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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Australia | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Australia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Aug 21, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Australia is generally considered to be on par with the United States. Australia has a well-developed public health system, with access to a wide range of medical services and treatments. Emergency services are also highly developed, with ambulance services available in all major cities and towns. To call for an ambulance in Australia, you can dial 000 from any phone.

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How are healthcare services Australia?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Australia, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Australia are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by the Australian government and is available to all Australian citizens and permanent residents. It provides access to a range of services, including hospital care, primary care, mental health services, and preventive health services. The quality of public healthcare in Australia is generally high, with a focus on providing quality care to all Australians. Foreign residents are also able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay for some services. Expats in Australia can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. They may also be able to access private healthcare services, depending on their visa status," said one expat.

What are medical services in Australia like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Australia, they replied:

"Australia has a comprehensive public health system that provides high quality medical services to its citizens. The public health system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost access to medical care. Private health insurance is also available for those who wish to access private medical services. Australia has a wide range of medical services available, including general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and community health services. The country also has a strong focus on preventative health care, with a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles," remarked one expat in Australia.

"After living in the Northeastern US and then Texas, coming to Sydney has been a dream for me and my family. My son broke his femur and required emergency surgery, a week stay in the hospital, 8 months of physical therapy and then another surgery, our cost was $40 to rent a chair for the shower. I will never willingly live in the US again," remarked one expat living in Sydney.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Australia?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Australia can be expensive. The cost of healthcare services, such as doctor visits and hospital stays, can be high, and the cost of health insurance premiums can also be significant. The cost of health insurance depends on the type of coverage and the level of coverage chosen. Generally, the more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the cost. Additionally, the cost of health insurance can vary depending on the age of the person and the state in which they live," mentioned one expat in Australia.

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What are emergency services like in Australia?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Australia wrote:

"Emergency services in Australia are highly developed and reliable. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 000, which is the national emergency number. This number is free to call from any phone, including mobile phones. When calling 000, the operator will ask for the type of emergency and the location of the emergency. It is important to provide as much information as possible to ensure that the ambulance is sent to the right place," said one expat.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Australia, offering a broad range of treatment options. People often go to the major state and public hospitals for highly specialized medical care, including comprehensive cancer services and advanced trauma care. Additionally, there are many private hospitals, specialized medical clinics, and research centers providing specialist medical services to both the general public and private health insurers," remarked one expat in Australia.

Are common prescription medications available in Australia?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Australia. These medications are typically prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist. They can be obtained from a pharmacy or online. Common prescription medications include antibiotics, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, and medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma," said an expat in Australia.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Australia?

"Australia has highly developed public and private healthcare systems providing quality healthcare services to its citizens and visitors. Local medical facilities and medical care are generally of a high standard and are serviced by a range of dedicated healthcare professionals including general practitioners, nurses, specialists, and hospital staff. The country offers a range of preventative and general health care services, as well as specialized treatments depending on the individual’s condition. Australians have access to comprehensive health cover, including free or heavily discounted treatment for indigenous and vulnerable communities, making access to medical care more equitable," said one expat.

As a foreigner living in Australia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Australia, you will have access to public healthcare. Australia has a universal healthcare system, known as Medicare, which provides free or subsidized access to medical services for all Australian citizens and permanent residents. Medicare covers a wide range of services, including hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription medications. The quality of care is generally high, and the system is well-funded and well-managed," commented one expat living in Australia.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Australia if they have access to public healthcare in Australia. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"Our states panic over an outbreak of 3 cases. We have free drive up testing clinics every. 8-10km here in Sydney. Results are back within 8-24 hours," wrote an expat living in Sydney.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Australian healthcare system. Many healthcare providers have had to adjust their services to meet the demands of the pandemic, including introducing telehealth services and limiting face-to-face appointments. The government has also implemented a range of measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, such as introducing strict infection control protocols and providing additional funding for healthcare services. Despite these measures, the pandemic has put a strain on the healthcare system, with many healthcare providers facing increased demand and limited resources," said an expat in Australia.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Australia?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Australia about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"I'm not an Australian national nor a PR and was not under their Medicare system and I didn't have maternity coverage, so I was a wholly private patient and had to pay 100% of the cost. It is very expensive if you don't have maternity coverage. Each OB visit or consultation was AU$420.00 (equivalent to a month's pay for the average Malaysian eg. clerical worker, taxi driver etc)A GP would charge AU$90.00 - 180.00 per visit. The birth itself including hospital costs, epidural & medical care was AU$5-6 thousand dollars. My daughter is now 10 months old and I had such a wonderful pregnancy and birth experience that my husband and I were keen to have another child immediately. I am now 6 weeks pregnant with our 2nd child and planned to give birth in Sydney again. Coincidently, the day after my pregnancy was confirmed, we submitted my PR application to the Australian High Commission here in KL and also informed that we planned to give birth in Sydney. My PR application was rejected as I could not undergo the medical exam because I was pregnant and was advised to apply again after the birth. So we requested for an extended visitor visa whereby I could stay in Australia for 6 months. We were then told that "a foreign national cannot enter an Australian hospital until they have undergone their strict medical examination and received the all clear" which includes a chest x-ray which I can't have due to my pregnancy. They even went so far as to say that now that they know of our intention to give birth there, I am now on their `special alert' list and they would not grant me permission to visit Australia during the months when I'm close to the delivery date! So either I put my unborn baby at risk by going for an x-ray in order to go to Australia or we are forced to look for other countries to give birth in. So, if you do plan to give birth in Australia, unless you have a PR or some sort of special visa to live and work there, do not inform the Australian government. The hospitals and doctors there will accept anyone who wish their services, once you are already in Australia, there's nothing to stop you from giving birth. With my 1st baby's birth, I went to Australia on a normal 3 month tourist visa and nothing was ever mentioned about this rule and we have never had any repercussions from it. As my husband was Australian, my daughter automatically got citizenship and we got her passport ready within days and nobody questioned my foreign status. Ironically, when we tried to 'do the right thing' the Australian Government seems to be putting so much red tape in front of us as if we are being punished by being truthful. Therefore, now we are looking to give birth in Bangkok and we'll be going there in a couple weeks time to check out the hospitals etc. On a positive note, it is a very baby friendly country. Breastfeeding is highly encouraged and natural birth very much promoted in Australia. Looking back, the cost and stress of giving birth in a strange land was well worth it knowing that my daughter and I had the best medical care. Australia has very high standards and the facilities there are world class. The healthcare professionals there treat you with the utmost respect (except for that Malaysian doctor)," remarked one in Sydney.

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Are healthcare services good in Australia?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Australia. They wrote:

"Australia has a comprehensive universal healthcare system, known as Medicare. The system covers individuals and families, providing free or affordable access to medical, dental, and other health related services. The Australian Government has invested heavily in healthcare over the years, making it one of the leading healthcare systems in the world. Australians can access subsidised health care through Medicare, or opt for private health insurance to cover additional services like those provided by specialists. The government also subsidises medications, making prescription medications more affordable. Australians also enjoy a range of preventative health services, including counselling services, pregnancy and infant care, immunisations, and mental health services," explained one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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