Health Care Agreement Australia: Everything You Need to Know
Australia has a health care agreement with a number of countries that allows eligible visitors to receive medical treatment while in Australia. This agreement is known as the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). In this article, we will explore the details of the RHCA and discuss its benefits for visitors to Australia.
What is the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA)?
The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, or RHCA, is a health care agreement between Australia and a number of other countries. Under this agreement, eligible visitors to Australia can receive access to certain health services. The RHCA allows visitors to receive medical treatment that is clinically necessary while in Australia.
Which countries have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia?
Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with the following countries:
– New Zealand
– United Kingdom
– Ireland
– Sweden
– the Netherlands
– Finland
– Norway
– Belgium
– Slovenia
– Malta
– Italy
What health services are covered under the RHCA?
The RHCA covers a range of health services, including:
– treatment in a public hospital as a public patient
– treatment in a public hospital as a private patient, but only for the services that are covered under Medicare
– outpatient services provided by a public hospital
– subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
– emergency ambulance services
It is important to note that the RHCA does not cover all health services. Visitors to Australia may still need to pay for some medical treatments, such as dental treatment or elective surgery.
Who is eligible for RHCA?
Not all visitors to Australia are eligible for the RHCA. To be eligible, you must be:
– a resident of one of the countries listed above
– visiting Australia on a temporary visa, such as a visitor visa or a working holiday visa
– not have previously been granted a permanent residency visa
How to access health services under the RHCA?
To access health services under the RHCA, eligible visitors must provide proof of their eligibility. This may include your passport or other government-issued identification. You will also need to complete and sign a Medicare enrolment form.
Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you will be issued a Medicare card. This card will allow you to access the health services covered under the RHCA. You can use your Medicare card at any public hospital or clinic in Australia.
Conclusion
The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and other countries allows eligible visitors to access certain health services while in Australia. It is important to note that not all health services are covered under the RHCA, and visitors may still need to pay for some medical treatments. If you are eligible for the RHCA, it is important to enrol in Medicare and obtain a Medicare card before accessing any health services.