I'm with HCF and they have been pretty good so far, I only claim about once every 2 years, but its there in case i need it.I have top cover with excess and it costs me about $20 a week. That's only a few schooners.
My family has been privately insured for 40+ years, mostly with MBF. 10 years ago my mum had a kideney transplant and her daily medication costs around $30,000+ per year, of which we pay the princely sum of about $1,200.
Even though I dont need private insurance, and hopefully won't need its benifits for many years to come I pay it put of principal.
While our medical and insurance system is not perfect, its a damn sight better than many other contries. Particularly the USA.
God may bless America but thank christ for Australia.