Travelling can be an eye-opening experience, especially when it comes to healthcare costs abroad. An American tourist, Coleman Geiger from Indiana, learned this firsthand during his visit to Sydney, Australia. Accustomed to the high costs of healthcare in the United States, where he pays a staggering AU$483 per month for health insurance, Coleman was in for a surprise when he needed medical attention during his visit.
Coleman’s ordeal began when he decided to take a risk and not renew his health insurance while travelling, hoping he wouldn’t fall ill. Unfortunately, he developed a severe infection that required medical attention.
Back home in the United States, the cost of seeing a doctor without insurance could range from AU$483 to AU$967, with an additional AU$67 to AU$356 for antibiotics. In total, Coleman could have been looking at a bill of up to AU$1,276 just for a basic consultation and treatment.
However, Australia’s healthcare system presented a stark contrast. Coleman was able to arrange a telehealth consultation with a local GP on the same day he fell ill. To his astonishment, the entire process—from consultation to getting his prescription filled—took only half an hour and cost him a mere AU$48.
‘I just laughed, because I really thought I was cheating, I felt like I was doing something illegal,’ he stated.
Coleman’s experience highlights the significant differences in healthcare costs between the US and Australia. It also underscores the importance of understanding healthcare systems and insurance requirements when travelling abroad.
Many visas for entry into Australia mandate that visitors have some form of health insurance. However, we have reciprocal healthcare agreements with 11 countries, which can help mitigate costs for medically necessary care during a visit.
These agreements are in place with Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Whilst these agreements don’t replace travel insurance and don’t cover all medical situations, they can provide a safety net for urgent care that can’t wait until you return home.
If you’re travelling to Europe, it’s crucial to carry your Medicare card along with your passport to prove eligibility. Each country has its own rules on what they’ll cover or subsidise, which can include medicines, local medical transport, and specialist services. However, it’s important to note that these agreements typically don’t cover private healthcare or medical evacuations, and a co-payment may still be required.
To safeguard your healthcare during travels abroad, here are some tips:
- Always carry your Medicare card and passport when travelling to countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements.
- Despite these agreements, invest in comprehensive travel insurance to cover scenarios that are not included, such as private healthcare costs and medical evacuations.
- Before travelling, check the specific details of the reciprocal healthcare agreement with the country you are visiting on the Services Australia website.
- Be aware of the healthcare costs in the country you are visiting, and plan your insurance coverage accordingly.
- If you require medication, consider bringing a sufficient supply for your trip, along with a doctor’s prescription, to avoid unexpected costs.
Travelling abroad can be an enriching experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for any health-related eventualities. By understanding the healthcare system of your destination and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and worry-free journey.
What do you think of Coleman’s experience? Have you ever encountered surprising differences in medical care or costs during your travels? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Healthcare costs prompting Aussies to consider medical tourism
