15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Australia

"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 an expat in Australia.

"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," commented one expat living 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," wrote one expat.

"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," said an expat in Australia.

"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 an expat in Australia.

"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," wrote an expat living 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 one expat living 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," commented one expat who moved to Australia.

"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 who moved to Australia.

"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," commented one expat who moved to 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 one expat.