MAR001

Hi All,

Can anyone let us know the main differences between NHS and medicare? Would you recommend taking private insurance in AU? Any good or bad experience to share?

Thanks!!

quoll

Main difference is that Medicare is a co-pay system for GP visits (unless you can find a bulk billing doctor, much sought after by UK migrants for some odd reason, who will just charge you the Medicare rebate rate). Hospital treatment is free but the public hospital waiting lists (in some areas more than others) for elective treatments are appalling - which is why some people take out private hospital coverage. Private health insurance doesnt cover GP visits or any non hospital doctor visits BTW.

You have to pay for medications - if they are on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme then the max you will pay is around $34 per fill (usually a month's supply)

You can usually find a bulk billing optometrist (ie no fee at the counter) but you will pay through the nose for specs

Dental is private, some people take out extras on their health insurance to soften the blow for getting good dental care

If you earn over $77k as an individual then you will be charged an extra 1% of your taxable income as a medicare levy surcharge unless you have private health insurance (which is why a lot of people have it). Another thing to bear in mind about private health insurance is that if you dont take it within 1 year of arrival as a new migrant you will pay a weighted premium thereafter for every year you are over the age of 30.