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

"As a foreigner living in Cairns, your access to public healthcare largely depends on your visa status and the agreements Australia has with your home country. Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with certain countries, which allow visitors from these countries to access public healthcare. However, if your country does not have such an agreement with Australia, you may need to have private health insurance to cover any medical costs. The public healthcare system in Australia, known as Medicare, is highly regarded globally for its efficiency and quality. It covers a significant portion of the cost for most healthcare services, including visits to general practitioners, specialists, and public hospitals. However, it does not cover everything, such as most dental care, physiotherapy, and personal care at home. In Cairns, there are several public and private hospitals, as well as numerous medical centres and clinics. The Cairns Hospital is the main public healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of services. The healthcare professionals in Cairns are generally well-trained and the facilities are modern and well-equipped. However, it's important to note that while emergency care is usually available to everyone, non-emergency care through the public system may involve long waiting times. This is especially true for specialist services and elective surgeries. Therefore, many residents and long-term visitors choose to have private health insurance to access private healthcare providers, which often have shorter waiting times. In conclusion, as a foreigner in Cairns, you may have access to public healthcare depending on your circumstances, but it might be beneficial to have private health insurance as well. The healthcare system in Cairns is of high quality, but waiting times can be long for non-emergency care in the public system," remarked another expat in Cairns, Australia.