RECENT data from Bupa reveals a notable trend among younger Aussies, aged 18 to 34, who are increasingly prioritising their health and well-being.

In the past year alone, these demographics collectively received nearly $656 million in combined claims benefits for both hospital and extra services.

Dental care put its hand up as the most claimed extra service among younger members, followed closely by physiotherapy, chiropractic care, remedial massage, and optical services. Noteworthy claims include a single customer with ambulance coverage receiving benefits exceeding $14,000.

Bupa's hospital claims data between April 2023 and April 2024 highlights substantial average claim benefits across various medical procedures. For instance, individuals requiring back, neck, and spine procedures received an average of nearly $12,000. Joint reconstructions averaged almost $5,000, while procedures for hernias and appendectomies resulted in average benefits exceeding $4,000.

Mental health support also featured prominently in both hospital and extras claims, ranking as the ninth most utilised extras service.

Chris Carroll, Managing Director of Bupa Health Insurance, emphasised that despite economic challenges, young Australians are increasingly recognising the value of health insurance, surpassing other age groups in uptake.

“Young people are investing in preventative health such as dental hygiene, mental well-being and muscular-skeletal health as they realise its critical to their health.”

Popular hospital claims among young Australians also included dental surgery, rehabilitation, pregnancy and childbirth, and gastrointestinal endoscopies.

This data illustrates a growing awareness among young Australians of health insurance's significance in managing healthcare expenses and ensuring access to essential medical services.