INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICARE
Under Australia’s public healthcare system Medicare services are provided for Australian citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents from countries which have a ‘Reciprocal Health Care Agreement’ with Australia. These include; Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Italian and Maltese citizens are covered for six months. Temporary residents and international students are not eligible for Medicare.
A Medicare levy which is 1.5% of taxable income is deducted from your earnings to help fund Medicare.
HOW DOES MEDICARE WORK?
Medicare enables you to access free or subsidised treatment as a public patient in public hospitals and from medical practitioners. Limited dental and optical services are available through the system. Medicare has a fee schedule structure, this determines how much a medical practitioner should charge for a consultation, blood tests and xrays etc. The doctor can charge a higher fee and the patient is required to pay the gap. Some, but not all medical practitioners bill Medicare directly, this is referred to as bulk billing. Often the patient pays the fee at the time of consultation and claims a rebate from Medicare. This is becoming the norm throughout Australia.
As a new migrant you may be eligible to join Medicare which will enable you to gain access to free public hospital care, help with other medical costs and subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.It is recommended that you register with Medicare 7 to 10 days after your arrival. You can do this by bringing your passport, travel documents and permanent visa to a local Medicare office. You will be issued with a number and your Medicare card will be posted out to you within a few weeks. Generally as a patient you pay medical bills up front and claim a partial refund direct from Medicare. A Government information pack about Medicare is available to download in twenty languages.
Medicare Contact Details
Phone: 13 2011
Website www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
MEDICARE OFFICE LOCATIONS
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Ambulance 000
Health Direct Helpline 1800 022 222
Health Direct
HOSPITALS
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
DOCTORS
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
DENTISTS
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
This is something worth considering as medical and dental bills can be costly. About half of all Australians choose this option.You may also be eligible for tax concessions and incentives from the government when you take out private health cover. More detail on this and the Medicare Levy Surcharge. There is a choice of insurers and levels of cover available.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Help with choosing Health Insurance
MORE INFORMATION
www.phiac.gov.au
www.privatehealth.gov.au
www.iselect.com.au
www.hbf.com.au
www.medibank.com.au
www.hba.com.au
www.mbf.com.au
