Overall, Australia’s healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world, with high-quality care, a wide range of services, and excellent health outcomes for its population. However, like any healthcare system, it also faces challenges, such as rising costs, an aging population, and increasing demand for services.
Australia has a hybrid healthcare system, with both public and private healthcare schemes. Public healthcare is subsidised by the Australian Government, whereas private healthcare is charged by service fees.
If you are an Australian/New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or hold a specific regional work visa in Australia, healthcare will be free to an extent. It is recommended to organise private health insurance if you do not qualify for public healthcare before moving to Australia.
Public Healthcare
Public healthcare in Australia is free for all individuals that hold Australian/New Zealand citizenship, an Australian permanent residency, or a specific regional work visa. Free public healthcare is provided through Medicare, meaning that certain medical appointments, medication, allied health professional appointments, and hospital care will come at low or no costs. This also applies to children, except children can receive free basic dental care if they are under 17.
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with eleven different countries. You can apply for a Medicare card if you are from these countries. To register for one, you will need a passport, travel documents, and a permanent visa for the documentation process. Taking out private health insurance is recommended if you come from another country or are not eligible to apply for Medicare. This is so you can avoid unexpected one-off emergency treatment costs when based in Australia.
Click on the link below to find the closest public hospital in your area.
Find your nearest public hospital
Private Healthcare
Private healthcare is used by over half of Australia’s population (Commonwealth of Australia, 2022). It is optional and is often used to cover some medical and allied health services that are not subsidised through Medicare (e.g. dental services).
There are only two types of private health insurance coverage: general treatment and hospital coverage. General treatment insurance covers non-medical health services that aren’t covered by Medicare, such as dental, physiotherapy, and optical services.
In comparison, hospital insurance covers some (or all) of private hospital treatment costs. Private insurance will allow people to avoid waiting lists in the public system, choose their doctor, receive care in private hospitals, have quick treatment for nonlife-threatening procedures, and avoid paying one-off bills for treatments not covered by Medicare. However, deciding whether to pay for private health insurance comes down to your health requirements, financial situation, and age.
Click on the link below to learn more about Australia’s healthcare system, what they offer in detail, and how to get the care required.
Private healthcare insurance providers
A one-off expensive medical bill can easily take your hard-earned savings away, so it is essential to have good private health insurance. With the expensive costs of modern treatment, private health insurance can help you cover the costs of appointments, the ability to choose your medical specialist, and put you on a shorter waiting list.
Below are a few private healthcare insurance providers used by millions of Australians. Benefits for each health insurance provider depend on their policies and what services are offered.
Medibank
Medibank is a leading private health insurer that has delivered better health to Australians for over 45 years. They provide a range of services to their 3.9 million customers across the country and are one of the top health insurance companies with the least complaints. Medibank has a range of basic and comprehensive covers designed to meet any visa holders (Visa subclass 417 and Visa subclass 462).
Click on the link below to get a quote on the most appropriate plan for you and your family.
Bupa
Bupa has a strong reputation in the private healthcare industry and offers a broad range of services, such as aged care and retirement, optical, dental, health insurance, and community well-being initiatives. With their commitment to making their customers live longer, healthier, and happier lives, they are also one of the companies with the least complaints. Bupa has free discounts of up to ten weeks, a high proportion of no-gap services, and a 91.5% level of coverage for hospital-related services.
Click on the link below to find the most appropriate cover for you and your family.
HBF
Active for approximately 80 years, the Hospital Benefits Fund (HBF) private health insurance provider is one of Australia’s most significant not-for-profit health funds. Though they offer basic plans, they are well known for the six different types of hospital insurance coverage.The hospital covers include basic hospital plus, basic hospital plus elevate, bronze hospital plus, silver hospital, silver hospital plus, and gold hospital elevate. To set an example for the price, the basic hospital plus is AUD $19.15 per week, which offers accident cover and low hospital cover for basics. Remember that new customers will always receive six weeks free after signing up for four months.
Click on the link below to compare the different hospital and extra insurance products to help suit your needs and budget.
Hospital Benefits Funds (HBF) Private Health Covers
Click on the link here to find other private health insurance companies that suit you.
Types of healthcare services
Finding a General Practitioner (GP)
A general practitioner is a fully trained medical doctor who gives patients medical advice and refers them to specialists if treatment is required. It is common to enrol yourself and your family at the same local GP as it is more convenient and cheaper. However, checking the fees before registering is still recommended as all centres charge different rates.
Use the link below to help you find a GP in your local area. If in doubt, you can visit a few GPs and decide on the one most suitable for you and your family.
Many migrants coming to Australia tend to forget to transfer or bring their medical records with them. We strongly advise you to bring copies of your medical records when relocating as the process is much easier and quicker.
Emergency
If a medical emergency arises, call 000 immediately. In rare circumstances where 000 doesn’t work, call 112 as an alternative number. This should automatically redirect your call to 000 immediately if your area has mobile coverage. If you live far away from a hospital or in remote areas, call the Royal Flying Doctor Service on 1300 69 7337 to seek help. You could also visit the 24-hour emergency department at the nearest hospital, where healthcare professionals assess patients with injuries or illnesses. If your condition is not an emergency and requires attention, arrange an appointment with your family doctor. You are only to visit the emergency department if there is a severe accident/condition/injury.
If you are unsure whether to visit the emergency department, click the links below.
Hospital Emergency Departments | Health Direct
Feel free to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for extra advice if required. They are available to chat 24 hours a day.
Australia has pharmacies in every city and suburb if medication is required immediately. Pharmacists can advise you on minor health problems, help you manage chronic conditions, and advise you on what to do next. You are able to purchase over-the-counter medication such as painkillers, cold and flu medicine, and other medication to treat other illnesses. Certain medications may require a prescription from a GP. Vaccines, blood tests, and medical certificates are also offered in certain Australian pharmacies.
Click on the link below to find a pharmacy located near you.
Medical Specialists
If you need to see a medical specialist, you will need a referral from your General Practitioner first. Medical specialists, such as physiotherapists and psychologists, are allied health professionals who help patients manage physical or mental health. This range of specialists can be found and is scattered between private and public healthcare systems. Remember, they will charge a fee unless your private health insurance can cover it.
Click on the link below to find private hospitals and medical specialists.
Find a Health Service | Health Direct
Click on the link here for a guide to help you find the most appropriate and suitable allied health professional/medical specialist.
Child health
Children in Australia can receive free medical treatment up to a certain extent. Though the age limit differs by state, free services may include GP appointments, certain specialists, optometrists, or even other health care professionals such as dentists. Keep in mind to check whether GP consultations are free of charge, as not all family medical clinics will provide free consultations for children.
Children require different vaccines to protect them from dangerous diseases when they are young. Henceforth, Medicare covers the costs of certain vaccines stated in the National Immunisation Program Schedule.
Click on the link below for an extended list.
National Immunisation Program Schedule | Department of Health and Aged Care
Elderly care
Australia is well known for the high-quality elderly care it provides to elder individuals living in the country. They provide services such as aged care homes, short-term care (short-term life interruptions), and receiving care at home. ‘My Aged Care’ is a government gateway for all aged care needs, providing information on support programs across Australia. This includes assessments to determine the most appropriate type of care, referrals, and support to find service providers to meet your needs and any other information you might need to pay for your care.
If you want to know more about Australia’s ‘My Aged Care’ service, click the link below.
My Aged Care | Australian Government
You can also call 1800 200 422 if you have other concerns or questions.
Remember that you must have Medicare to use ‘My Aged Services’. They can still help you find alternative ways if you don’t have Medicare.
Maternity care
If you have Medicare, there are covers to some costs of ultrasounds, pregnancy counselling, immunisations, blood tests, as well as care from midwives and obstetricians. The prices of maternity care will depend on your visa or residency status and when you arrive in Australia. You can choose between public or private hospitals for these services, but remember that you will need to pay if you decide to go to a private hospital. Even after giving birth, Medicare also covers some or all the costs of care from midwives and obstetricians, immunisations for your newborn baby, and GP consultations. However, it is best to check beforehand whether they can cover the costs as clinics have various policies and expenses.
