Healthcare in Australia The Guardian
Australia 's television advertisements are enticing. 'So where the bloody hell are you', the slogan reads, splashed on a backdrop of gorgeous beaches, tanned natives and blue skies. With the never-ending sunshine and an active outdoorsy lifestyle, it's hard to imagine you'll give healthcare a second thought. However, chances are you'll need medical help one day – and it's best to get to grips with it before, rather than when, you need it.
Like Britain, Australia has both public and private health systems, but unlike Britain, it's not a matter of opting for one or the other; the two are more integrated.
Australia's public health system is called Medicare. Brits can use the services as much as Australians because reciprocal agreements are in place between the countries. However, this does not apply to anyone who has moved to Australia on a retiree visa (Subclass Visa 410) since 1998. Once you're there, you can apply for a Medicare card, which health practitioners will ask for when you visit. The pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) provides subsidised medications, and prescription costs are comparable with British charges.
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