The Australian government encourages people to subscribe to private insurance policies. They are tax rebatable. Check very carefully what benefits are gained as sometimes being on the normal regime can be good enough (depending on your state of health).
There are two main types of private health insurance cover available - hospital cover and ancillary cover. Ancillary cover provides benefits for services such as physiotherapy and dental and optical treatment.
Under Medicare you can be treated as a public patient in a public hospital at no charge by a doctor appointed by the hospital. When you have private health insurance (hospital cover) this gives you cover (often called fund benefits) towards the cost of treatment as a private patient in a public or private hospital.
For more information go to:
http://www.health.gov.au/pubs/circfinl/hot/facts.htm
Update 1/02/2009
Expatriate health insurance in Australia
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Sydney is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Australia So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Australia. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Australia, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.