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Health Care in Australia
| Health Care in Australia |
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Australia is a relatively large country with a land area of about 7.6 million square kilometres. Despite the vast land area, Australia has a small population, which is estimated at only 21 million people in 2007. About 89.3% of the population are of European descent and only 2.3% are indigenous or of Aboriginal descent. Australian health is generally getting better in the last 10 years. Life expectancy has increased to 78 years old for males and 83 years old for females in 2005. This is one of the highest among developed countries. Infant mortality is low at 4.3 deaths per 1000 population. Some of the common health concerns in Australia are skin cancer, heat strokes, obesity, diabetes, dengue fever, and other chronic diseases common in developed countries. Australian Health Care at a GlanceThe Australian health system is generally based on a broader perspective as defined by the World Health Organization. It does not only focus on the physical and mental health of its population but also on their general state of social wellbeing. It is characterized by a mixture of public and private health service providers. The Australian government takes a Commonwealth form with six (6) States and two (2) Territories. In terms of health, the Commonwealth takes lead in the development of national health policies, regulations, and funding. The States and Territories operate in matters not covered by the Commonwealth’s responsibilities such as the execution, oversight, and regulation of public health services as well as health care providers. It is estimated that about seventy percent (70%) of Australia’s health expenditure is funded by the government. The commonwealth shoulders 67% of this cost covering three (3) national subsidy schemes, a) Medicare, b) the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and c) 30% Private Health Insurance Rebate. The remaining 23% is covered by the States and Territories. Medicare in AustraliaMedicare is a National Subsidy Scheme that subsidise services and prescription medicines bought from pharmacies. It provides free treatment in a public hospital. Medicare also provides free or subsidised payments to health professionals for specific services. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in AustraliaThrough the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the government provides high subsidies on a number of prescription medicines. This scheme is available to all Australian residents and international guests from countries where Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements. Subsidies in this scheme are being paid directly by Medicare to the pharmacy on a reimbursement basis. Private Health Insurance in AustraliaPrivate health insurance represents about 11% of health care funding in Australia. It can be used either in a private hospital or in a public hospital by patients who chose to be private patients. Similar to other countries, private health insurance allows the patient to have a wider option of doctors and hospitals. The timing also on the conduct of a procedure can be chosen by the patient. Private insurance also covers some services not covered by Medicare such as optical, physiotherapy, podiatry, and dental services. The government provides a subsidy equivalent to 30% of the insurance premiums to those who have subscribed to private health insurance. The government facilitates payment of reduced premiums to health funds or directly to contributors as alternative payments. In the fiscal year 2004 to 2005, there are already 4.7 million registered subscribers of private health insurance. Of this, there is about AU$2.7 million paid to health funds and about AU$2.3 million claims directly paid to contributors. The government’s support to private patients includes the regulation of insurance companies to ensure that community rating is observed. This means that the insurance company should charge equal premiums regardless of medical status or claims history. This will ensure that the chronically ill or the aged will not be overcharged by the insurance company. Another government program that encourages individuals to avail of a private health insurance early in their lives and maintain them is the Lifetime Health Cover. This means that people aged 31 and below and who chose to stay in private insurance will be paying lower premiums. Insurance premiums for people aged over 31 years old will be charged 2% higher premium for each year the individual has delayed joining a private health insurance. Health Care Options for International Travellers in AustraliaPrior to entering Australia, some visitors are required to undertake certain health examinations such as HIV, Hep B& C, and/or a chest x-ray. These tests shall be required if:
While in Australia, visitors that come from countries where the government has reciprocal health agreement can avail of Medicare benefits. However, the benefits of the reciprocal agreement do not include treatment as the purpose of their visit. Other visitors not eligible for Medicare can avail of a comprehensive health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses during their stay. Since special medical treatments are lower in Australia than in other developed countries, many patients go to Australia for treatment and other medical services. People going to Australia for treatment should be fully aware of all the related costs. They should also obtain an appropriate visa before entering Australia. International students are required to avail a low cost health insurance called Overseas Student Health Cover during their stay in Australia. |
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