Emergencies

In an emergency, dial 000 free from any normal telephone (i.e. not mobile) or dial 112 from a mobile phone. The operator will ask if you require police, fire or paramedic.

Medicare

Medicare is the subsidised/free health system. They have a reciprocal health cover agreement with the UK. Permanent residents are eligible for full cover once they have registered at a Medicare office

Department of Health information for visitors to Australia can be obtained from www.health.gov.au

It is advisable to take out travel insurance before travelling, whether you are planning to stay on a short or long term basis.

All Australian citizens and permanent residents are required to apply for a Medicare card, available from your nearest Medicare office. Identification in the form of passport, visa and proof of address will be required so that a Medicare number can be issued.

Ambulances

Ambulances are not covered under Medicare, even for Australian citzens and permanent residents. For visitors, their Travel Insurance should cover ambulance fees.


Health Costs

If you need medication during your stay, a prescription must be obtained from a doctor and the medicine dispensed by a chemist. You will have to pay for both consultation & treatment whether you are are an adult or child. Check your travel insurance for details.

If you are emigrating you need to register with Medicare as soon as possible. This means you will then pay less for prescription drugs and doctors fees.

Doctor's Consultation will cost around $40 unless they do what is called 'bulk billing' which will cover the complete cost. If not, you can claim back around 75% of the doctors fee from Medicare. This allowance can only be claimed if you hold a Medicare card which you must take with you to the doctors surgery

Prescriptions will cost from $10 - $20 per item depending on the medication. You will need to show your Medicare card/receipt to the Pharmacist for processing.
Chemists are open at regular shopping hours, 9am to 5pm, but every major town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy. Standard medical items such as Band-Aids and aspirin are readily available from service stations, general stores, supermarkets.

Hospitals

If you are hospitalised, expect to pay from $600 per day for your bed and anywhere from $200 to $2000 for surgery, depending on the operation. Medicare will usually meet most of these costs.