Australia

Medical Care in Australia

You’ll never know when you will be in need of medical attention, so better be informed on how you can access medical care. Should you get ill in Australia, worry not, their hotlines are very much available 24 hours in a day.

The following are the numbers you may want to take note of:

Condition

Organization

Contact Number

Urgent police help, medical emergency

Australia’s main emergency hotline

000

Urgent police help, medical emergency

Australia’s main emergency hotline if 000 doesn’t work in your area

112

The Australian healthcare system is one of the best in the world, this is why they are one of the main options for expats and is also considered one of the most ‘livable’ countries. Its universal medical coverage is called Medicare and is funded publicly and offers the main healthcare needs for local citizens and permanent residents. For expats, Australia has a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement with 11 countries where both countries agreed to receive financial assistance in settling charges for essential medical treatment when visiting the other’s territory. Australia has RHCA agreements with countries in this link here.

If you are visiting and staying for more or less a year, it is advisable that you secure insurance to prepare you for any health emergencies during your stay. You may also check with your insurance agent back in your country if your coverage is able to extend in Australia. You may also reach out to Medicare in Australia to check how you can avail of their services even when you are not from any RHCA country. Their comprehensive information about  Medicare Entitlement can be found in this link.

Should you be an expat in Australia, you may want to secure your medical plans in advance by contacting Global Health Foyer Group for their health policies specialized for expats. You may reach them at +352 437 43 4256 or drop them an email on their website.

Also, it's generally a good advice and often a much cheaper option to check what insurance packages are available in your own country and what coverage they offer in Australia.