Australian private health insurance

[wileyg]

hi guys dont post much on here just lurk in the background lol, i do have question more for the aussie people i got diagnosed with a bicuspid valve few years back everyhting fine so far just getting checks every few years got one next week , but what i was wondering is it better to have private health insurance in case of the need for surgery in the future? I dont at the moment never really been sick , i really dont understand the deal with surgery if you dont have it do you just go into a public hospital and get it done?
thanks for any info
shane

 

[Jason]

Shane,

I can't answer your question directly as I am just now planning a move to Australia, but there are many on here from Oz that might stop by and answer soon. I personally took out private insurance, but it is a stipulation for me to do so as part of the 457 work visa. They have a 1 year waiting period or pre-existing conditions, though, so if you are planning surgery in the next year I don't think having the private insurance will be useful. Also, be sure to check what pre-existing conditions are covered after the 1 year waiting period. While all of the insurance company leaflets say that all pre-existing conditions are covered after the one year waiting period, I found that this is not true. Bupa, which is the company I went with, certainly does cover all after the first year, but others actually exempt heart valve conditions, cancer, and the like. I hope someone with more information comes along as to the difference for surgery with private vs medicare!

 

[OldManEmu]

Shane
The public hospital system treats things like heart surgery and cancer very well. The long waits you hear about are for things like joint replacements and cataract surgery, non life threatening medical conditions. Once it is determined surgery is required you can be referred to a public hospital and you will receive a prompt appointment for review. Once the surgical team has reviewed your condition you will usually have surgery with 90 days. You will have no out of pocket expenses for surgery in a public hospital if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident covered by Medicare.

 

[wileyg]

thanks for clearing that up cheers are the public hospital surgens just as good as private ones ?

 

[OldManEmu]

Shane
Most of the surgeons practice in both the public and private systems. With less than 50% of the population having private insurance they need to practice in both to be kept busy.
In addition the majority of the most difficult surgery is performed in the public health system as most of the people with complex heart problems are on some kind of pension and hence are unlikely to be in a position to pay for private insurance and associated out of pocket expenses.