Private health insurance premiums in Australia will increase by an average of 4.41% from April 1, marking the largest rise in nearly a decade. The four major providers are implementing even steeper increases, with NIB leading at 5.47%, while some smaller providers are only raising rates by 1.9%. Consumers can save money by comparing providers, reviewing their coverage extras, paying annual premiums before April 1, and understanding that switching between providers with equivalent cover doesn't reset waiting periods.