THE PUBLIC HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Australians are served by one of the most comprehensive and highest quality health care systems in the world. This public health care system was established in 1984 and is known as Medicare.

Through Medicare, Australians have the assurance of knowing that they have access to free public hospital treatment and free or subsidised medical care and that this service is available to everyone regardless of income, age or health status.

Medicare also provides both free hospital and medical cover for permanent residents who are financially disadvantaged such as low income earners and those receiving benefits from the government such as sickness benefit, unemployment benefit, aged pension and invalid pension.

Treatment and admission to a public hospital is guaranteed for emergencies such as accidents, heart attacks or urgent surgery. Minor or less acute illnesses can also be treated within the public hospital system. Be aware, however, that due to the high demand for treatments on this public service, there are lengthy waiting lists for elective surgery, which means that you will not be able to specify a time or date on which you would like your treatment to take place.

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

Private health insurance is available to anyone wanting to cover the costs of becoming a private patient. The benefits of becoming a private patient are:

• You choose your treating doctor.
• You may reduce the waiting time for your elective surgery.
• It provides cover for other services that are not covered by Medicare including dental, optical, pharmaceutical, physiotherapy and a wide range of other services.

Around 34% of Australians choose to take out private health insurance, and 24% have taken it out with a company called Medicare Private. This is just one insurance company that you can take cover with, but the main advantage of Medicare Private is that they are able to offer hospital insurance that covers 100% of hospital charges including extra costs like telephone calls, television rental and newspapers.

Private health funds are regulated by the Commonwealth Government, and all follow the principle of community rating. This means that everyone pays the same – the premiums charged by funds do not vary according to age, sex, state of health or the size of your family. So a family premium will be double that of a single premium regardless of how many family members there are, and a young healthy single person will pay the same as an elderly, unwell single person provided they have taken out the same cover.

Rules regarding membership vary between funds and between states, so it is a good idea to ring around and do some research on what is on offer and what cover suits you best within the area that you decide to settle in. Health insurance does provide options for those who want the comfort and convenience of treatment in a private hospital.

WHERE TO GO IF YOU GET SICK

If you or your family get sick the first port of call will most likely be your local doctor, a General Practitioner (GP). If your condition or illness requires further attention then your GP will advise you to see a specialist.

Although the visit to your GP or specialist is not free, a rebate through Medicare is available. This rebate is 85% of the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee. The MBS sets down fees for services determined by the government to be fair to both patient and doctor. Low income earners and those receiving benefits will receive a ‘Health Care Card’. Holders of this card do not pay anything for a visit to the doctor, as the GP will directly bill Medicare for the rebate.

The Commonwealth Government also subsidises most prescription medications brought at pharmacies through a scheme called the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This provides access to prescription medication at a reasonable cost. Health Care Card holders pay a low set fee per prescription.

If you are being admitted to a public hospital then you should have your Medicare card with you. If you want to be admitted as a public patient (even if you have private health insurance) then you can be, but they will need the details of your Medicare card. The only costs you should pay as a public patient at a public hospital are any extras like television or phone services. Medicare covers all of the hospital and medical charges.

If you hold private health insurance then more than likely your doctor will make the booking for you. You will be required to fill out forms regarding your medical history and personal details, and you may even need to attend pre-admission blood tests and X-rays. If you do not have 100% coverage you will be asked to pay the difference as you leave. If you do not have health insurance you will be asked to pay the anticipated costs before you are admitted.