Health & Medicare

Medicare in Western Australia is what we know as the National Health System in the UK. Contribution to the health care system is made through taxes and the Medicare levy, which is based on taxable income.

With more than 50 private and public sector hospitals, a Government health system (Medicare) and the availability of a comprehensive private health cover Perth offers an excellent level of health and medical services.

Medicare is a Government health system and is available to all who reside in Western Australia and hold citizenship or have a permanent visa. It will cover all cost associated with visits to the GP’s (Providing they are bulk billing doctors) and public hospital costs.

It does not cover the cost of Ambulances and you are advised to take out additional cover for this. The cost of the cover is about $80 per year. The cost of an Ambulance if you did not have cover would be about $600 per Ambulance.

Health costs and prescriptions

If you need to visit a doctor a fee is payable for the consultation ($60 approx) .Some doctors will allow for bulk billing which will cover the complete cost of the consultation. If your doctor is not a bulk biller you will pay the $60 and then claim around $40 back from Medicare. If you require treatment like x-rays etc you can also claim around 75% of the cost back from Medicare.

If you require a prescription you must visit a doctor and the medicine is dispensed by a chemist. Chemists are open at regular shopping hours, 9am to 5pm, but every suburb has at least one 24-hour pharmacy. The cost of prescriptions varies depending on what medication required and the chemist you use.

Private healthcare

There are a wide range of companies offering Private Health Cover offering a wide range of cover options to suit you personal or family needs.

For a good quality cover it will cost,

• Single Cover will cost around $1,300 per year
• Couple Cover will cost around $2,000 per year
• Family cover it will cost around $3,000 per year

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