Mark Fitzgibbon

Health insurer nib has posted a 23 per cent fall in first-half profit, blaming a rise in claims for the softer result.

NIB expects to earn $30 million less than previously forecast as claims inflation eats into the health insurer's full-year operating profit.

Australians should receive tax breaks if they are made to set up savings accounts to help cover some healthcare bills, private health insurer nib says.