Overseas visitors and healthcare

If you are an overseas visitor staying in another country, or planning to visit from overseas, it is important to understand how that country’s healthcare system works. Depending on your situation and your country of origin, you may be charged the full cost of medical treatment provided by a public hospital, and you may be required to hold health insurance for your stay.

To avoid unexpected healthcare costs, it is important to be aware of your entitlements and your insurance obligations.

Public health cover and reciprocal agreements#

Many countries run a public healthcare scheme that provides free or subsidized care for citizens and most permanent residents. Most overseas visitors are not eligible for these schemes. If you are not eligible, you will usually be required to pay the full cost of public hospital services provided to you. If you have private health insurance, your insurer may cover some of this cost.

Some overseas visitors may be covered by a reciprocal health care agreement between their home country and the country they are visiting. These agreements allow visitors from certain countries to receive cover for essential treatment, which can include visits to a local doctor and treatment in public hospitals.

However, reciprocal agreements do not cover all healthcare services. Only essential, immediately necessary medical treatment is generally covered. If you want to see a doctor or attend a public hospital for treatment that is not immediately medically necessary, you will usually be required to pay the full cost. Some agreements also do not cover visitors on student visas.

Reciprocal agreements are not intended to replace private travel health insurance. Whether or not you are covered by one, it is wise to take out private health insurance so that you are not liable for unexpected healthcare costs during your stay. If you are not sure whether an agreement applies to you, check with the relevant health authority and discuss your situation with a staff member.

Why private health insurance matters#

If you are not from a country covered by a reciprocal agreement, you should consider taking out private health insurance in case you need medical treatment. Without insurance, you will be charged for all hospital, ambulance and doctors’ fees, and if your medical situation is serious, the costs can be considerable.

Even if you are from a country covered by an agreement, private health insurance is still worth considering, because you will be charged the full cost of any public hospital treatment that is not immediately medically necessary. Depending on your visa, you may also be required to hold private health insurance as a condition of your stay.

Consider whether the minimum level of insurance required as a condition of your visa will be adequate for your needs, and whether you could afford to pay the full cost of any treatment not covered by the policy. If not, you may need a more comprehensive policy.

A wide range of private and general insurers provide health insurance for overseas visitors. What is covered depends on the type of package you buy and your insurer, and most companies offer several options to suit different travelers. Check carefully what your policy covers and what it does not.

• Most overseas visitors’ health plans only provide limited cover for medication, so if you need treatment with medication you may face a large bill.
• Many policies include waiting periods. If a waiting period has not been served, the insurer may not have to pay your costs, and you may be responsible for the full cost of treatment.

International students#

International students are often required to take out a dedicated overseas student health policy. This typically covers some costs associated with medical treatment and hospital expenses, and may include some cover for ambulance services and prescription medication.

You can usually pay for this cover through your insurer’s website or arrange payment through your education provider. Even if your university or school recommends a particular plan, you are free to make your own choice. Providers offer a range of plans, but they are generally required to provide a basic level of pharmaceutical and hospital cover. Make sure you are aware of any exclusions or waiting periods, because if you need treatment that is not covered, or the waiting period has not been served, you may be charged the full cost.

Accessing services as an overseas visitor#

You can usually access public hospital emergency department services as an overseas visitor, but only as a private patient, unless you are covered by a reciprocal agreement. If you need emergency medical attention, go to the nearest public hospital emergency department, where you will be treated as a private patient and expected to pay for any services you receive.

Planned services, including maternity services, may also be available at public hospitals as a private patient, provided the hospital has the capacity to treat you. It is recommended that you discuss fees with the hospital beforehand and check whether your insurer will meet these costs. The hospital may request verification of your private health insurance or evidence of your ability to pay before you are admitted.

For payment, you may be able to make a direct payment to your healthcare provider and then seek a refund from your insurer, or have the unpaid account forwarded to your insurer. Claims for medication usually require you to pay the pharmacy first before claiming from your insurer.

Who to talk to#

If you are unsure about your obligations or are having difficulty navigating the health system, there are people and organizations you can speak to:

• the relevant health authority, to find out whether a reciprocal agreement covers you and what services you are entitled to
• the relevant immigration authority, to advise you about your visa requirements and the level of insurance you may need
• your doctor or specialist, about the costs of public or private hospital care
• a hospital patient liaison officer, if you are in hospital and have issues relating to your treatment or payment
• your private health insurer, about your plan and what it covers; if you cannot resolve an issue with them, an insurance ombudsman or complaints body may be able to help
• a health complaints body, if you have a complaint involving a health service or a health privacy issue

Key points#

• Most overseas visitors are not eligible for a country’s public health scheme and may be charged the full cost of public hospital care.
• Reciprocal health care agreements only cover essential treatment and are not a substitute for private health insurance.
• Visits to a local doctor and treatment in public hospitals may be covered for visitors from agreement countries.
• Private health insurance helps protect you from large, unexpected bills, including for medication.
• International students are often required to hold a dedicated health cover policy.

Where to get help#