Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It is widely accessible to all people living in Australia. All permanent Australian residents pay a Medicare levy (an additional tax) to fund the public healthcare system, which is like a medical insurance. This entitles them to free or subsidised services by medical practitioners and public hospital care. Depending on your visa, Medicare may cover your healthcare. Guidelines are available here by visiting the Department of Human Services (Medicare Australia) website.
Australia has an extensive private health system, also know as PHI (Private Health Insurance). Those wishing to pay an additional fee to join a health insurance fund can receive extra benefits for optical, physiotherapy, dental treatment and other medical services. Additional health insurance is readily available and often less expensive than other first world countries. Further information is available by visiting a private health fund website such as www.medibank.com.au
