Millions of Australians fork out big money for private health insurance believing it will give them their choice of specialist and Rolls Royce service.

Yet many, at a time of great personal crisis, are saddled with bills for treatment, leaving them thousands of dollars out of pocket and wondering why they bothered paying for insurance at all.

Many blame Medicare and the private health funds, but often the cause of out of pocket expenses lies elsewhere.

Dr Norman Swan spoke to Kayley Harris about the Four Corners investigation and why this program reveals some hard truths for patients and why it is essential for patients to shop around.

As consumers we have every right to be a proactive consumer.  Comparison sites such as https://www.privatehealth.gov.au allow patients to quickly compare through a totally independent website.  Kayley Harris also spoke to Joel Gibson from www.onebigswitch.com.au  

Click PLAY to hear the interview:

Mind the gap, reported by Dr Norman Swan and presented by Sarah Ferguson, goes to air on Monday 28th May at 8.30pm ABCTV