSW | Bupa |
| Outstanding value | Health Insurance – Extras | NSW | HCF |
| Outstanding value | Hospital & Extras Package | NSW | Bupa |
Compare Health Insurance in NSW
Considering a health insurance policy in NSW? See our comparison table below for a snapshot of the hospital cover policies available for a single male, sorted by our star ratings (highest to lowest).
Victoria Health Insurance Winners
Excluding the Northern Territory, Victorians share the dubious honour with Queensland of having the lowest proportion of residents holding private hospital cover, at 44.5%. Approximately 51.1% hold an extras policy.
In terms of what Victorians look for in a health insurance policy on Canstar’s website, the most-sought hospital & extras inclusions are:
| Hospital Inclusions | Extras inclusions |
|---|---|
| Cardiac | General and/or Major Dental |
| Joint replacement | Physiotherapy |
| Colonoscopy | Chiropractic |
Source: based on visitors to Canstar health insurance selector tables over 12 months to September 2016
When it comes to what health insurance costs for Victorians, Canstar’s 2016 research has calculated the following average premiums:
| 2016 Health Insurance Premiums – Hospital and Extras Packages VIC | |
|---|---|
| Consumer Profile | |
| Young Singles – Female | $ 1,866 |
| Young Singles – Male | $ 1,866 |
| Young Couples – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,779 |
| Young Single Parents – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,384 |
| Young Family – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,962 |
| Couples and Families – With Obstetrics | $ 4,480 |
| Established Singles – Female | $ 2,063 |
| Established Singles – Male | $ 2,063 |
| Established Couples | $ 4,156 |
| Established Single Parent | $ 3,600 |
| Established Families | $ 4,173 |
| Mature Singles | $ 2,176 |
| Mature Couples | $ 4,387 |
| Based on packaged cover policies considered for 2016 Canstar Health Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums include Base Tier Australian Government Rebate of 26.791%. “Mature” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac and hip/knee replacements. “Established” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac. | |
The VIC 2016 Outstanding Value winners are:
| Award | Category | Region | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Hospital Cover | VIC | HIF |
| Outstanding value | Health Insurance – Extras | VIC | CUA |
| Outstanding value | Hospital & Extras Package | VIC | HIF |
Compare Health Insurance in VIC
Considering a health insurance policy in VIC? See our comparison table below for a snapshot of the hospital cover policies available for a single male, sorted by our star ratings (highest to lowest).
Northern Territory Health Insurance Winners
According to APRA statistics, Northern Territory residents have the lowest proportion of private health insurance coverage across all states and territories, with 40.9% holding private hospital cover, and 44.3% holding an extras policy.
In terms of what NT residents look for in a health insurance policy on Canstar’s website, the most-sought hospital & extras inclusions are:
| Hospital Inclusions | Extras inclusions |
|---|---|
| Cardiac | General Dental |
| Joint replacement | Physiotherapy |
| Colonoscopy | Massage |
Source: based on visitors to Canstar health insurance selector tables over 12 months to September 2016
When it comes to what health insurance costs for NT residents, Canstar’s 2016 research has calculated the following average premiums:
| 2016 Health Insurance Premiums – Hospital and Extras Packages NT | |
|---|---|
| Consumer Profile | |
| Young Singles – Female | $ 1,313 |
| Young Singles – Male | $ 1,313 |
| Young Couples – Non Obstetrics | $ 2,689 |
| Young Single Parents – Non Obstetrics | $ 2,502 |
| Young Family – Non Obstetrics | $ 2,871 |
| Couples and Families – With Obstetrics | $ 3,271 |
| Established Singles – Female | $ 1,479 |
| Established Singles – Male | $ 1,479 |
| Established Couples | $ 3,004 |
| Established Single Parent | $ 2,657 |
| Established Families | $ 3,034 |
| Mature Singles | $ 1,601 |
| Mature Couples | $ 3,265 |
| Based on packaged cover policies considered for 2016 Canstar Health Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums include Base Tier Australian Government Rebate of 26.791%. “Mature” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac and hip/knee replacements. “Established” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac. | |
The Northern Territory 2016 Outstanding Value winners are:
| Award | Category | Region | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Hospital Cover | NT | Bupa |
| Outstanding value | Health Insurance – Extras | NT | Medibank |
| Outstanding value | Hospital & Extras Package | NT | Medibank |
Compare Health Insurance in NT
Considering a health insurance policy in NT? See our comparison table below for a snapshot of the hospital cover policies available for a single male, sorted by our star ratings (highest to lowest).
South Australia Health Insurance Winners
At 46%, South Australians are almost exactly in the middle when it comes to the proportion of residents holding private hospital cover – neither higher nor lower than other states. And at 59.4% holding an extras policy, they are nicely idle of the road there as well.
In terms of what South Australians look for in a health insurance policy on Canstar’s website, the most-sought hospital & extras inclusions are:
| Hospital Inclusions | Extras inclusions |
|---|---|
| Joint replacement | General and/or Major Dental |
| Colonoscopy | Physiotherapy |
| Cardiac | Massage |
Source: based on visitors to Canstar health insurance selector tables over 12 months to September 2016
When it comes to what health insurance costs for South Australians, Canstar’s 2016 research has calculated the following average premiums:
| 2016 Health Insurance Premiums – Hospital and Extras Packages SA | |
|---|---|
| Consumer Profile | |
| Young Singles – Female | $ 1,758 |
| Young Singles – Male | $ 1,758 |
| Young Couples – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,573 |
| Young Single Parents – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,179 |
| Young Family – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,739 |
| Couples and Families – With Obstetrics | $ 4,235 |
| Established Singles – Female | $ 1,960 |
| Established Singles – Male | $ 1,960 |
| Established Couples | $ 3,944 |
| Established Single Parent | $ 3,369 |
| Established Families | $ 3,924 |
| Mature Singles | $ 2,137 |
| Mature Couples | $ 4,307 |
| Based on packaged cover policies considered for 2016 Canstar Health Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums include Base Tier Australian Government Rebate of 26.791%. “Mature” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac and hip/knee replacements. “Established” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac. | |
The SA 2016 Outstanding Value winners are:
| Award | Category | Region | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Hospital Cover | SA | Bupa |
| Outstanding value | Health Insurance – Extras | SA | HCF |
| Outstanding value | Hospital & Extras Package | SA | Bupa |
Compare Health Insurance in SA
Considering a health insurance policy in SA? See our comparison table below for a snapshot of the hospital cover policies available for a single male, sorted by our star ratings (highest to lowest).
West Australia Health Insurance Winners
Apart from the ACT, West Australians are the most likely of all states’ residents to hold a private hospital cover insurance policy, at 55%. And they almost tie with the ACT in enthusiasm for an extras policy, at 68.4% (apart from the ACT, the nest-nearest state is NSW, at 57.6%).
In terms of what West Australians look for in a health insurance policy on Canstar’s website, the most-sought hospital & extras inclusions are:
| Hospital Inclusions | Extras inclusions |
|---|---|
| Cardiac | General and/or Major Dental |
| Join t replacement | Physiotherapy |
| Shoulder reconstruction | Chiropractic |
Source: based on visitors to Canstar health insurance selector tables over 12 months to September 2016
When it comes to what health insurance costs for West Australians, Canstar’s 2016 research has calculated the following average premiums:
| 2016 Health Insurance Premiums – Hospital and Extras Packages WA | |
|---|---|
| Consumer Profile | |
| Young Singles – Female | $ 1,737 |
| Young Singles – Male | $ 1,737 |
| Young Couples – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,479 |
| Young Single Parents – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,358 |
| Young Family – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,700 |
| Couples and Families – With Obstetrics | $ 4,011 |
| Established Singles – Female | $ 1,970 |
| Established Singles – Male | $ 1,970 |
| Established Couples | $ 3,921 |
| Established Single Parent | $ 3,554 |
| Established Families | $ 3,905 |
| Mature Singles | $ 2,137 |
| Mature Couples | $ 4,307 |
| Based on packaged cover policies considered for 2016 Canstar Health Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums include Base Tier Australian Government Rebate of 26.791%. “Mature” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac and hip/knee replacements. “Established” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac. | |
The WA 2016 Outstanding Value winners are:
| Award | Category | Region | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Hospital Cover | WA | HIF |
| Outstanding value | Health Insurance – Extras | WA | HCF |
| Outstanding value | Hospital & Extras Package | WA | Bupa |
Compare Health Insurance in WA
Considering a health insurance policy in WA? See our comparison table below for a snapshot of the hospital only policies available for a single male, sorted by our star ratings (highest to lowest).
Tasmania Health Insurance Winners
According to the APRA statistics, 44.8% of Tasmanians hold a private hospital cover insurance policy and 51.6% hold an extras policy.
In terms of what Tasmanians look for in a health insurance policy on Canstar’s website, the most-sought hospital & extras inclusions are:
| Hospital Inclusions | Extras inclusions |
|---|---|
| Cardiac | Orthodontics |
| Join t replacement | General/Major Dental |
| Shoulder reconstruction | Physiotherapy |
Source: based on visitors to Canstar health insurance selector tables over 12 months to September 2016
When it comes to what health insurance costs for Tasmanians, Canstar’s 2016 research has calculated the following average premiums:
| 2016 Health Insurance Premiums – Hospital and Extras Packages WA | |
|---|---|
| Consumer Profile | |
| Young Singles – Female | $ 1,792 |
| Young Singles – Male | $ 1,792 |
| Young Couples – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,618 |
| Young Single Parents – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,278 |
| Young Family – Non Obstetrics | $ 3,780 |
| Couples and Families – With Obstetrics | $ 4,277 |
| Established Singles – Female | $ 1,998 |
| Established Singles – Male | $ 1,998 |
| Established Couples | $ 4,006 |
| Established Single Parent | $ 3,476 |
| Established Families | $ 3,961 |
| Mature Singles | $ 2,159 |
| Mature Couples | $ 4,338 |
| Based on packaged cover policies considered for 2016 Canstar Health Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums include Base Tier Australian Government Rebate of 26.791%. “Mature” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac and hip/knee replacements. “Established” profile only includes products that include cover for cardiac. | |
The Tasmanian 2016 Outstanding Value winners are:
| Award | Category | Region | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Hospital Cover | TAS | HCI |
| Outstanding value | Health Insurance – Extras | TAS | HCF |
| Outstanding value | Hospital & Extras Package | TAS | HCI |
Compare Health Insurance in TAS
Considering a health insurance policy in TAS? See our comparison table below for a snapshot of the hospital only policies available for a single male, sorted by our star ratings (highest to lowest).
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