In Australia, Medicare provides Australian residents with universal access to free or subsidised healthcare treatment in the public health system. This includes:
Public health services are mostly run by State and Territory governments, such as the ACT Government. Along with Emergency Departments, they offer a range of services which may not be available at private clinics.
If you need non-urgent treatment and choose to be a patient in the public health system, you may have a longer wait until there is availability.
A full list of public health services and clinics in the ACT is here.
Private health services are owned and run by individuals, businesses or companies. They can include:
Private health services charge fees. Some of these fees may be covered by private health insurance, if you have that insurance.
You cannot usually attend a private hospital unless you have already seen a specialist who is allowed to practice at that hospital.
Here is the difference between Public and Private hospital at a glance:
Cost: Free or low cost for Medicare holders.
Doctors: Assigned by hospital, usually limited choice.
Wait time: Longer for elective procedures.
Services:
The ACT Context:
There are 2 hospitals that provide acute and emergency care:
For birthing services:
For rehab:
Cost: Regular premiums & out of pocket costs.
Doctors: Choice between specialists, surgeons, insured hospitals.
Wait times: Can have faster access to elective care.
Services: Cover can include extras (dental, optical, physiotherapy), ambulance cover and elective surgeries.
The ACT Context:
There are high premiums and some gaps in specialists.
Private hospitals in Canberra do not currently provide acute or emergency care. If you are having a medical emergency, you need to attend a public hospital.
ACT Private hospitals:
