As a foreigner living in Newcastle, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Newcastle, you will have access to public healthcare, provided you have the appropriate visa or reciprocal healthcare agreement from your home country. Australia has a robust healthcare system known as Medicare, which provides free or subsidized treatment by health professionals and free treatment and accommodation as a public patient in a public hospital. The public healthcare system in Australia is of high quality and is well-regarded globally. It covers a wide range of services, including hospital care, medical procedures, prescription medications, and mental health care. However, it's important to note that not all services are covered, and waiting times can be long for non-emergency procedures. In addition to Medicare, you may also choose to take out private health insurance to cover services not covered by Medicare or to have more choice in your healthcare. Many foreigners living in Australia choose to have both Medicare and private health insurance. In Newcastle specifically, there are several public hospitals and health services available, including the John Hunter Hospital, which is the principal referral centre and the busiest trauma hospital in the state. There are also numerous general practitioners and specialist doctors throughout the city. Overall, as a foreigner in Newcastle, Australia, you can expect to have access to high-quality public healthcare, although you may need to supplement this with private health insurance depending on your specific needs," remarked another expat who made the move to Newcastle, Australia.