Navigating Australia’s Health System as a Temporary Migrant
If you’re a temporary migrant with access to Medicare through a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA), understanding how the healthcare system works can make your life a lot easier. Check if you are here. Let’s break down the basics so that you can feel confident about managing your health here.
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|1. What is Medicare?
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Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system. It helps cover the cost of essential medical services like seeing a doctor, getting treatment in public hospitals, and some prescription medications. However, not everything is free, and there are limits to what Medicare will cover.
|2. Who Can Access Medicare?
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If you’re a temporary migrant from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia, you’re eligible for Medicare for a limited time only. Some of these countries include the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, and a few others. If you’re from one of these countries, you can access some healthcare services under Medicare just like an Australian citizen.
|3. What is Bulk Billing?
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One of the first terms you’ll come across in the Australian healthcare system is “bulk billing.” This is a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly for the medical services you receive. If a doctor bulk bills, it means you won’t have to pay anything out of your pocket for the appointment. Not all doctors bulk bill, so it’s a good idea to check when you book your appointment. Some clinics have mixed billing that means that you could claim a part of your bill to medicare, but the other part you will need to pay to the clinic. Always check the doctor/clinic website for more info.
|4. What Does Medicare Cover?
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Medicare covers a range of essential medical services, but it doesn’t cover everything. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Covered by Medicare:
- Visits to a GP (General Practitioner) who bulk bills
- Treatment and accommodation in a public hospital
- Tests and scans like X-rays and blood tests
- Some surgeries and procedures if they’re deemed medically necessary
- A portion of the cost for some prescription medications
Not Covered by Medicare:
- ambulance services
- most dental services
- glasses and contact lenses
- hearing devices
- elective and cosmetic surgery
- services not on the MBS
- services provided through the private health system.
|5. How to Use Medicare
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Get Your Medicare Card: Once you arrive in Australia, one of the first things to do is apply for your Medicare card. You can do this online here and it usually takes a few weeks to receive your card.
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Find a Bulk Billing GP: To avoid out-of-pocket costs, look for a doctor who offers bulk billing. You can search online or ask friends or colleagues for recommendations.
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Present Your Medicare Card: When you visit a GP or public hospital, present your Medicare card. If the doctor bulk bills, you won’t need to pay anything. If they don’t bulk bill, you’ll pay upfront and can claim a portion back from Medicare.
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Know Your Limits: Remember that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For services not covered, you may need to pay out-of-pocket or have private health insurance to cover the costs.
|6. What to Do in an Emergency?
If you need urgent medical help, call 000 for an ambulance, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. If you’re in a state where ambulance services aren’t covered by Medicare, it’s wise to have ambulance cover through private health insurance to avoid hefty bills..
|7. Final Tips
- Private Health Insurance: While Medicare covers many essential services, having private health insurance can give you peace of mind for services not covered, like dental or physiotherapy.
- Keep Your Medicare Card Handy: You’ll need to show it whenever you access healthcare services.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your GP or healthcare provider if you’re unsure about what’s covered by Medicare.
Conclusion
Understanding the Australian healthcare system is essential to ensure you can access the care you need without unnecessary stress. By knowing what Medicare covers and how to use it, you can focus on enjoying your time in Australia, knowing that your health is in good hands.
If you would like to book a consultation with one of our agents, just call us on (08) 6117 4152 or write us at [email protected] or click on this following like to book your appointment https://www.getyourvisa.com.
