Australia Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Australia

Most expats arrange their own private health insurance plans for their stay in Australia. Permanent residence is usually required for the public health insurance scheme, and not every country has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Australia.

This mini guide tells everything you need to know about the Australian healthcare and health insurance system. Read on to learn more about the health insurance options available for you or click below to obtain a free, no-obligation quote now!

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Australia

Healthcare System in Australia

Australia has one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems in the world, from preventative to specialist healthcare. The systems comprise both the public and the private healthcare systems. Each has its own pros and cons. We will explore more in this section.

Public Healthcare System

Public healthcare in Australia is owned and managed by the state or territory governments of Australia and receives funding from the Australian government. Australians and residents with Medicare cards can receive healthcare for free at public healthcare facilities.

There are roughly the same number of public and private healthcare facilities in Australia. However, public healthcare facilities are widely more accessible across the country as private service is usually limited to major cities only.

Australian public healthcare facilities are very comprehensive, and most facilities are well-equipped for a wide range of medical conditions and complex treatments, even when compared to their private counterparts.

Most outpatient services and 24-hour emergency departments in Australia are operated by public healthcare providers.

Public healthcare is free for Australians and residents with Medicare cards only. If you do not have a Medicare card, you will have to pay for the services in full.

Waiting times can be long in the public healthcare system, especially for elective or non-emergency procedures, prompting some to opt for private healthcare instead, with shorter waiting times and extra amenities like private rooms and a more comfortable atmosphere.

Public healthcare facilities, in general, don’t allow patients to choose which doctors to see them. Mostly, patients are treated by a team of physicians or a physician nominated by the hospitals.

If there is a specific physician you want to see, you might want to consider visiting private healthcare facilities.

Public Hospitals in Australia

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Sydney)
Address: 50 Missenden Rd, Camperdown NSW 2050
Phone: +61 2 9515 6111

Royal North Shore Hospital (Sydney)
Address: Reserve Rd, St Leonards NSW 2065
Phone: +61 2 9926 7111

Westmead Hospital (Sydney)
Address: Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Darcy Road, Westmead NSW 2145
Phone: +61 2 8890 5555

The Alfred Hospital Melbourne (Melbourne)
Address: Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004
Phone: +61 3 9076 2000

Royal Melbourne Hospital (Melbourne)
Address: 300 Grattan St, Parkville VIC 3050
Phone: +61 3 9342 7000

Austin Hospital (Melbourne)
Address: 45 Studley Rd, Heidelberg VIC 3084
Phone: +61 3 9496 5000

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Perth)
Address: Hospital Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009
Phone: +61 8 6457 3333

Armadale Health Service (Perth)
Address: 3056 Albany Highway, Mount Nasura WA 6112
Phone: +61 8 9391 2000

Fiona Stanley Hospital (Perth)
Address: 11 Robin Warren Drive, Murdoch WA 6150
Phone: 6152 2222

Private Healthcare System in Australia

Private healthcare in Australia is owned and operated by private organizations but is still licensed and regulated by the government. Private healthcare facilities usually offer more choices when it comes to the doctor who will oversee your case.

Waiting time also tends to be shorter in private healthcare facilities, especially for elective treatment, and certain amenities will be available for better comfort, such as better privacy and a more relaxing environment.

Some public hospitals have the option for patients to be treated as ‘private patients.’ This means you can choose physicians to oversee your case, stay in a private room, or be transferred to private facilities for follow-up care.

To be treated as a private patient in a public hospital is equivalent to being treated in a private hospital. You must shoulder all the cost yourself or have it covered by a private health insurance plan. Medicare does not provide coverage if you choose to be treated as a private patient.

Private Hospitals in Australia

North Shore Private Hospital (Sydney)
Address: Westbourne Street, St Leonards NSW 2065
Phone: +61 2 8425 3000

St Vincent’s Private Hospital (Sydney)
Address: 406 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 8382 7111

Melbourne Private Hospital (Melbourne)
Address: Melbourne Private 1F Royal Parade, Parkville 3052
Phone: +61 3 8341 3400

St Vincent’s Private Hospital (Melbourne)
Address: 59 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9411 7111

St John Of God Hospital Murdoch (Perth)
Address: 100 Murdoch Drive, Murdoch WA 6150
Phone: +61 8 9438 9000

Mount Hospital (Perth)
Address: 150 Mounts Bay Road, Perth WA 6000
Phone: +61 8 9327 1100

Hollywood Private Hospital (Perth)
Address: Monash Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009
Phone: +61 8 9346 6000

Expat Health Insurance Options in Australia

Most expats secure a private health insurance plan for their stay in Australia as permanent residence is required for enrollment in public health insurance. Some expats may be eligible for the public insurance scheme if their country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.

In this section, we will explore the existing health insurance options in Australia, so expats can make informed decisions on what options are available and what would work best for them.

Public Health Insurance in Australia

Australia provides universal health coverage to all Australians and residents through Medicare. Under Medicare, most health services provided by public healthcare facilities are available for free, but not all overseas visitors will be eligible for Medicare, and not all services are covered.

To be eligible for Medicare, you must meet one of the following conditions:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen
• be an Australian permanent resident
• have applied for permanent residency
• be a temporary resident covered by a ministerial order
• be a citizen or permanent resident of Norfolk Island, Cocos Islands, Christmas Island or Lord Howe Island.

If you’re eligible, you must enroll in Medicare to receive your benefits.

If you are a citizen or a legal resident of a country with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Australia and are insured under your country’s public health insurance scheme, you might be eligible to enroll in Medicare even if you are staying in Australia temporarily.

Countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Australia include:

• Belgium
• Finland
• Italy
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• The Republic of Ireland
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• The United Kingdom

If your country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, it is best to see the full list of eligibility and enrollment procedures on the dedicated page of your country.

Under Medicare, most health services provided by public healthcare facilities are available for free including:

• Emergency care
• Surgeries
• Medications
• Follow-up care
• General Practitioner consultations
• Specialist consultations
• Mental health services
• Health check-up
• Diagnostic tests and imaging

However, certain services are NOT covered by the scheme including:

• Services provided by the private healthcare system
• Ambulance services
• Dental services
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Hearing devices
• Elective and cosmetic surgery

Holders of Medicare cards can check the full list of health services covered by Medicare in the online Medicare Benefits Schedule.

If you are a temporary resident and do not come from a country with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements, private health insurance will be your best insurance option to have your healthcare covered in Australia.

Private Health Insurance in Australia

Private health insurance is generally recommended for most visitors to Australia as not everyone will be eligible for Medicare enrolment.

For temporary visitors, evidence of adequate health insurance arrangements is usually required for your visa application. Without adequate health insurance arrangements, you might not be able to obtain your visa.

If you are not applying for permanent residence and your country does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, it is likely that all of your medical expenses will fall on your shoulders. Private health insurance can help you avoid this.

Private health insurance could also help ensure your access to private healthcare and its extra amenities and shorter waiting time, especially when it comes to elective procedures.

For travelers, private travel insurance with health coverage benefits will also provide you with extra protection against any traveling mishaps, such as delayed departure, trip cancellation, and lost or stolen luggage.

To ensure you have the right insurance coverage at the right price, insurance brokers like Pacific Prime can help you navigate multiple plans and quotes from top insurers. Should any questions arise or any terms need clarification, our insurance advisors are more than ready to help you.

Best Private Health Insurance Providers for Expats in Australia

Several major insurers provide private health insurance coverage for visitors to Australia, including Allianz, APRIL International, AXA, and more. In this section, we have compiled some of the recommended plans from our top insurance partners.

Looking for more coverage for your family? Have a pre-existing condition that needs to be covered? Our insurance advisors can help you identify and secure health insurance plans that work best for you and your budget.

Contact us now or use our online comparison tool, all obligation-free and free of charge.

Allianz

Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans for all expats’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to any basic policy that Allianz approves. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and other risks.

Some of the basic coverage for their plans includes:

April International

April International has over 30 years of experience in the international health insurance market and provides both comprehensive and flexible plans to expats. They provide varying levels of coverage, fully customizable policies, and a wide direct billing network.

Some of the shared coverage across their plans are:

AXA

AXA Global Health Insurance offers both short-term and long-term plans for expats and travelers, with comprehensive coverage for any medical needs.

Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include:

GeoBlue

Geoblue offers an Xplorer health insurance plan that comes in essential or premier. These plans were created for expats traveling from the United States for business, leisure, or study trips. Expats can choose plans that include the United States in their coverage or not.

Both plans have several deductible options. The annual medical maximums are $1,000,000 for Xplorer Essential and unlimited for Xplorer Premier.

Some shared features across all levels of plans are:

NOW Health

NOW Health International offers expats abroad comprehensive health insurance solutions, as well as providing plans for international students. They offer online claim processes through a mobile app and provide other prompt online support.

They have several different tiers of plans, but these are the shared features across all of them:

William Russell

William Russell offers insurance plans that are globally portable across countries, so expats can travel while protected. They also renew their contracts on an annual basis, so their members never feel like they’re locked into long-term contracts.

The basic features of all their plans are:

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Australia

Australia, in general, is very safe, but the great Down Under is a unique location with unique health and safety tips that travelers should follow including water activities safety, dangerous wildlife, bushfires, and safety tips when driving in the outback.

Water Activities Safety

Swimmers, surfers, and divers should take caution for rip currents when swimming in open water. Travelers should follow Surf Life Saving Australia’s beach safety guidance.

Dangerous Wildlife

Australia has many dangerous wildlife including crocodiles, spiders, snakes, jellyfish, and sharks. Travelers should avoid approaching or feeding wildlife and should keep a safe distance when observing wild animals.

Driving in the Outback

Travelers should take extra caution when driving in remote outback areas. Prepare extra food, water, and fuel. Leave your route and expected return time with someone you know or local authorities. Make sure your vehicle is fitted with GPS and spare tires.

Bushfires

Bushfires are common in the summer months of Australia from November to February. Travelers should follow updates from local authorities and avoid areas with reported bushfires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is healthcare free in Australia?

Healthcare in Australia is free for Medicare cardholders only. Expats and visitors who cannot enroll in Medicare must shoulder the healthcare cost themselves or secure a private health insurance plan that will cover them.

Can I stay in Australia without health insurance?

Certain Australian visas require visitors to have adequate health insurance for the entire length of stay in Australia. Without adequate health insurance coverage, you might have trouble obtaining your visa.

How much is a hospital visit in Australia?

A hospital visit in Australia for visitors without a Medicare card could be anywhere between 339-351 AUD for outpatient visits, 384-2,215 AUD for an emergency department visit, and 2,682-2,869 AUD for inpatient care.

Conclusion

Australia has an exceptional public and private health service. However, visitors should make sure they have their medical expenses covered. For most, this will be with a private health insurance plan as the public one generally requires permanent residence or Reciprocal Health Care Agreements.

Pacific Prime, as an insurance broker with over 20 years of experience, works with top insurers to ensure expats have the best selection of health insurance plans that will answer their needs and budgets.

Contact us now for free, no-obligation quotes and plan comparisons.