Australia's Health Care System

Australians are served by one of the highest quality health care systems in the world. Funding for health care provision is primarily provided by the Australian (Federal) Government State and Territory governments. At the federal level the Department of Health and aging oversees the health care of the nation. The Health and Aging Departments vision is better health and healthier aging for all Australians through a world class system which:

• Meets peoples needs throughout their life
• Is responsive, affordable and sustainable
• Provides accessible, high quality service including preventative, curative, rehabilitive maintenance and palliative care; and
• Seeks to prevent disease and promote health.

The federal funding includes two major national subsidy schemes, Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). These schemes cover all Australian and subsidies their payments for medical services and for a high proportion of prescription medicines brought from pharmacies.

Medicare

Medicare is Australia's national health scheme, introduced in 1984. All Australian residents have access to Medicare. This covers those who reside in Australia and meet any of the following criteria;

• They hold and Australian citizenship
• They hold a New Zealand citizenship
• They have been issued a permanent visa; or
• They have applied for a permanent visa (other requirements apply). Certain parent visas exclude Medicare.

Visitors form countries with health care agreements are entitled to limited access to Medicare. The agreements are with the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Malta.

All visitors, students or temporary residents form countries covered by health care agreements are encouraged to seek information on their Medicare eligibility at the Australian Embassy or visa issue agency. People already in Australia can contact the Health Insurance Commission on 13 2011.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) helps improve the health of all Australian residents by ensuring they have access to necessary and lifesaving medicines at an affordable price. Approximately 75% of medicines available on prescription are subsidized under the PBS. For all information on pharmaceutical benefits and safety net arrangements for those requiring a lot PBS information line on freecall1800 020 613.

Private Health Insurance

Many Australians belong to a private health insurance fund. Private health insurance complements the public system and offers consumers broader choice in health service options including; choice of doctor, hospital and timing of procedures. Private health insurance can also provide cover for services not covered my Medicare, such as physiotherapy, dental, optometry and podiatry services.