The association representing commercial and not-for-profit comparison sites has rejected suggestions that reforms to private health insurance will unnecessarily confuse consumers or that the public should wait until the reforms are fully rolled out before considering their options.
The Private Health Insurance Intermediaries Association (PHIIA) says the changes, which include the categorisation of policies into gold, silver and bronze tiers, are helpful because they make it easier for customers to compare options and find better value.
PHIIA also believes that now is as good a time as ever for customers to review their options, and that its members are particularly well placed to provide customers with value during the transition period, having invested in upgrading their systems and training staff to help customers through the reforms.
Our members have invested in systems and consultants that are able to pick out policies that will cover people for their important requirements before, during and after the reforms, Christopher Zinn, the CEO of PHIIA, said.
Instead of waiting for the system to completely change and risk over-paying or being under-insured in the meantime, now is a great time for customers to compare their options to see which policies best suit their needs and PHIIAs members have put in the work to make sure that the process is a simple one for their customers.
PHIIA members have been preparing for months with the funds they offer comparisons about to come up to the task.
Consumers should use the arrival of the reforms as a worthwhile nudge to get on and review their existing cover, or take it out for the first time, and ensure they are comparing policies and providers, said Zinn.
Should the new categories create confusion, even in the short-term, PHIIA members have the expertise to guide the public through the transition.