FOR PATIENTS & VISITORS
Medicare Ineligible Patients
Patient fees at Portland District Health - what to expect if you are not eligible for Medicare.
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
- Republic of Ireland
- Sweden
- The Netherlands
- Finland
- Belgium
- Norway
- Slovenia
- 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 subsidised 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 or 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?
The Australian Government has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with the goverIf 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 pay costs for all medical treatment received at Portland District Health.nments of:
This includes all 'outpatient' visits as well as inpatient care.
Portland District Health requires upfront payment of these fees before you arrive at one of our hospitals (Specialist Clinics Outpatient or Emergency).
In most instances, Portland District Health requires upfront payment for your stay 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 cost of your health care.
Will I have to pay for diagnostic services?
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.
- UCC Attendance
- Day Rate (Bed Rate)
- Overnight (Bed Rate)
- Hospital in the Home
- Maternity (delivery)
- Domiciliary care
- $699.00 per visit
- $2350.00 per day
- $2350.00 per night
- $746.00 per day
- $2800.00 (does not include overnight bed rate)
- $160 per visit
- UCC Attendance
- Day Rate (Bed Rate)
- Overnight (Bed Rate)
- Hospital in the Home
- Maternity (delivery)
- Domiciliary care
Theatre/Prosthesis fees if applicable.
Intensive Care Admission
- Same-Day Inpatients (Bed Rate)
- Overnight (Bed Rate)
- *$2,500.00
- $4,300.00 per night
- Same-Day Inpatients (Bed Rate)
- Overnight (Bed Rate)
*This fee relates to patients discharged or transferred from our Intensive Care Unit by 12.59pm on the day they have been admitted to this same Unit.
We may charge additional fees in relation to your care, including Ambulance Transfer's costs.
Note: Doctors' and Anaesthetists' fees will also be payable directly to each provider.
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 don't 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 advising relevant Commonwealth authorities of breach of visa terms and requirements. Portland District Health may also advise the relevant Commonwealth authorities.
Further Information
Please contact our Private Patient Liaison Officer on (03) 5521 0333 or email JSolly.pdh@swarh.vic.gov.au for assistance or advice on any matters relating to your admission.
PATIENT FEES ENQUIRIES
Private Patient Liaison Officer
Monday - Friday, office hours
(03) 5521 0333
KEY INFORMATION
Fees effective
August 2025
Payment
Upfront payment required
Bring with you
Passport, insurance details, contact details
GET IN TOUCH
(03) 5521 0333
Main reception, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Bentinck Street
Portland VIC 3305
