Healthcare Benefits for PR Visa Holders in Australia

Nationwide Visas
[Published 26 Jul, 2024 | 07:01 AM]
About Author - 5 min read
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The Public Healthcare in Australia is excellent and the Healthcare benefits for PR holders in Australia are also quite outstanding. It is ranked as 32nd most competent globally by WHO - The World Health Organization.

Healthcare System in Australia

If you are keen to apply for Australia PR Visa from India, you must be aware that Australia offers public healthcare through Medicare. It is a universal and single-payer healthcare program that covers all Permanent Residents and Citizens in Australia. This is inclusive of programs such as Indigenous Australians and veterans.

Medicare offers medications, medical appointments, and care at hospitals at no or low cost. It also covers a part of the expenses for community nursing programs, physiotherapy, and essential dental care for kids.

PHNs - Primary Health Networks enhance healthcare in Australia and there are 31 PNHs across the nation. It is their responsibility to support hospitals, community health centres, nurses, and doctors. The activities between diverse parts of the healthcare system are also coordinated by PHNs.

As required in various regions, PHNs offer extra services. Some examples include health promotion programs, mental health services, and after-hour clinics.

The costs of Healthcare services for PR holders in Australia and Citizens are covered utilizing taxes. 2% of the income has to be paid by Residents in Australia towards the Medicare Levy that funds the public system.

Consequently, the majority of patients never make payment of medical fees at their appointments. They can claim reimbursements if they do so. The cost of visits to GP, hospital, and 85% of special costs are covered under Medicare. The prescription medications are also subsidized to offer them at discounted costs.

Overseas workers and students living in Australia who do not have PR Visa have to make payment of their individual healthcare costs through private health insurance or cash. Those who are not qualified for Medicare can file an exemption application for payment of the levy or to decrease the payment amount of the levy.

Accessing and Receiving Healthcare in Australia

You can access healthcare in urban Australia in multiple ways if you are covered under Medicare or private insurance. It is inclusive of after-hour clinics, public medical clinics, and specialists.

Staying in Australia for 6 or more months – You can enrol with a General Practitioner/GP and Medical Clinic. These will be your first points of care. It is advisable that you have a long-term GP who will offer central supervision of their care.

Medical care at late night or weekends – After-hour clinics offer walk-in appointments for quickly seeing a Doctor. You can access care faster than a public emergency room and have to pay a higher fee in comparison with a standard GP. These clinics are supported by a pharmacy and are situated close to Hospitals if in case more help is needed.

An emergency – You can visit the emergency room in your nearest hospital in case of an emergency.

You have to know that in a majority of the territories in Australia, medical airlifts or ambulances incur high fees. This is one more factor for payment of private medical insurance.

A Specialist – Normally, your GP will offer you a referral letter to visit a Specialist. You can also book an appointment with a specialist practising privately. The majority of the specialists have high costs that are variable according to the territory they reside. If you have to visit a Specialist, the healthcare cost increases significantly.

A Rural Area – You can enrol with a GP and a medical clinic. It may be needed to travel lengthy distances in rural areas to access healthcare. The unique Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia assists in accessing healthcare, medical airlifts, and dental care for individuals in Australian remote areas.

Overall, Australia continues to modify and improve healthcare. The Government made health insurance uniform and simplified across the nation in 2021. It is inclusive of extra coverage for mental health care as well as rehabilitation at home. You are assured of excellent coverage by private health insurance in Australia.

If you wish to check eligibility For Australia PR Visa or know more about healthcare facilities in Australia for Permanent Residents, contact Nationwide Visas.

Read more:- Australia PR with Family as a Healthcare Professional