Medicare Ineligible

 

 Who is a Medicare Ineligible Patient?

A Medicare Ineligible Patient is someone who does not hold a valid Medicare card, is not an Asylum Seeker or is not a visitor from a country who has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.

If you are not eligible for Medicare you will be required to pay for all hospital services. Patients who do not have a Medicare card or who are not eligible for Medicare benefits will need to organise payment with with Patient Liaison Officer before receiving care and services. Charges may vary depending on the treatment provided and whether you are covered by an Australian Health Insurance Policy.

Will I have to pay for my health care whilst at Western Health?

Yes, as a Medicare Ineligible patient it is your responsibility to ensure that you have Health Insurance cover and adequate money to cover the full cost of your health care.

I do not have health insurance

If you do not have health insurance you must pay for the full cost of your health care and treatment at Western Health. A deposit is required for any admissions and upfront payment is required for elective surgery or any outpatient service.

The cost of Health Care at Western Health includes any Outpatient, Inpatient, Emergency, Allied Health, Theatre, Medical Imaging, Anaesthetic fees, Prosthetics, Pathology and Pharmacy costs.

For further information regarding costs please speak with our Patient Liaison officers or refer to the ‘Guide to costs’

I have health insurance

Western Health will require an upfront deposit for the costs of your care. This deposit contributes to the costs related to your care that may not be covered by your Health Insurance. You must pay for any shortfall between the amount charged and the amount paid by your health fund. Any remaining balance will be refunded to you once payment has been received by the health fund.

All Outpatient appointments must be paid in full prior to your visit. You can then take the receipts back to your health insurance fund and make a claim. The amount you get back will depend on your Health Insurance policy.

What information will I be asked for?

When you come to hospital you will need to provide us with:

• Your passport & Visa Status

• Up-front payment for services

• Relevant health insurance policy details

• Overseas residential address and phone numbers

• Residential details and sponsor details including contact information during your stay in Australia

A General Guide to Costs

If you are not eligible for Medicare you will be required to pay for all hospital services including outpatient appointments.

If you have insurance you can take your receipt to your insurance fund to claim a refund.

Charges may vary depending on the treatment provided.

For a guide to the cost of treatment please see attached ‘Guide to Costs’ additionally please see our Overseas Brochure.

Guide to Costs - Insured & Uninsured Patients

* Western Health requires the upfront payment for the cost of your care. This payment contributes to the costs related to your care that may not be covered by an Australian Health Insurance Policy or an Overseas Health Fund. You must pay for any shortfall between the amount charged and the amount paid by your health fund. Any remaining balance will be refunded to you once payment has been received by the health fund.

Fees effective from September 2020 and subject to change.

How do I pay my account?

• Pay by Phone
  Contact Patient Accounts for payment options for all hospital services on 9057 8241.
  

• Pay in Person
  Payments can be accepted as cash, credit card or EFTPOS, please speak with your Patient Liaison Officer.
  

To find out more about your level of cover please contact our Patient Liaison Officers who can assist and discuss the costs of your care with you.

Telephone
Footscray Hospital: 8345 7151
Sunshine, Sunbury & Williamstown Hospital: 8345 0184 or 8345 1083
Email: [email protected]