Insurance and Health Care
Travel Essentials
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A good travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is essential
Medical treatment in Australia is expensive therefore visitors are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Visitors from the U.K, Malta, Italy, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands are covered by Medicare, the Australian national health system, (under reciprocal arrangements) but receive limited subsidised health services for emergency treatment only.
Whether you are planning a short visit or will be staying in Australia for a longer period, travel insurance is a must. Policies that cover medical, repatriation, personal belongings and legal bills are worthwhile considering with some long stay insurance also covering working overseas.
Staying on in Australia
- The first point of contact in obtaining health care in Australia is the local GP, whom you are free to choose yourself
Depending on the doctor you will either be billed for the consultation, for which you will be reimbursed by Medicare, or the doctor will ‘bulk bill’ which means they will claim reimbursement directly from Medicare.
In order to be eligible for Medicare, you must first register by completing an application form obtainable from a Medicare regional office. You need not necessarily have registered with Medicare before you receive any medical treatment but will be required to do so before you make any claim. All immigrants are covered by Medicare provided they pay the Medicare levy included in general taxes.
- Private health insurance is widespread in Australia with about 70% of the population choosing to take out additional cover
Private health care is much cheaper in Australia than in Britain and premiums are not indexed for age or gender. Private cover offers refunds for medical services not covered by Medicare such as physiotherapy, prescription glasses and dental work.
Our experts at Next-Step Australia can advise you not only on travel insurance and private health insurance in Australia, but also on registering with a medical practice and the intricacies of the Medicare system.
