Australian health insurance is divided into two broad categories, Medicare and private health insurance. To help clear up any confusion about health insurance cover, I’ve devised a little primer to break it down for you.
Medicare
Medicare is the primary source of health cover in Australia. Funded and managed by the government through Medicare Australia, it covers citizens and most permanent residents (except the poor residents of Norfolk Island).
Medicare covers 100% of the costs incurred if you enter a public hospital as a public patient. However, you generally cannot choose your doctor …