Role in the Health System
In Australia, private health insurance works with the public health care system to offer you more choice and quicker access to some health services. It also allows you to be treated in hospital as a private patient.
Types of Coverage
Private health insurance can provide cover for services that may be offered differently in the public system. A table from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing lists health services and shows how the public system might provide them, compared with what private health insurance might offer in addition. You can buy a policy from a registered health insurer. If you meet certain conditions, you may be entitled to a private health insurance rebate from the Australian Government.
Related reading
FAQ
Q1: What does private health insurance offer compared to the public system?
A table from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing provides information on how health services might be provided in the public health care system and what private health insurance might offer in addition. In general, private health insurance works with the public system to offer more choice and quicker access to some health services.
Q2: How can I get private health insurance and the government rebate?
You can buy a policy from a registered health insurer. The Australian Government provides a private health insurance rebate if you are entitled to it.
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