Perth has a public and private healthcare system that provides quality medical care to its citizens and visitors. Australia’s public healthcare system is called Medicare and is available to all Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Australia’s Healthcare System
Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, is funded by the government and provides free or subsidized access to medical services, including hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Medicare is not available to foreigners, but they can access private healthcare services. Public hospitals in Perth are generally well-equipped and provide quality care, but they may be overcrowded and wait times can be long. Private hospitals in Perth are generally more expensive but offer more personalized care and shorter wait times. People generally recommend using public hospitals for minor medical issues and private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Australia, but they typically use private hospitals for specialized medical care and surgeries.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Perth
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital: Public hospital located in Nedlands, Perth, specializing in cancer care, neuroscience, and orthopedics.
- Fiona Stanley Hospital: Public hospital located in Murdoch, Perth, specializing in emergency care, women’s health, and mental health.
- St John of God Hospital: Private hospital located in Subiaco, Perth, specializing in cancer care, orthopedics, and women’s health.
- St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospital: Public and private hospital located in Midland, Perth, specializing in emergency care, cancer care, and mental health.
Emergency Services in Perth
Perth has a well-developed ambulance service that can be called by dialing 000. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays due to high demand.
Health Insurance Companies in Perth
The most popular private health insurers in Perth are Bupa, Medibank, and HCF. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
