Bupa calls for changes to protect pensioners from health insurance rebate reforms
Bupa issues statement calling for urgent changes to Private Health Insurance Rebate Bill to protect Australians aged 65 and over
Key points
- Bupa is calling for amendments to the Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026.
- The proposed changes would remove the age-based private health insurance rebate for some Australians aged 65 and over.
- Around 500,000 Bupa health insurance policies are held by lower-income Australians aged over 65.
- Bupa says the changes could make private health insurance less affordable for pensioners and retirees.
- Bupa supports additional investment in aged care but believes older Australians should not face higher health insurance costs to fund it.
Quotes attributable to Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Kate Williams
At a time when pensioners and retirees are already being squeezed by rising living costs, removing the age-based rebate risks pricing some older Australians out of private health insurance altogether.
About 500,000 Bupa health insurance policies are held by Australians aged more than 65 on lower incomes. After decades of contributing to the private health system, many now face the prospect of paying more for the cover they have relied on for years.
Many have told us they are already struggling with cost-of-living pressures. Removing the age-based rebate could be the tipping point that forces some to downgrade or abandon their cover, reducing access to private care and putting further pressure on the public health system.
While Bupa supports the intent to provide additional funding for aged care, older Australians should not have to pay for it through higher health insurance costs.
That’s why we are calling for urgent amendments to the Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026 to protect pensioners and low-income older Australians from changes to the age-based rebate.
Older Australians who have done the right thing for decades should not be priced out of the health cover they depend on. Bupa will continue advocating for changes that protect affordable access to care.
To read Bupa’s full submission on the private health insurance age-based rebate for Australians aged 65 years and over click here.
