A groundbreaking study has revealed a dramatic shift in Australian workplace preferences, with private health insurance overtaking working from home as the most sought-after employee benefit. The research, conducted by Ipsos for the Members Health Fund Alliance, shows that one in two Australians now want their employers to cover the cost of private health insurance rather than offer flexible work arrangements.
Cost-of-living pressures reshape priorities
The survey found that 56 per cent of Australians have delayed essential dental, optical, or medical treatment due to affordability concerns. This has propelled employer-funded private healthcare to the top of the employee benefits wishlist, surpassing remote work, salary sacrificing, and even childcare support.
In Victoria, where Premier Jacinta Allan is pushing legislation to grant workers the right to work from home twice a week from September 1, the findings are particularly striking. The survey revealed that 57 per cent of Victorian workers prefer their boss to provide free private health insurance, compared to 38 per cent who favour flexible working arrangements.
National trends and regional variations
Similar patterns emerged across the country. In New South Wales, 59 per cent of employees called for private healthcare benefits, while in Queensland, 54 per cent supported the incentive. The Northern Territory recorded the highest demand, with 75 per cent in favour of employer-covered healthcare.
While some large employers already offer discounted access to preferred private health insurance providers, the option for bosses to cover part or full costs remains less common.
Healthcare concerns amid cost-of-living crisis
Other key cost-of-living healthcare concerns include the cost of medication, GP affordability, elective surgery, and emergency department wait times. The survey also highlighted that 70 per cent of Australians aged 18 to 34 delay routine appointments by up to two years, with dental check-ups being the most commonly postponed service.
Laura Hicks, spokesperson for the Members Health Fund Alliance, said the research underscores the value Australians place on health and the importance of private healthcare access. “This particularly rings true with younger Australians who told us they were more likely to prioritise their health if they had insurance that covered all or at least a proportion of the cost,” she said.
“At the same time, our research shows growing public support for employers to step in and help, with many Australians backing workplace health cover as a practical solution to rising medical expenses.”
Delayed care and long-term risks
Three in four Australians without extras cover said they would likely access key healthcare services if they had private health insurance that covered all or part of the cost. Ms Hicks warned that delaying GP visits or dental check-ups might seem like a necessary saving in the short term but could lead to more complex, painful, and costly health issues later, putting additional pressure on the healthcare system.
The survey also examined Australians’ views on for-profit private health insurance providers, with 95 per cent calling for operators to prioritise members over revenue. The full results are available on the Members Health Fund Alliance website.
