Australians are increasingly feeling the hip pocket pain of the health care system, with the average Aussie paying over $1,000 per year to cover the gap left between Medicare and private health insurance according to the latest report published by the Consumers Health Forum (CHF).

“Australians are paying about 20 per cent of total health care costs out of their own pockets for health care,” Carol Bennett, CHF’s Chair said.

CHF said that the results paint an alarming picture, where people with severe or chronic illnesses are footing a disproportionate amount of the bill.

“Australians are paying, on average, about a $1000 a year in out of pocket health care costs. For people who are chronically ill and need lots more health care, those costs go up many thousands of dollars,” Ms Bennett said.

“Australians are putting off going to the GP, the dentist or getting a script filled because they simply cannot afford the cost of healthcare.”