Health insurers' 'aggressive' tactics causing closures, private hospitals say
Private hospitals in Australia are accusing health insurers of using aggressive tactics that are leading to service closures. Insurers, particularly Bupa, are alleged to be driving down prices through unfair negotiation practices. The Australian Private Hospitals Association is calling for regulatory intervention to address these issues.
- ▪Private hospitals blame large insurers for driving down prices and using aggressive negotiating tactics.
- ▪There have been about 80 hospital closures since 2020, with further service reductions expected.
- ▪The Australian Private Hospitals Association is urging the ACCC to intervene and establish a mandatory code of conduct for insurers.
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Health insurers accused of 'aggressive' and 'almost bullying' tactics in private hospital dealingsBy business reporter Alison BranleyTopic:InsuranceTue 28 Apr 2026 at 3:00pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 3:00pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 3:00pmLoading...In short:Private hospitals are blaming large insurers for driving down prices and using "aggressive" negotiating tactics, leading to the closure of services.However, the health insurance peak body says there are more private hospitals now than 10 years ago.What's next?Private hospitals are calling on the ACCC to intervene, and for a mandatory code of conduct for insurers.abc.net.au/news/health-insurers-aggressive-tactics-accusations-private-hospitals/106598450Link copiedShareShare articleA former Bupa executive has accused health insurers of using "almost…
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