Understanding Australian Healthcare System for New Residents

Overview of Australian Healthcare

Australia has a world-class healthcare system that combines public and private healthcare services. The system is designed to provide universal access to essential medical services while offering choice and flexibility through private healthcare options.

Medicare - Australia's Public Health System

Medicare is Australia's universal healthcare system that provides free or subsidized medical services to all eligible residents and citizens.

Medicare Eligibility

You're eligible for Medicare if you're:

• An Australian citizen
• A permanent resident
• A New Zealand citizen living in Australia
• A person from a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement
• A person with a valid visa that allows access to Medicare

What Medicare Covers

Medicare covers:

• Doctor and specialist consultations
• Hospital treatment as a public patient
• Pathology and diagnostic imaging
• Eye tests by optometrists
• Most surgical procedures
• Some dental services for children

Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)

The MBS lists medical services covered by Medicare and their set fees. Medicare pays:

• 100% of the MBS fee for GP consultations
• 85% of the MBS fee for specialist consultations
• 75% of the MBS fee for diagnostic tests

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance provides additional coverage beyond Medicare and offers benefits like:

• Choice of doctor and hospital
• Shorter waiting times for elective surgery
• Private hospital rooms
• Extras cover for dental, optical, and physiotherapy

Types of Private Health Insurance

Hospital Cover: Covers treatment in private hospitals and day surgery facilities.

Extras Cover: Covers services not covered by Medicare like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.

Combined Cover: Combines hospital and extras cover in one policy.

Government Incentives

The government provides incentives to encourage private health insurance:

• Private Health Insurance Rebate: Government contribution to premium costs
• Medicare Levy Surcharge: Additional tax for high earners without private hospital cover
• Lifetime Health Cover: Premium loadings for those who don't take out hospital cover by age 31

How to Access Healthcare Services

Finding a Doctor

To find a doctor:

• Use the healthdirect Service Finder
• Ask for recommendations from colleagues or neighbors
• Check with your local medical center
• Contact your private health insurer for preferred providers

Booking Appointments

Most medical appointments require advance booking:

• Call the practice directly
• Use online booking systems
• Walk-in clinics are available for urgent care
• Emergency departments for serious conditions

What to Bring

For your medical appointments, bring:

• Medicare card
• Private health insurance cards
• Photo identification
• Previous medical records
• List of current medications

Emergency Services

In case of emergency:

• 000: Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)
• Emergency Departments: Available 24/7 at public hospitals
• Urgent Care Clinics: For non-emergency urgent care
• Telehealth Services: Phone and video consultations

Prescription Medications

Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidizes prescription medications:

• PBS medicines are available at reduced cost
• Safety net provides further reductions after spending limits
• Concession card holders pay lower co-payments
• Pharmacies are widely available

Preventive Healthcare

Australia emphasizes preventive healthcare:

• Regular health checks covered by Medicare
• Immunization programs for children and adults
• Cancer screening programs
• Mental health services

Healthcare for Families

Special considerations for families:

• Children's health services
• Maternal and child health programs
• School health programs
• Family planning services

Mental Health Services

Australia provides comprehensive mental health support:

• Medicare covers psychologist and psychiatrist consultations
• Mental Health Treatment Plans available through GPs
• Crisis support services
• Community mental health programs

Getting Started as a New Resident

Steps to access healthcare as a new resident:

1. Apply for Medicare card
2. Find a local GP
3. Consider private health insurance
4. Register with a local pharmacy
5. Learn about local emergency services