Surprise costs hit hospital patients
Many Australian hospital patients are being hit with surprise costs despite believing they have proper insurance cover, according to a survey of 5,000 patients.
The survey by Ipsos Australia found that one in six hospital patients had been presented with bills they did not consent to before being treated. It found that more than half the patients had no-gap insurance but 16% were forced to pay unexpected costs after medical treatment.
Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott said that too many patients were being left with unexpected bills. “In too many cases people are still having procedures in hospital as private patients without having given informed financial consent beforehand,” Mr Abbott said.
![Dandenong Mayor [left] stands next to aged care resident and aged care staff member](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/belv__2204.jpg?fm=pjpg&w=370)
![Dandenong Mayor [left] stands next to aged care resident and aged care staff member](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/belv__2204.jpg?fm=pjpg&w=520&format=auto&q=65)
