What Is The Health Care Situation In Australia?

This Question From Healthcare Jokes | 1 Answer


I’m an American moving to Australia in Aug/Sept. I was just wondering what the health care system is like over there. I’m hoping its better than the joke that is American “health care.”

1 Comment so far

  1. scat on September 1, 2009 5:02 pm

    Australian PR and citizens have Medicare (this is an extra 1% tax that you pay) that covers hospital treatment (not elective) – for issues that could be postphoned ie. hip replacement you are placed on a waiting list. Doctors visits are for the most part covered but you may only get portion back if the doctor doesnt bulk bill – you will need to pay and then get the money back.
    If you plan to live in Australia – then there is also private health insurance. This is never part of an employment package – you have to pay for it yourself. This covers Dental, optical, private cover in hospital (no waiting period for hip replacement etc) and other. Costs start around $60 per month for a single. BUT if you are over 30 then you have to pay an excess that is 2% per year over 30. It doesnt matter which insurance company you are in – this is a universal charge. Its called lifetime cover and is meant to penalise those people who dont decide to get their insurance until they need it in their 50s or so.





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