Private Healthcare in Australia for UK Expats: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Private Healthcare in Australia for UK Expats

Australia is a top destination for UK expats, offering a high quality of life, a thriving job market, and a warm climate. According to the Human Development Index (HDI) 2024, Australia ranks 10th in the world for quality of life. While the public healthcare system, Medicare, provides access to many essential medical services, many residents and expats opt for private healthcare to access additional services, faster treatment times, and a broader choice of specialists.

This guide covers the differences between private and public healthcare in Australia, the benefits of private health insurance, the best private health insurance providers for expats, and costs associated with private healthcare in Australia.

Do You Need Private Healthcare in Australia as a Foreigner?

If you are moving to Australia as an expat from the UK, private health insurance is highly recommended. While Medicare provides universal healthcare to citizens and permanent residents, UK expats may only qualify for limited coverage under the UK-Australia Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement. This agreement covers emergency hospital care but does not cover general practitioner (GP) visits, dental care, ambulance services, or elective treatments.

Additionally, high-income earners without private health insurance must pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). To avoid this additional tax, expats must obtain private patient hospital cover with an excess of $750 (around £390) for individuals and $1,500 (around £780) for couples and families.

UK-Australia Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement

The UK-Australia Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement allows UK citizens to access urgent and essential healthcare services under Medicare. However, this does not provide comprehensive coverage. Services not covered under this agreement include:

• GP consultations

• Dental treatments

• Ambulance services

• Elective procedures

Many UK expats choose private health insurance to cover these additional healthcare needs.

Benefits of Private Healthcare in Australia

1. Faster Access to Specialists

Public healthcare patients may experience long wait times for specialist appointments and elective surgeries. Private insurance allows expats to see specialists sooner.

2. Access to Private Hospitals

Private hospitals offer shorter waiting times, superior facilities, and personalized care. Private healthcare policies also cover advanced medical treatments that may not be available in public hospitals.

3. Coverage for Services Not Included in Medicare

Medicare does not cover dental, optical, ambulance services, or alternative treatments. Private health insurance policies cover these services, reducing out-of-pocket costs.

4. Avoiding the Medicare Levy Surcharge

High-income earners who do not have private health insurance must pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS), an extra tax of 1%-1.5%. Obtaining private health coverage eliminates this surcharge.

Best Private Health Insurance Providers for Expats in Australia

HBF

HBF offers Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) plans tailored for expats and workers. Key options include:

• Working Visa Hospital Cover & Flex 50: Covers common medical treatments and includes chemotherapy, heart and vascular procedures, and pregnancy care. Prices start from $29.50 (£15) per week.

• Working Visa Hospital and Medical Cover & Complete 60: Includes GP visits, full extras coverage, and 60% reimbursement at providers of choice. Prices start from $62.15 (£32) per week.

HCF

HCF provides personalized quotes based on visa type, location, and healthcare needs. Key plans include:

• Work and Holiday Visa Packages:

  • Short Stay: Starts at $12.77 (£7) per week.

  • Essentials: Starts at $29.10 (£15) per week.

  • Essentials Plus: Starts at $46.88 (£24) per week.

• Skilled Worker Visa Packages:

  • Plans range from $17.15 (£9) to $68.05 (£35) per week, covering hospital stays, dental, optical, and physiotherapy.

Cigna

Cigna is an international healthcare provider with global coverage. Key plans include:

• Close Care: Covers semi-private hospital rooms and cancer care with a benefit limit of £325,000.

• Silver Plan: Includes private hospital rooms and mental health coverage up to £3,325 annually.

• Gold & Platinum Plans: Higher benefit limits, maternity coverage, and unlimited mental health benefits.

How Much Does Private Healthcare Cost in Australia?

The cost of private healthcare in Australia varies based on age, visa type, health status, and location. Below are indicative costs:

Provider Fees HBF From $29.50 (£15) per week (basic hospital cover) to $62.15 (£32) per week (comprehensive cover) HCF From $12.77 (£7) per week (short stay) to $68.05 (£35) per week (comprehensive plan) Cigna From £84.14 per month (£19 per week) (basic cover) to £191.64 per month (£45 per week) (premium coverage)

How to Get Private Healthcare in Australia as a Foreigner

1. Compare Providers: Research different insurance companies and obtain quotes.

2. Assess Coverage Needs: Consider your visa type, healthcare needs, and budget.

3. Purchase Insurance: Sign up for the selected plan online and pay for coverage.

Telehealth and Healthcare Access for Expats

For virtual healthcare consultations, Travel Doctor provides telehealth services for primary care needs. Learn more at:

• How It Works: https://www.traveldoctoreu.com/how-it-works

• What We Treat: https://www.traveldoctoreu.com/what-we-treat

For in-person medical care, visit partner clinics in:

• Paris: American Medical Center Paris

• Budapest: Expat Medical Hungary

• Berlin: Arztbesuche

• Bucharest: Expat Medical Romania

• Krakow: Doctor Krakow

• Athens & Crete: Doctor Athens

• Argentina & Mexico: Travel Doctores