FED:Health fund premiums to jump by 5.57 pct

AAP General News (Australia)
02-25-2011
FED:Health fund premiums to jump by 5.57 pct

CANBERRA, Feb 25 AAP - Families will have to fork out more for their private health
cover from April after Health Minister Nicola Roxon approved a hike in premiums for 34
of 35 funds.

Costs will jump an average of 5.57 per cent. That translates to an extra $1.61 a week
for individuals paying $1500 a year and $3.21 a week for families with a $3000 policy.

This year's increase is marginally lower than the 2010 rise of 5.78 per cent across the board.

Ms Roxon said the premium hike would have been higher without her intervention.

"During …