Research has found that more than 40% of Australians believe the healthcare system isn’t doing enough to ensure access to new medical technologies (medtech) that could improve care or efficiency for Australians.1

The nationally representative survey, conducted between August–September 2025 and undertaken by Johnson and Johnson Medtech, shows that confidence in the healthcare system is fragile, with over a quarter (28%) of Australians feeling pessimistic about its future. Pessimism levels were slightly higher among outer regional areas (32%) and for those without private health insurance (30%).

It found that 43% of Australians believe the country is slow to access new medical technologies, even when they could improve care or efficiency. Long wait times are perceived to be “a big challenge”, particularly among those without private health insurance, however 77% believe medical technologies could help overcome this.

Interestingly, 86% of Australians mistakenly assume private health insurance provides equal or greater access to the latest medical technology. Of respondents, 44% would see less value in their private health insurance if the latest technologies were available in public, but not private, hospitals.

PROCESS HOLDING BACK MEDTECH ACCESS

“The research shows that Australians believe access to medtech innovation is fundamental to our world-class healthcare system”, said Sarah Najdek, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Johnson and Johnson MedTech.

“Hospitals are investing in medtech innovation, such as robotic-assisted solutions designed to support outcomes and efficiency. However, the process for listing medical devices on the Prescribed List of Medical Devices and Human Tissues Products, which determines the products private health insurers must pay benefits for, can mean that in some areas, Australians seeking care in private hospitals can face significant delays in accessing the latest medtech, sometimes waiting years after patients in public hospitals have received these innovations.”

The quality of the healthcare system is a top three priority for Australians, behind the cost of living in general and rivalling housing affordability concerns. However, confidence in the healthcare system is fragile: fewer than half of Australians feel optimistic about the future of healthcare,

HEALTHCARE SYSTEM SOLUTION

Ms Najdek said findings from Australians on Medical Technology and the Future of Healthcare 2025 research “underscore the value Australians place on medtech innovation for efficiency and outcomes”.1

“The data shows that many Australians see access to the latest medtech as fundamental to the value of private health insurance. We are calling upon industry and government stakeholders to work together to ensure all Australians have the timely access they need and expect of medtech innovations listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), thereby protecting patient and clinician choice.”

Reference

1. Edelman Data and Intelligence. Australians on medical technology and the future of healthcare 2025: Quantitative research findings. Commissioned by Johnson and Johnson Medtech. [Accessed October 2025].