Australia has a world-class mixed public and private healthcare system that supports millions of people to live healthier lives. Private health insurance provides peace of mind over your healthcare. With private health insurance you get more personal control over healthcare decisions and fast access to high quality care, with your doctor of choice. Every bed used in a private hospital also helps reduce pressure on the overstretched public health system, freeing up much needed beds for those most in need.
Understanding how the public and private work together can help you decide what’s right for your health needs.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia’s public health system. It provides free or subsidised access to a wide range of services, including visits to GPs, and public hospital treatment. It’s funded by taxpayers and provides essential care to everyone who needs it.
But Medicare doesn’t cover everything and can often have long wait times for specialist appointments and non-urgent surgery. It doesn’t include ambulance services, most dental care, physiotherapy, or optical, and you don’t get to choose your doctor in a public hospital.
How private health insurance fits in
Private health insurance fills the gaps. With the right policy, you can be treated in your choice of a private or public hospital, choose your doctor, and get faster access to care. You can also claim for things like dental, optical, and other everyday health services that Medicare doesn’t cover.
Private cover helps reduce pressure on the public system and gives you more freedom to manage your health.
The difference between Members Health funds and other funds
Some private insurers exist to return profits to shareholders or overseas owners. Others, like Members Health funds, are not-for-profit or part of a member-owned group. They are entirely member focused and value driven.
Choosing a Members Health Fund means you’re with a fund that puts people first. (Link to: Members Health funds explained)