07/04/2025
Please take the time to read and consider signing this petition. This is a prime example of a "pink tax" and addressing it would be a step towards gender parity in healthcare.
RANZCOG and NASOG are calling on all Australians to support a petition 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 – essential for balancing system load – with 10 having shut in Australia since November 2023.
The exclusion of O&G services from risk equalisation undermines access, affordability and choice while also threatening the sustainability of both private and public healthcare.
Read more on the College's website, sign the petition and share within your network to support legislative change and end gender-based discrimination in private health insurance: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN7227
