What are Australia's healthcare rules?

Question

I'm a US citizen planning a trip to Australia in 4-8 months. The trip should be 3-5 weeks. What if I need to see a doctor, go to hospital, or require new prescriptions? Will that be possible for me? Is that allowed?

Answer 1

The most important thing is to buy travel insurance, I can not stress that enough, if something does happen it will save you alot of money and stress.

Make sure you get any prescriptions you may need while in Australia before you leave.

As you are only a toursit you wont be covered by Medicare so will need to pay a fee for service at any doctor, dentist, etc.. The fee's for such in Australia are cheaper then those in the US. One tip, don't ask your hotel to call a doctor but go to the doctors yourself, hotels charge a rediculous amount to get a doctor out, even for Australians.

If you need to go to hospital or require an ambulance that service is available to you. If you give them your insurance details they will sort out the fee's and sent any bills to your home address.

Hopefully you won't require these services but they are available should you need them.

EDIT - I suggest you visit http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ before you arrive for other clues and tips for travelling to Australia.

Answer 2

You will have access to all healthcare, but you would have to pay for it (Australians can access it for free or subsidised). Prices are generally considerably cheaper than the US, but it would still be a good idea to have travel insurance in case of anything major happening.

Answer 3

you can see a doctor or go to hospital for treatment and get a prescription,you will have to pay for visits plus drugs required

maybe travel insurance would be a good idea

Answer 4

Mel is spot on, travel & health insurance is vital, given your going to be here for a few weeks.

The only other thing I have to add is to make sure have a list of medications you take and what each is for, also be sure to bring a prescription so you can get a refill if needed, some medications may be restricted so make sure you have a letter from your doctor to state any medical conditions and what your taking, including the amount you take each day. This will help when coming through customs, as they may take restricted medication if you don't have proof of need (hence doctors letter), if you do become ill then the hospital or doctor treating you here will know what medical conditions you have etc. Also make sure you have copies of any medical information and letters, so if you loose anything you have a copy.

Check with your travel insurance company as they will have a better idea of what you will need etc. They were very helpful when I traveled to New Zealand and back.

Hope you enjoy your holiday here in Aussie