Explaining the private health insurance coverage of older Australians

This article examines older Australians’ decision to purchase health insurance. It does so in the context of recent reforms to the Australian health insurance market. Findings suggest that economic, demographic and health factors are associated with an older household’s decision to purchase health insurance. Specifically, persons with low levels of income and education, and those living alone or born overseas are least likely to hold health insurance in old age. The author suggests that it is this group of older Australians who may experience difficulties accessing elective surgery in a timely fashion. The author concludes by suggesting that the age component of ‘Life Time Health Cover’ may disadvantage future cohorts of the aged. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s