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[Melbourne, 7 April 2025] The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NASOG) are calling on all Australians to support urging the Federal Parliament to include obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) services in the private health insurance risk equalisation system.

Risk equalisation ensures premiums remain fair by sharing costs across insurers for higher-risk patients. However, O&G services are currently excluded, meaning, in most cases, women must take out the most expensive “gold tier” policies to access essential care. This exclusion creates a structural inequity that disproportionately disadvantages women, reduces demand on the private system and contributes to the closure of private maternity units, with10 having shut since November 2023.

O&G services are time-critical, high-value and essential for women’s health. Their exclusion from risk equalisation undermines access, affordability and choice while also threatening the sustainability of both private and public healthcare.

RANZCOG’s 2024 Private Practice Roundtable, involving government, insurers and key stakeholders, identified the urgent need for legislative reform. NASOGs current Parliamentary ePetition to include O&G services in the risk equalisation pool highlights that identified need.

Implementation of this change would reduce out-of-pocket costs, promote equitable access and strengthen the broader health system.

“This is an opportunity to improve fairness, access, and sustainability in women’s healthcare,” said Dr Gillian Gibson, ��ż���President.

A/Prof Gino Pecoraro, NASOG President, added: “Excluding women’s health from risk equalisation is discriminatory and unfair. It’s time to act.”

Sign the petition to support legislative change and end gender-based discrimination in private health insurance.

For media enquiries

Bec McPhee
Head of Advocacy & Communications
bmcphee@ranzcog.edu.au
+61 413 258 166