Australians have reported an overall improvement in their quality of life for the first time in three years, although mental health concerns continue to affect many, according to recent research.
The 2025 Bupa Pulse Check, conducted by Quantum Market Research, surveyed 2,000 people across the country. It found that 30% said their quality of life had improved over the past year, citing better outcomes in mental health, financial stability, fitness, and work-life balance.
Despite these gains, two-thirds of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their weight, with one in four considering weight-loss medications such as semaglutides, including Ozempic.
The report also showed that 71% of Australians remain concerned about developing chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke. There was an uptick in self-care activities, including meditation, healthy eating, and exercise, with gym workouts, swimming, and team sports ranking among the top fitness choices.
Tasmania led in reported quality of life outcomes, followed by the ACT, Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia.
Bupa Health Insurance managing director Kate Williams said health management behaviours are shifting.
“Amid rising chronic diseases and an aging population, it’s encouraging that Australians are more optimistic about their quality of life, health, and well-being, with improvements in mental health, work-life balance, fitness, and finances compared to previous years,” she said. “More people are putting themselves first and prioritising self-care. They’re adopting healthier habits such as healthy eating and reducing alcohol and are eager to explore new trends in health and fitness.”
At the same time, the burden of workplace stress persists. Seventy percent of employed Australians cited burnout, largely linked to workload and poor work-life balance. Mental health strategies such as exercise, healthier eating, and stronger social connections were adopted by 86% of those surveyed.
Mental health issues are also driving changes in workforce participation. A separate report commissioned by the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) and conducted by KPMG found a 732% increase over the past decade in total and permanent disability (TPD) claims related to mental health among Australians aged 30 to 40. This demographic recorded the most significant rise compared to others.
CALI chief executive officer Christine Cupitt said these patterns have serious implications.
“These are very concerning generational trends that show the frequency and severity of mental ill-health is rising exponentially in our community. No one wants this to be their story,” she said.
The KPMG study also noted that the average age of mental health-related TPD claimants has dropped from 49 to 46 over the last 10 years, while the average age for physical disability claims remained unchanged. Men were found to be nearly 60% more likely than women to file TPD claims for mental health reasons.
Concerns about mental health extend to the insurance sector itself. A 2024 well-being survey by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) reported that 48% of insurance professionals said job stress had negatively affected their mental well-being in the past year. Additionally, 90% of respondents believed the public viewed the insurance industry negatively, and nearly one in five said this perception had impacted their self-esteem.
Bupa’s survey also highlighted ongoing issues with healthcare access, particularly for younger adults. Forty-six percent of respondents found the healthcare system difficult to navigate, although telehealth usage has grown, especially among those in metropolitan areas. About half said they had increased their use of active transport such as walking, running, or cycling.
Separately, a Money.com.au study revealed that confusion around Australia’s private health insurance tier system remains widespread, despite reforms introduced five years ago. More than half of policyholders said they only partially understood how the tiered coverage system worked, while 13% said they found the structure just as confusing as previous insurance models.
Affordability also remains a key issue. According to a separate January 2025 survey by Money.com.au, 24% of Australians who have private hospital cover said they purchased insurance primarily to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
