A recent analysis reveals that women in Australia spend a larger proportion of their income on health care compared to men, despite having access to the universal Medicare system. While some studies indicate men may spend slightly more overall on health care, women are more likely to face higher out-of-pocket expenses due to various factors, including chronic health conditions and reproductive health needs.
Chronic Conditions and Increased Health Care Access
Women are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, which can lead to more frequent visits to doctors and specialists. In 2021–22, 88% of women saw a general practitioner (GP), compared to 79% of men, which increases the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs, particularly as the number of GPs offering bulk billing continues to decline. Additionally, 4.3% of women reported delaying a GP visit due to cost, compared to 2.7% of men.
Women are also more likely to need prescription medications, with 62% of women receiving prescriptions in 2020–21, compared to 37% of men. Delays or avoidance of prescribed medications due to cost were reported by 6.1% of women versus 4.9% of men.
Reproductive Health and Unique Health Care Needs
A significant portion of the disparity in health care spending is related to reproductive health. Many women experience chronic pelvic pain, often caused by conditions like endometriosis, which affects one in seven women by age 49. Additionally, a quarter of women aged 45–64 report menopause-related symptoms that disrupt their daily life. These conditions often require ongoing medical attention, including specialist visits and surgeries.
While conditions like endometriosis also impact trans men, intersex individuals, and those who are gender-diverse, the focus remains on women in this context, given the prevalence of these conditions in the female population.
Diagnosis Delays and Increased Costs
Women often face longer waits for diagnoses of chronic conditions, which can result in additional medical visits and higher costs. For instance, women with endometriosis typically wait six to eight years for a diagnosis, leading to increased health care expenditures. Although recent reforms, such as Medicare rebates for longer GP consultations, may help alleviate some of these delays, gender inequalities in the Medicare Benefits Schedule persist, with rebates for certain procedures, such as pelvic ultrasounds, still lower than for similar male conditions.
Management Costs and Financial Implications
The cost of managing chronic conditions such as endometriosis can also be substantial. Many women use allied health and complementary therapies, which, while partially subsidized by Medicare, still involve significant out-of-pocket expenses. Women with chronic conditions can access a chronic disease management plan, but the subsidy is limited, usually covering only five visits per year, leaving them to pay a considerable amount themselves.
The Broader Economic Impact
Women’s health-related costs also extend beyond direct medical expenses. Research suggests that women with chronic conditions like pelvic pain may face discrimination at work, which can affect their career progression, job retention, and income. Additionally, a significant portion of women entering menopause may reduce their working hours or retire early, further contributing to financial strain and impacting their superannuation savings.
Addressing the Gap
The gap in health care spending between men and women is partly due to a historic lack of focus on women’s health in medical research. There is now a growing recognition of the need for gender-specific studies and treatments, particularly in areas such as chronic pain management.
The Australian government’s recent $160 million investment in a women’s health package aims to tackle gender bias in the health system, improve sexual and reproductive health care, and support medical professionals with upskilling. However, experts emphasize the importance of sustained investment in women’s health research and services to address these ongoing disparities effectively.
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