Patients need to confirm their Medicare eligibility at each visit. With your consent, we can search for your Medicare details online but if you have a Medicare card, please bring it to each appointment. We will ask you to complete paperwork to confirm your details and any insurance you may have.
Read more about what's covered by Medicare and how it works.
Medicare ineligible
If you cannot show evidence of Medicare eligibility you may be responsible for the full cost of the healthcare received. We will give you an Informed Financial Consent form with a copy of our fees and charges information, which you will need to acknowledge and sign.
If a Medicare card number or other funding source cannot be confirmed, you may be required to pay for your treatment. Charges vary depending on the type and level of treatment provided. We may ask you to pre-pay for your treatment and any outstanding fees may be invoiced to you.
Read more about fees and charges for Medicare ineligible patients.
The following Medicare ineligible patients may not need to pay:
- asylum seekers, immigration detainees or refugees
- victims of sexual assault and family violence
- victims of crime with a police report
- patients diagnosed and receiving treatment for Tuberculosis, Leprosy or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- organ or tissue donors
- newborn (health hearing program)
- students with current Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Reciprocal health care
The Australian Government has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with some countries. These agreements allow visitors from those countries to use essential health services in Australia. Patients who meet the requirements of a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement must confirm their eligibility at each visit.
Read more about how to access healthcare if you are visiting from overseas.
Using insurance
If you hold valid private health insurance, travel insurance or other insurance policy, you may be able to lodge a claim for reimbursement. Please make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your policy, if the insurer does not cover the full cost of the healthcare you will need to pay any outstanding fees.
Read more about using your private health insurance.
Non-urgent and planned treatment options
General Practitioners (GPs) are private doctors who provide a wide range of health services for situations that are not an emergency. If you are planning treatment or your care is not urgent you should discuss your options with your GP. Patients seeking planned treatment must meet our acceptance of care criteria.
Our fees and charges may be higher than those at a private hospital/facility.
- Private hospitals can provide most of the same treatment as public hospitals.
- Private allied health professionals are also available in the community.
Your GP can help you decide the best option for your care.