Health care system
Public Hospitals
Australia's public hospital system is funded by both the Commonwealth, and State or Territory Governments, and is administered by the State and Territory health departments.
Public hospitals are located throughout Australia and provide a wide range of medical care for patients. These can include services such as emergency care, surgery, cardiology, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, nuclear medicine, pathology, physiotherapy, orthopedic, mental health care, as well as a range of para-medical services.
Smaller public hospitals may not offer all of these services. If the treatment you need is not available, you will be referred to another hospital.
Private hospitals
Private hospitals are located in all States and Territories of Australia. These hospitals usually provide a range of in-hospital services for patients, similar to those outlined in Public Hospitals above. Private hospitals also offer Day Care medical services.
If you need medical treatment in a hospital and choose to go into a private hospital, you will be treated by doctors and specialists that you nominate. Medicare will cover a percentage of your doctor's fees. However, it will not cover the cost of your private hospital accommodation. If you intend choosing private hospital care, you would be advised to join a private health insurance fund to help with your costs.
Medication
If your doctor believes you need medication, you may be given a prescription to take to a chemist shop (or pharmacy). Many medicines, such as antibiotics, are only available with a prescription. Unless you have a Health Care Card (given by Centrelink http://www.centrelink.gov.au to low income earners), you will have to pay for medication.
Medicare
The Australian Government provides help with medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare. Medicare provides health care services and programs such as free public hospital care, help with the cost of out-of-hospital care, and subsidised medicines.
To enrol in Medicare, you should wait approximately 7 days after your arrival in Australia and then go to a Medicare office, listed in the telephone book, with your passport or travel documents. If all enrolment requirements are met, you will be advised of your Medicare card number and your card will be posted to you about three weeks later.
There is a Welcome Kit translated into twelve different languages explaining Medicare and other government health services and the eligibility requirements for benefits and payments. Remember to ask for it when you visit a Medicare office.
