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Published September 2026  Expert contributor: Professor Patrick McNeil, rheumatologist and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Medicine and Health, Macquarie University  Millions of Aussies will live with joint pain by 2040. Discover tips for how to prevent arthritis and protect your joints.  When a long shift or a tough workout leaves your knees or hips aching, it’s easy to chalk it up to being active or getting older. But joint pain isn’t something you should ignore.   Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions in Australia and a leading cause of pain and disability. "In Western countries, arthritis is a modern epidemic," Professor Patrick McNeil, rheumatologist and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Medicine and Health, at Macquarie University, told Health Agenda.  Whether you spend most of your day at a desk or on your feet, your joints are working harder than you might realise. A few small lifestyle changes can keep them healthy and help you avoid injury. Here’s how to prevent arthritis.   Common types of arthritis   Arthritis isn’t a single condition – it’s an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause joint pain and discomfort. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but some of the most common include:   Osteoarthritis (OA): A common condition where joints become stiff, painful and difficult to move. It usually shows up in the knees, hips, fingers or spine, and it can affect several joints at once. Symptoms tend to get worse over time.  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition that causes pain and swelling, usually in the smaller joints (like the ones in your hands and feet) on both sides of the body. Joints may also feel stiff, warm and tender to touch. RA can involve flare-ups or symptoms that slowly get worse over time.  Gout: Caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in and around a joint (often the big toe, ankles, wrists or fingers), gout involves sudden, recurring periods of pain, redness, heat and swelling. It may also be difficult to walk or move the joint.  Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of arthritis that usually causes inflammation in the neck, back and pelvic joints. Common symptoms include pain and stiffness in the back, buttocks or neck. "The pain is often worse after resting or sitting for prolonged periods, and tends to be less severe with exercise,” says Prof McNeil.  Most forms of arthritis don't have a cure, which is why looking after your joints and taking preventive steps is essential.  Who’s most at risk of arthritis?  While anyone can develop arthritis, a few factors can increase your risk:  Age: Your risk of developing arthritis naturally increases over time. "The longer someone lives, the more likely it is they will develop a variety of health conditions – including arthritis," says Prof McNeil. But it isn’t just an older person's condition. Arthritis Australia expects one in six millennials to have it by 2040.   Weight: Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips and lower back. Obesity is a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis.  Genetics: If someone in your family has arthritis, you may have a higher chance of developing it too.  Sex: Some types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, are more common in women, while gout is more common in men.   Previous injury: An old injury, even one that’s healed, can increase your risk of developing OA in that joint.  Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, crawling or repetitive movements like kneeling, bending or squatting put extra stress on your back and joints, which may increase your risk of developing arthritis.  Lifestyle: Smoking is a major risk factor for RA, while heavy drinking can trigger gout. Can you prevent arthritis?   Arthritis prevention isn’t always possible, particularly if it’s a genetic or autoimmune condition. But there are things you can do to keep your joints healthy or reduce symptoms or flare-ups.  Stay active. A combination of stretching, strength-training and cardio (like walking, swimming or cycling) can help build flexibility, improve fitness and strengthen the muscles around your joints. Choose exercises you enjoy and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days. If you experience joint pain or you aren’t sure which exercises are right for you, it’s best to consult a GP or physio.  Eat a balanced diet. Eating foods rich in omega-3s and healthy fats (like oily fish, walnuts, avocados and flaxseed oil) and cutting back on alcohol and ultra-processed foods may help reduce inflammation linked to some types of arthritis.  Maintain a healthy weight. A healthy weight looks different for everyone, but it generally comes down to eating well and moving often. One study found that for every 1% of weight lost, the risk of needing a knee replacement dropped by 2%.   Mind your posture. Good posture and ergonomics, whether you’re at a desk or on your feet all day, can help take unnecessary strain off your joints. If your job involves physical activity, make sure you follow proper lifting techniques, wear supportive footwear and take regular breaks to avoid strain or injury.  Quit smoking. Try these evidence-based strategies to help you kick the habit or call Quitline on 13 78 48 for free, confidential support from a trained counsellor.   Early arthritis symptoms and warning signs   Early diagnosis really is key when it comes to managing arthritis effectively. If you experience pain or swelling that lasts more than a few days, or you can’t bear any weight on the joint, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your GP can help figure out what’s causing it, refer you to a specialist if needed and get you started on the right treatment plan.  "Early diagnosis is the key," says Prof McNeil. "If you’re experiencing joint pain, no matter what your age, see your GP."  What happens if you’re diagnosed?   If you are diagnosed with arthritis, there are ways to manage it. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your GP or specialist might recommend pain medications, physiotherapy, exercise or a weight management program to help reduce symptoms.   Treatment may also depend on what your day-to-day involves. For example, if your job is physical, you play sport regularly or spend a lot of time on your feet, pain management often needs to go beyond medication. A physio can show you how to move and exercise safely so you're not putting extra strain on affected joints, and an occupational therapist may be able to suggest different techniques or changes to your work or home set-up to reduce joint pain.  If you're an RT Health member with eligible cover, you may be able to get support from a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or dietitian through your extras cover. Eligible members can also claim a benefit for a gym membership to help them reach their weight goals.   Looking for extra weight management support?  Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of joint pain and arthritis. We’re helping eligible RT Health members access the evidence-based CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet*, created by Australia’s national science agency. It combines a higher protein, low-GI eating plan with proven weight management tools to help you build healthier, lifelong habits.    * The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet is available to RT Health members with hospital cover who:   are aged 18 or over  have a Body Mass Index of 28 or above   have multiple lifestyle risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity and poor nutrition.  This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website. 

Published September 2026  Looking after your health doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are eight ways to lower the cost of private health insurance without losing the cover you need. Between mortgages and rent, groceries and household bills, most of us are looking for ways to cut down on everyday costs. Private health cover might feel like an easy place to save – but if you work with your hands for a living, it's the last place you want to compromise. Something as simple as a sore back or an injured knee can mean time off work, and the right cover can help you get back on your feet sooner.  The good news is you don't have to choose between your health and your household budget. With a few smart changes, you can lower the cost of your cover without giving up the protection you need.  1. Look at what you use (and what you don't)  Start by looking at what your health cover includes. Are you paying for pregnancy cover you don’t need? Still holding onto orthodontics years after the braces came off? As life changes, so do your health needs, so it’s important to review your cover every year or so. You might find you’re paying for services you no longer use.  2. Switch to a couples or family policy  If you and your partner have two separate policies, or you've got kids on the way, a couples or family policy means you’ll only have one premium to pay, which can work out to be cheaper. Get a quote to compare.   If you have adult kids, they can stay on your policy until they turn 31 (as long as they meet the eligibility requirements), which can help them save money, too.  3. Increase your excess  Choosing a higher excess on your hospital cover can lower your monthly premiums. Keep in mind, you'll pay more out of pocket if you do need hospital care, but it's worth considering if you're generally fit and healthy and don't expect to need major treatment any time soon.  4. Check if you’re eligible for a rebate  The government's private health insurance rebate can reduce how much you pay, depending on your income and age. Head to the Australian Tax Office's private health insurance rebate page to see the current income thresholds and rates.  Use your extras to save   Having extras cover can help reduce everyday health costs. Take optical: eligible RT Health members can claim 100% back* on prescription glasses (plus a free digital retinal imaging test at eye check-ups) through our No-Gap network. For dental, our More for Teeth program gives you 100% back on a range of no-gap preventative dental services^, from check-ups to cleans – just use our Find a Dentist tool to find a nearby clinic.  If weight management is a priority, you may be able to access nutrition support through the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet+ or claim benefits toward things like your gym membership.  6. Cut your out-of-pocket expenses with Medicover  Seeing a specialist or receiving hospital treatment usually comes with extra fees. But if you're an RT Health member, Medicover can help close the gap. When you choose a doctor participating in the Medicover program, you'll either have no out-of-pocket costs, or you'll know in advance exactly what the gap costs will be.   Ask your GP to refer you to a participating specialist or use our Find a Doctor tool to locate one before you book in.  7. Let us say Thank You  Your health cover can help outside the doctor's office too. RT Thank You# gives members access to savings on everyday spending, from groceries and fuel to shopping and entertainment.   8. Get support if you can’t work  If you lose your job unexpectedly, the last thing you want to do is worry about health costs, too. Eligible RT Health members can access our Involuntary Unemployment Assistance program, which covers the cost of private health cover for up to six months while you recover.  Chat with our friendly team  If you're worried about the cost of your cover, we're here to help. Give our Member Care team a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch via help@rthealth.com.au and we'll talk through your cover options.  * 100% back from providers in our No-Gap network is available on selected covers. Waiting periods and annual limits apply. Excludes add-ons like high index material, coatings and tinting.  ^ 100% back/no-gap at More for Teeth providers is available to members with RT Health extras cover. Waiting periods and annual limits apply. Providers are subject to change. We recommend that you confirm your chosen provider is part of More for Teeth prior to your appointment.  + The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet is available to RT Health members with hospital cover who:  are aged 18 or over  have a Body Mass Index of 28 or above  have multiple lifestyle risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity and poor nutrition.  # Excludes Ambulance Only members. This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website. 

Published August 2026 Words by Angela Tufvesson Appointments with medical specialists can feel daunting – but once you know what to expect, it’s much easier to navigate. A trip to the GP that ends with a specialist referral can catch you off guard. Maybe it's a skin irritation that needs a closer look or a backache your doctor wants to get to the bottom of. Either way, seeing a medical specialist can be daunting, especially if you aren’t feeling your best. Research shows one in five Aussies who need specialist care delay or skip it, often because of wait times or cost. This can mean missed diagnoses, conditions that get worse and more medical expenses down the track. If you’ve received a referral or aren’t sure if you need one, here’s what to know about medical specialists. First, what are medical specialists? A medical specialist is a doctor who’s an expert in a particular field of medicine. Specialists are found in all areas of medicine, with some of the most common including: cardiologists dermatologists gynaecologists obstetricians oncologists paediatricians urologists. Other health professionals like psychologists also offer specialised care and may require a referral. Do you need a referral to see a specialist? Generally, you will need a referral to see a specialist. Some specialists won't see you without one. A referral also lets you claim a higher Medicare rebate, which means lower out-of-pocket costs. How do you get a specialist referral? Your GP is the best place to start. They can assess your situation, recommend a specialist and write you a referral. GP referrals to specialists can be ‘open’, which lets you choose your own specialist. You can also change specialists and keep your referral, as long as they’re within the same medical field. Most referrals last for 12 months from your first appointment (not from the date it was written). For ongoing or chronic conditions, your GP may give you a longer-term or ‘indefinite’ referral so you're not constantly renewing it. What about medical fees? If your specialist charges more than the scheduled fee set by the government (which is common), normally Medicare covers part of the cost and you pay the difference, or the "gap". Your first appointment usually costs more, but it also comes with a higher rebate. Follow-up visits usually have lower fees and a lower rebate to match. If your out-of-pocket costs reach a certain threshold in a calendar year, Medicare will give you higher rebates for the rest of the year – handy if you're seeing doctors regularly. The quickest way to claim Medicare rebates is at your specialist’s office – when you pay, just ask the receptionist if they can make an electronic claim for you on the spot. You can also submit an online claim (usually reimbursed within seven days), send a claim form via mail, or visit a service centre to claim in person. Choosing the right specialist One of the benefits of private health cover is you can choose which specialist you see. RT Health members can use the Find a Doctor tool to search specialists by specialty, suburb, postcode or hospital. Your GP can also help point you in the right direction. When weighing up your options, consider: their qualifications and experience availability and wait times location cost. The Medical Costs Finder is a free Australian Government website where you can look up specialist fees, see what Medicare usually covers and get an idea of what you may need to pay. Questions to ask your specialist If you're treated by a specialist as a patient in a public or private hospital, your health cover may cover some of the costs. Asking these questions can help you understand your care and any out-of-pocket costs. Do you participate in RT Health’s Medicover program? Choosing a doctor who participates in our Medicover program can reduce what you’ll pay out of pocket. If your specialist participates in Medicover, you'll either have no out-of-pocket costs or you'll know exactly what you'll need to pay before your appointment, so there are no surprises. Do you work from a Medicover-participating private hospital? RT Health members can reduce or avoid out-of-pocket costs by choosing a Medicover-participating private hospital. Your specialist might work across several hospitals and it’s worthwhile checking if any of them participate in Medicover. Will there be any other doctors involved in the treatment? Other doctors involved in your care (like anaesthetists or surgical assistants) may bill separately. Ask who else is involved and what their fees are. Are there any extra costs involved and what are they? Some procedures involve surgical implants or devices, like a stent or an artificial hip, or single-use parts used during robotic surgery. These aren't always fully covered, so it's worth checking with your specialist beforehand so you know what to expect. What are the total fees of the procedure or treatment? Before you go to hospital, ask for a confirmed total (not just an estimate) from each specialist involved. It’s the best way to avoid unexpected medical expenses after your procedure. Not sure if your hospital treatment is covered? We get it. Private health insurance can be complicated, but we’re here with you every step of the way. If you have any questions about your cover, our Member Care team can help you find the answers. Call us on 1300 886 123 or email help@rthealth.com.au This wellbeing message is brought to you by the team at RT Health, a division of HCF, The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746). This communication contains information which is copyright to HCF. It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, we do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on our website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. The information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to your individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.