Women spend more of their money on health care than men. And no, it’s not just about ‘women’s issues’

Women’s Health Care: The Hidden Costs of Chronic Conditions

Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme, guarantees all Australians access to a wide range of health and hospital services at low or no cost. However, one analysis suggests women often spend more out-of-pocket on health services than men.

Women have more chronic diseases, and access more services

Women are more likely to have a chronic health condition compared to men. They’re also more likely to report having multiple chronic conditions.

Access to services

Women are more likely to see a GP, with 88% of women seeing a GP in 2021-22, compared to 79% of men.

Reproductive health conditions

While women are disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions throughout their lifespan, much of the disparity in healthcare needs is concentrated between the first period and menopause.

Pelvic pain

Almost half of women aged over 18 report having experienced chronic pelvic pain in the previous five years.

Management can be expensive too

Many chronic conditions, such as endometriosis, can be very hard to manage. People with endometriosis often use allied health and complementary medicine to help with symptoms.

Complementary therapies

Women are more likely to use both complementary therapies and allied health.

More spending, less saving

Women’s healthcare needs can perpetuate financial strain beyond direct healthcare costs.

Discrimination at work

Our preliminary research has shown these repeated requests, combined with the common dismissal of symptoms associated with pelvic pain, means women sometimes face discrimination at work.

How can we close this gap?

Investing in women’s health research will be important to improve treatments so women are less burdened by chronic conditions.

Government commitment

In the 2024-25 federal budget, the government committed $160 million towards a women’s health package to tackle gender bias in the health system, upskill medical professionals, and improve sexual and reproductive care.

Conclusion

The hidden costs of chronic conditions for women are significant, with out-of-pocket expenses far exceeding those for men. To address this gap, we must invest in women’s health research, tackle gender bias in the health system, and improve access to affordable healthcare services.

FAQs

* Why do women spend more on healthcare?
+ Women are more likely to have chronic health conditions, including reproductive health conditions, and need more healthcare services.
* Why are women more likely to delay or avoid seeking medical care?
+ Women are more likely to face financial barriers, including out-of-pocket costs, and experience discrimination at work due to their health conditions.
* What can be done to address the gender gap in healthcare?
+ Invest in women’s health research, tackle gender bias in the health system, and improve access to affordable healthcare services.