Medibank reveals highest claims and most common by age

Treatment for mental health issues and colonoscopies are among the most common claims made by Australians aged between 20 and 60 years old in FY18.

New data from Medibank sheds light on the value Australians receive from private health insurance at different stages of their life.

Medibank Chief Customer Officer David Koczkar said as we age our health needs change, so it is important Australians regularly review their cover to ensure they are covered for what they might need.

“While everyone’s circumstances are different, there are trends across different age groups that may be helpful when reviewing your cover,” Mr Koczkar said.

“The data shows that treatment for mental health conditions are amongst the most common reasons for hospital admission from the ages of 20 to 60 years old, with more than 7,500 claims in FY18 across those age groups.”

“While there are some procedures that are more common in particular age groups, mental health issues can affect all of us.”

The top 10 claims that Medibank paid in FY18 totalled more than $3.9 million or 1,477 days in hospital.

“The top claims that Medibank paid for customers often involves complex treatment and care, and I am proud that we were able to support these patients through a very stressful time in their lives,” Mr Koczkar said.

Five of the top 10 claims were for neonatal care in Queensland, with the babies spending a total of 587 days in hospital.

A Victorian customer aged in their 50s spent almost a year in hospital from complications from arthroscopic surgery, costing more than $460,000.

Two people spent a total of 140 days each in hospital recovering from a tracheostomy (a surgically created hole in a windpipe), with a combined $592,000 in benefits paid.

“We know that being admitted to hospital can be a distressing time, so being able to support our customers and their families through treatment is extremely rewarding,” he said.

“No one expects that their healthcare will cost as much as it does, that’s why private health insurance plays an important role in giving customers peace of mind for the unexpected.

“We want to help reduce the financial burden on customers undergoing these procedures and give them more time to focus on their recovery.”

Common claims by age groups:

• 20-29yo: Mental health, colonoscopy and dentistry. • 30-39yo: Mental health, colonoscopy and major gynaecology. • 40-49yo: Colonoscopy, mental health and gastroscopy. • 50-59yo: Rehabilitation, colonoscopy and mental health. • 60-69yo: Colonoscopy, cancer treatment and mental health.