Expat Community > Australia

Disillusioned
Joined 2012
Posts: 3

HEALTH CARE

12 years ago

Hello! So glad I found this forum! My husband and I currently live in California, United States. We want to move out of the country mostly due to one of the worst and most expensive health care systems in the world, but also because the US government is going down the drain. I have done lots of research, and am pretty sure the Australian government will grant us a visa. My husband may consider joining the military when we get there, also, to ensure a steady job and get citizenship faster.

Anyway- the point of my posting this is because I had some serious questions about the Australian health care system. Here in the United States, we pay $380 per month for the three of us (we have a 15 month old son, as well), which is not bad, but included in that is a huge co-insurance fee, $3500 a year deductible, and co-pays. I am working a retail management job not for the paycheck, but to stay insured. We are sick and tired of living our lives based on worry- worry that if I want a new job we will have a lapse in insurance, worried that if we pay out of pocket we will lose it. My husband is in the trades so it's rare that a job in his industry would offer insurance.

So, my question is- what has been your experience with the Australian health care system? Is it cost-effective? Is everyone covered all the time? Is it a sliding scale, meaning you pay a percentage or is it a flat rate for everyone? I read also that there is supplementary insurance available, do people need it/do most people have it?? IS IT WORTH MOVING TO AUSTRALIA FOR THIS?!?!

Sorry to carry on, but it's hard to find straight answers on the internet. We are not looking to move so we leech off the system. We are obviously completely ready to work full-time and pay all of our taxes!!!

Thanks in advance!

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Living in Australia Guide

Did you know that students in Australia typically have three 2-week breaks and one 6-week break during the January to December school year? Did you know that rental prices are often quoted as a weekly rate? Our 10 Tips for Living in Australia article offers tremendous insight from expats there.

Australia Forum
Join our Australia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Australia.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Australia.

Best Places to Live in Australia

If you're dreaming about living in Australia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Australia in 2023.

180 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Australia

Expats living in Australia talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Australia and more.