Private Healthcare Australia has described as "wrong" claims women will only be covered for breast cancer treatment if they have 'gold' level private health insurance.
Reports in News Corp publications claimed the new categorisation of all private health insurance policies into gold, silver or bronze, will see cover for breast cancer treatment excluded from all but gold level policies.
However, according to Private Healthcare Australia CEO Dr Rachel David, the claim is just "wrong".
“These claims cause unnecessary concern and stress for health consumers," said Dr David.
“Health funds have worked with the Government, hospitals, doctors and consumers to develop a plan that makes it easier for people to choose and use the products that are already available, which will be released in coming months.
“The aim of the gold silver bronze classification is to make it easier for consumers to understand the products on offer by health funds. It is a classification system aimed at improving transparency for consumers.
“Health funds have not agreed to change what is already covered in existing products. This sort is scaremongering does nothing more than cause stress for people already concerned about their healthcare.
“I urge consumers to contact their health fund if they need to clarify anything about their policy and not to rely on unsubstantiated claims,” added Dr David.