5 Reasons You Need Private Healthcare When Living in Australia

Although all Australians have access to Medicare, this does not apply to the residents of some countries, so if you’re thinking about migrating you’ll need to check to see if you’re covered. Even with free healthcare, however, a half of Australians also take out private health insurance – if you’re planning on moving to Australia and want to know why you need health insurance, look no further.

Australian Visas

As an expat moving to Australia to live and work on a working visa, you will need to prove to the Australian authorities that they are adequately covered by a minimum level of private health insurance in order to be granted their visa. Even if you are a citizen of a country with a reciprocal health agreement, such as the UK, they are still required to take out health insurance cover in order to qualify for the visa, as they can only enrol in Medicare from within Australia. Medicare for those visiting from countries with reciprocal health agreements is generally limited to immediate necessary care in the Australian public health system.

Choice of healthcare

Having private healthcare enables you more choice when it comes to the services you use and the doctors you see, unlike if you’re admitted as a public patient, where the hospital assigns a doctor to you.

Reduced Waiting Time

With private health insurance, the waiting time to see a doctor and have medical procedures is reduced. This can have a significant impact on your way of life, for example, if you’re on the waiting list for a knee replacement or kidney stones, which, while not life-threatening are very painful.

Complete Health Cover

Medicare in Australia doesn’t cover everything, including physiotherapists, dental visits, psychologists, speech therapists, ambulance travel, home nursing and spectacles. In the long term private health care may save you money on things such as glasses and dental care, as you will be fully covered. It will also cover part of the cost of some medicines that are not on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, so you can get the best treatment.

Comfort

Having private health insurance entitles you to added benefits, such as a private hospital room, which not only adds to your comfort during your stay in hospital, but also reduces the risk of catching infectious diseases.

Thinking About Migrating To Australia?

For more information about private healthcare insurance, or to find out more about everything from employment, visas, emigration and shipping visit our Expat Services pages or our Migration Advice page.

[divider]

Find out more information about Cheap shipping to Australia 

Explore Australia 

Perth to Broome Tours 

Things to do in The Great Barrier Reef