Most economists believe that health insurance premium hikes that are well over the inflation rate can't be justified, a survey shows.

In the lead-up to the federal government's decision on what sort of premium increase it should allow, a survey has found 12 out of 18 economists and economic experts believe hikes well in excess of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 1.4 per cent are "unwarranted".

The 18 respondents, including economists Saul Eslake and Shane Oliver, were part of a broader, monthly survey involving 32 economists and economic experts by comparison website Finder.

In line with decisions made in previous years, newly installed Health Minister Greg Hunt is expected to give the industry the go-ahead to raise premiums by 5 per cent - coming on top of cumulative increases of 28 per cent since 2012.