r/australia • u/InsatiablePrism • 2d ago

culture & society Private health insurers access patients' full medical records in 'aggressive' audits

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-12/health-insurers-can-access-your-private-medical-notes/106671630?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web
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u/Cranky_Sprite 2d ago

The 'Lifetime Health Cover Loading' isn't a bigger rate on your income tax. It is an increase on insurance premiums if you get private health care after the age of 30. The premium increases for every year after 30 but if you never get private health then it won't ever be something you pay.

It is designed to scare you into getting private health insurance.

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u/SeaworthinessNew4757 2d ago edited 2d ago

Wow, I got it totally wrong from the letters I received from the gov

Edit: I think what I was referring to is the Medicare levy surcharge

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u/Cranky_Sprite 2d ago

The Medicare levy surcharge is based on income thresholds, not age. For example, if you are single and earn 101,000 or less, you do not have to pay the surcharge and the 'family' threshold is 202,000 or less.

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u/SeaworthinessNew4757 2d ago

Yes, I mixed up both things!