Calls for private health insurance inquiry

There are fresh calls for an inquiry into private health insurance as the Medibank dispute with hospital operator Calvary threatens to leave millions of Australians facing hefty out-of-pocket costs.

Consumers Health Forum chief executive Leanne Wells on Tuesday renewed her call for an inquiry, with the most recent review of the sector by the Productivity Commission now almost 20 years old.

Medibank has informed its members they may face out-of-pocket costs when treated at a Calvary hospital from August 31, when the contract between the warring parties expires.