Finder’s Health Report 2026: 1 in 4 Australians go without medical treatment due to cost
Key takeaways
- 4.9 million people have gone without healthcare in the past 12 months.
- Skin cancer checks, mental health treatment, and dental appointments among delayed care.
- Women (28%) are more likely than men (17%) to have gone without.
Millions of Australians are putting their health at risk by delaying or avoiding medical treatment because they simply can't afford it, according to a new report by Finder.
Finder's Health Report 2026, based on a nationally representative survey of 1,010 Australian adults, reveals Aussies are putting off everything from skin screenings to mental health support due to money pressures.
The report found almost 1 in 4 Australians (23%) – equivalent to 4.9 million people – admit they or a family member have gone without medical treatment in the past 12 months because of the cost.
Ceyda Erem, health insurance expert at Finder and report author, said healthcare was becoming an increasingly difficult expense for many households to absorb.
"Australians are making decisions about their health based on what's left in their bank account rather than what their doctor recommends.
"When routine healthcare becomes a luxury, small health issues can quickly become much bigger and more expensive problems down the track."
Women (28%) are more likely than men (17%) to have gone with medical care in the last 12 months due to financial reasons.
The report found dental care was the most commonly delayed treatment, with 60% of those who avoided care saying they had put off a trip to the dentist.
GP visits were the second most common casualty of rising costs, with 43% delaying or avoiding an appointment with their doctor.
More than a quarter (27%) postponed physiotherapy, while 21% skipped an optometrist appointment and 19% delayed seeing a specialist.
Alarmingly, some Australians are also putting off potentially critical health checks, with 14% delaying skin cancer checks or mole screenings and the same proportion avoiding scans or X-rays due to cost concerns.
The report found 14% also delayed therapy or mental health treatment because they couldn't afford it.
Erem said no one should have to choose between paying the bills and looking after their health.
"It's particularly concerning to see people putting off preventative care like dental appointments, skin checks and scans, because these are often the services that help catch serious issues early.
"Delaying treatment can have serious consequences, turning manageable health concerns into chronic conditions that are harder, more painful and more expensive to treat."
Erem encouraged Australians to consider taking out private health insurance.
"A basic private health insurance policy can actually reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs by providing access to services and benefits that may cost far more if paid for entirely out of pocket.
"If you haven't checked your health insurance policy this year, you could be paying too much.
"Remember the best deals are typically reserved for new customers, so shopping around can make a big difference," Erem said.
In the past 12 months, have you or a family member gone without medical treatment because of cost?
| Yes | 23% |
| No | 77% |
| Source: Finder's Health Report 2026 |  |
What type of care did you or your family delay or avoid due to cost?
| Dental | 60% |
| GP Visit | 43% |
| Physio | 27% |
| Optometrist | 21% |
| Specialist visit | 19% |
| Skin checks/moles | 14% |
| Scans/X-ray | 14% |
| Therapist/mental health | 14% |
| Chiropractor | 9% |
| Surgery | 8% |
| Other | 4% |
| Fertility appointments (i.e. IVF) | 1% |
| Source: Finder's Health Report 2026 | |
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You can read Finder's 2026 Health Report here.
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