Three in four Australians (76%) are now changing their healthcare decisions due to financial pressures, with young adults and women most affected, according to the seventh Australian Healthcare Index, released today.
The national survey of 8,286 Australians was undertaken by Patients Australia and Healthengine, and reveals a healthcare system under mounting pressure, with deepening generational and gender divides in access to care.
Young Australians Hit Hardest
Young Australians are the most severely affected by rising costs, with 86% reporting they have altered healthcare decisions due to financial pressures. This is significantly higher than older age groups (52%), highlighting a generational divide.
In response to these pressures, young adults are adopting new ways of funding healthcare, increasingly turning to alternative payment solutions such as:
- 44% using buy now, pay later services to fund healthcare
- 23% relying on medical payment plans
- 9% resorting to dipping into superannuation funds long before retirement
Women Facing Greater Barriers
The report also shows that women are more likely than men to delay care across multiple areas including dental, mental health, diagnostic tests, and allied health services, which compound existing health risks. Comparisons include:
- 62% of women are delaying dental treatment, compared to 53% of men
- 32% of women are delaying mental health support, compared to 22% of men
- 34% of women are delaying diagnostic tests, compared to 28% of men
System-wide Pressures
Beyond the disproportionate impacts on young people and women, the broader system is under strain. More than one in three Australians have skipped or reduced prescription medications because of cost, an increase on last year despite recent government reforms. Emergency departments continue to absorb significant demand, with many patients presenting for conditions that could be managed in primary care. Elective surgery wait times are also worsening.
Dan Stinton, CEO of Healthengine, said: “This report shows that access to care is fragmenting in Australia. There is a substantial wealth divide, where those with the means receive the best quality of care in the world, while those on low incomes – typically women and young adults – are falling behind. This calls into question the foundations of our universal healthcare system.”
Lisa Robins, CEO of Patients Australia, said: “This year’s findings represent an unmistakable shift in behaviour. It’s simply not acceptable that people are delaying treatment or accessing their superannuation early to cover medical costs. For young people especially, this creates devastating long-term financial consequences. We need urgent action to ensure equitable access for all.”
Despite these challenges, satisfaction with Australia’s healthcare system has risen modestly, increasing to 7.2 out of 10, up from 7.0 in 2024. This is the first positive movement since ratings began declining from a high of 7.8 in March 2021.
For further information about the Australian Healthcare Index report, please visit:
