×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - Health Care in Perth 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Matilda Bay in Perth, Australia


Health Care in Perth

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Perth: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Perth.

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.

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.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Matilda Bay in Perth, Australia

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Australia Network Contribute
Help others in Australia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Australia.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides