Medicare Ineligible Patients​
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Patient fees at Portland District Health
Who is an Ineligible Patient (IP)? An Ineligible Patient is any visitor to Australia who: *Does not hold a valid Medicare Card *Is from a country who does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia *Is not a refugee or asylum seeker. Reciprocal Rights
The Australian Government has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with the governments of:
United Kingdom New Zealand Malta (covered for Medicare for a period of six months from the date of arrival in Australia) Italy (covered for Medicare for a period of six months from the date of arrival in Australia) These agreements may entitle you to limited subsided health services for medically-necessary treatments whilst visiting Australia.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Asylum Seekers and Refugees are provided with free medical care (including diagnostic services) in Victorian hospitals.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees will need to produce appropriate documentation confirming their status from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship or a recognised asylum support, such as an IHMS card of Red Cross documentation.
If the documentation is not produced, you will have to pay for all associated medical costs, however the fee will be waived once documentation is presented to the Patient Fees Clerk.
Will I have to pay for my medical treatment whilst at Portland District Health?
If you are an overseas visitor from a country Australia does NOT have Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with, you will be treated as a Medicare Ineligible Patient and will be required to pat costs for all medical treatment received at Portland District Health. This includes outpatient visits as well as inpatient care.
Portland District Health requires upfront payment of these fees before you arrive at one of or hospitals (Specialist Clinic, Outpatient or Emergency).
In most instances, Portland District Health required upfront payment for your stat in hospital. If you have private health insurance, subject to the terms of your policy, Portland District Health may be able to claim these costs from your insurer.
Please contact a Patient Fees Clerk to discuss this further.
As a Medicare Ineligible Patient, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have health insurance cover or adequate money to cover the costs of your healthcare.
Will I have to pay for diagnostic charges? Diagnostic and Radiology charges are required to be paid to the Healthcare Imaging Department directly as this is an external service provider. Pathology costs will be charged separately and are payable to the external pathology service provider. Pharmacy costs are payable directly at the time of being dispensed. Emergency, Outpatient and Standard Ward Rates (including Rehabilitation, Intensive Care, Maternity, Paediatrics and Psychiatric) fees are currently under review.
What information do I need to provide? You will be asked to provide the following: *Your Passport *Contact information during your stay in Australia, including phone numbers and email address *Relevant health insurance policy details *Upfront payment for all services
What happens if I do not pay my account or agree to a suitable payment arrangement? If you do not pay, Portland District Health will instigate legal proceedings to recover all outstanding amounts. This will involve relevant Commonwealth authorities of breach of visa terms and conditions. Portland District Health may also advise the relevant Commonwealth authorities.
Further Information Please contact our Private Patient Liaison Officer on 03 55210 333 or email JSolly.pdh@swarh.vic.gov.au for assistance or advice on any matters relating to your admission. |