THE PRICE OF PAIN: AUSSIES SKIP HEALTH CHECKS AS COSTS BITE

Australians are quietly cutting corners on their health, and it’s not just skipping the gym. Compare the Market’s 2025 Household Budget Barometer reveals.

According to the survey, 30% of Aussies admitted to avoiding the dentist over the past year, while one in five have postponed or cancelled a GP visit altogether.

Another 17% have delayed routine appointments, such as hearing tests, eye checks, and even cancer screenings. A smaller, but still worrying, 6% have pushed back elective surgeries.

Compare the Market’s spokesperson, Sarah Orr, says the figures are “worrying but not surprising.”

“Cost can be a huge barrier when it comes to visiting the dentist, and unless you have an extras health insurance policy that helps cover the costs, it can be expensive,” she says. “Unfortunately, Medicare rarely covers dental services.

"There are state and territory government schemes, but they often come with strict criteria to meet and lengthy public wait lists. It leaves many stuck between a rock and a hard place, choosing between physical pain or financial drain.”

It’s the younger crowd who are skipping check-ups most often, choosing to save their wallets over their well-being.

Orr says the rise of “Dr Google” and social media health hacks is only making things worse.

“It’s hard to find bulk-billing GPs, but the last thing we want to see is people relying on Dr Google or social media for health needs that require proper medical attention,” she warns.

The irony? Many Australians don’t realise some essential checks are actually free. “A lot of people may not realise a lot of crucial health checks are available for free,” Orr says.

“These include hearing tests through the Hearing Services Program, eye tests with optometrists that bulk bill and an array of cancer screening programs.”

Her advice is simple: before cancelling that appointment, check what’s already covered. “Millions of Australians with health insurance may be able to claim dental visits, prescription glasses, elective and other services under their policies.

If you think you might require specific treatments and services in future, planning and looking for great value cover could save you a financial headache.”

As cost-of-living pressures continue to squeeze, it seems even our molars are feeling it. But if there’s one takeaway, it’s that prevention is still cheaper and less painful than the cure.