Skilled Migrant Professionals October 2014 | Page 43

Lifestyle
• tests and examinations ordered by your doctor
• eye tests carried out by optometrists
• free treatment as a public patient in public hospitals.
Medicare also subsidises services provided by some other healthcare
professionals including physiotherapists, psychologists, dentists, dietitians and speech pathologists, but only for patients who meet certain
conditions.

What isn’t covered by Medicare?
It is important to know that if you need an ambulance in an emergency, the cost of an ambulance is not covered by Medicare. Treatment
that is not medically necessary and any medical treatments as a private
patient are also not covered.

Do I need private health insurance?
If you are eligible for Medicare, it is not necessary to also have private
health insurance. However, anyone living in Australia can pay for private health insurance to help cover the costs of healthcare as a private
patient and some services that are not covered by Medicare (e.g. ambulances, or things like most dental examinations, or most physiotherapy).
Some visa types may require you and your family to have health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia, for example, if you are in
Australia on a student visa, or if you are applying for a visa subclass 457.
If you have private health insurance, you can usually choose the hospital (public or private) that you would like to go to. You can also usually
choose the doctor or specialist who treats you, and when you would
like to be treated.

Types of private health insurance
There are two types of private health insurance — hospital cover
and general treatment cover. Hospital cover helps you pay for the cost
of treatment in hospital (e.g. hospital accommodation costs). General
treatment cover (called ‘ancillary’ or ‘extras’) pays towards other healthcare services (e.g. ambulances, dentists, physiotherapists). Most health
insurance providers offer policies that cover both hospital and general
treatment services.
Depending on the health insurance policy you choose, and your level
of cover, you may not be covered for the full cost of some treatments,
so you may have to pay the rest of the cost. It is important to choose the
most appropriate policy for you and your family, and to know what your
policy does and does not cover.

What to do in a medical emergency
Call the emergency number triple zero (000) if you need an ambulance in a medical emergency. You will be asked what emergency service
you need — ambulance, fire or police.
If English is not your first language, the 000 emergency services line
will connect you to an interpreter that speaks your language, 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
If you need emergency medical treatment but you don’t need an ambulance, then you can visit the Emergency department of your nearest
public hospital. Everyone who goes to Emergency is assessed and then
treated in accordance with the seriousness of their condition. So, if you
go to the Emergency department and your reason for doing so is not
deemed as serious, you may have to wait a long time to be seen.

Where to get medical help after hours
If you need medical advice at night, on weekends or public holidays,
you can call the after-hours national GP helpline on 1800 022 222.
Your call will be answered by a registered nurse who will ask you for
more information about your medical problem. You may be transferred

Accessing healthcare
in Australia
How to find a doctor
In Australia, a doctor or general practitioner (GP) is generally
the first person you see for medical advice, if it is not a medical emergency. GPs usually work in medical centres, clinics or
independent private practices.
You can choose the GP that you want to see. It’s a good idea
to find, and register with, a local GP as soon as you can so
that you are set up to get medical advice and treatment
when the need arises.
Registering with a GP is especially important if you have children, or if you or a family member have a medical condition
that needs ongoing medical care. Your GP can coordinate
your medical care, refer you for tests and to specialists or
other health professionals if needed.
Ask a friend, colleague or another health professional if they
can recommend a GP.

Choosing a doctor
Choose a doctor whose knowledge and judgment you trust,
and who you feel comfortable talking to. Here are a few
things to consider when choosing a doctor:
• Location — is your GP easy to get to?
• Opening hours — longer opening hours may be more convenient for you.
• Home visits — some GPs in some practices may visit y