Survey reveals healthcare hurdles for LGBTQ+ Australians

A recent survey shows alarming trends in healthcare access among LGBTQ+ adults in Australia.

Told by Claire Lawson · 31 August 2026

A new survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation highlights troubling realities for LGBTQ+ Australians regarding healthcare access. Among over 2,600 LGBTQ+ adults surveyed, a staggering 58% reported postponing or skipping necessary medical care in the past year, a stark contrast to 38% of their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. The primary culprits? Cost and the ongoing struggle to secure timely appointments.

Even those with health insurance aren't immune. 30% of LGBTQ+ respondents admitted to struggling with medical bills, compared to 21% of non-LGBTQ+ individuals. Disturbingly, the survey found that LGBTQ+ individuals on Medicaid or who purchased insurance independently experienced even higher denial rates: 48% and 46%, respectively, compared to 32% overall.

Transgender individuals faced the most severe challenges. 82% reported delaying care due to costs or appointment issues. When they did seek treatment, 61% faced insurance denials or delays, with 28% experiencing significant financial consequences from medical bills. Cisgender women identifying as LGBQ+ also reported higher rates of care delay (63% vs 46% for cisgender men), revealing a complex landscape of healthcare inequity.

These findings underscore a pressing need for improved healthcare access and affordability for LGBTQ+ Australians, particularly within the trans community, where health outcomes are already precarious due to systemic barriers. The question remains: how long will this inequity persist, and what measures will be taken to address it?