Latrobe Health Services, a not-for-profit health insurer, has introduced a program encouraging members to prioritise preventative health measures.
Members who complete a Shane Warne Legacy Health Check by Jan. 23 will receive two weeks of free health insurance.
The initiative aims to tackle cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia, which disproportionately affects people in rural and regional areas.
Latrobe Health CEO Ian Whitehead stated the program aligns with the insurer’s focus on supporting member health.
“We are committed to giving back to our members through community initiatives that improve health outcomes and facilitate preventative care. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, with regional and rural areas disproportionally affected. We are committed to supporting ongoing community programs and investing in our members’ health and wellbeing,” he said.
The Shane Warne Legacy Health Check is offered at health stations nationwide from Dec. 9 through Jan. 23. Participants can find station locations on the Shane Warne Legacy website.
After completing the free check, members must upload proof – such as a screenshot of their SiSU Health email – to Latrobe Health’s website before the January deadline.
The health check provides insights into cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, and diabetes risk, but no personal health data will be shared with the insurer.
This initiative underscores the importance of preventative health as Australians grapple with rising healthcare costs.
The program comes amid rising out-of-pocket costs for Australians with private health insurance.
A recent Money.com.au analysis revealed that these costs have increased by 71% over the past five years.
Out-of-pocket expenses, which cover costs not reimbursed by Medicare or private insurers, are growing faster than overall healthcare costs. Since 2019, hospital treatment expenses have risen by 22%, while Medicare rebates increased by 18%, and private insurance contributions grew by 12%. This gap has left patients paying a greater share of their medical bills.
The average disclosed gap payment for services has risen from $99 to $135, while costs for undisclosed services jumped from $418 to $685.
The rising costs, combined with a 15.1% increase in premiums since 2019, have prompted concerns about the affordability of private health insurance.
Money.com.au’s Sean Callery said consumers are feeling the strain – with premiums and out-of-pocket expenses rising, leaving policyholders covering a larger share of their medical costs.
“This is hardly what you’d call a great return on the significant investment individuals and families are making in private health cover,” he said.
Callery suggested policyholders consider insurers with known gap agreements and review their policies to ensure they meet their needs without unnecessary extras. He also warned that declining participation in private health insurance could shift more demand onto the public health system, leading to longer wait times for elective procedures.
