Choice says health costs a major concern for consumers

The latest Consumer Pulse Report prepared by Choice shows that health or medical expenses remain a key cost concern with 68% of consumers listing them as “a pain point”.

This finding follows the private health insurance price increase. The report found electricity remains the number one cost concern at 77%, followed by food and groceries (72%), then health and medical expenses.

Choice’s CEO Mr Alan Kirkland said: “Consumers of all ages are concerned about the cost of essential medicines (63%) and the cost of visiting their GP (55%). Coupled with the recent private health insurance price hike, health cost pressures are starting to hit home”.

Choice pointed out five things political parties can promise consumers that will help with cost-of-living issues and give people greater confidence in the financial system. The first on the list is reforming the health insurance market to make it easier for people to compare products and to stop subsidising junk policies.