"Why am I paying for private health insurance but not being treated like a private patient?"

My GP recommended me to Shoalhaven Hospital for a procedure because he believed they deal better with diabetes than other hospitals. My GP took the time to carefully pick the doctor for my procedure.

When I presented to the Shoalhaven Hospital I gave them my private health insurance membership card. I also saw a list that said private rooms were given as first to those who really needed their own room and second to privately insured patients.

I was put in a room with 3 other people, one who I think, from the things I heard, had Golden Staph! I had keyhole surgery, which went on to then needing to have another operation, leaving me with a large wound. I had to share a bathroom with the other 3 people. When I went for a walk I noticed plenty of vacant rooms available.

All I got during my stay was a TV to watch and a newspaper. I'm left wondering is my private insurance a waste.

I've paid $2500 per year for the last 20+ years, and it will soon be going up to $3000. Why am I paying it when everybody got the same treatment whether they were a privately insured patient or not.

I have absolutely no complaints about my treatment and was very happy with the doctors during my stay, I just want to know what do you have to do to get a private room? I feel the hospital doesn't care because they get paid no matter what.