| In some countries, health care is paid for by the | | | | over $77,000 per year to manage the amount of |
| government and private health insurance is something | | | | income tax they will pay. Much of this has to do with |
| that very few people have. In others it is critically | | | | the way that the Australian health insurance system is |
| important for you to have private health insurance if | | | | designed. |
| you want to be able to visit a healthcare provider in a | | | | If you decide that you want to get health insurance in |
| reasonable amount of time and expect a reasonable | | | | Australia you may find that you are able to claim |
| level of service when you do visit a doctor. | | | | certain items on your taxes. Eligible expenses can |
| Australia fits into the first category. There is a public, | | | | include items such as dental care, optical care, and |
| government funded health care plan in place that | | | | more private hospital accommodations. Private health |
| ensures anyone is eligible to receive medical treatment. | | | | insurance is often better if you know that you are |
| However, as in many other countries, a person living in | | | | getting coverage for a family that involves young |
| Australia may choose to pay for supplementary | | | | children rather than for a couple of young adults that |
| private health insurance in addition to the services paid | | | | may be better off with single health insurance plans. |
| for by the government. | | | | When a person knows that there are specific features |
| In some ways, this approach to private health | | | | that they are looking for it can be a good idea for |
| insurance is similar in many ways to the Canadian way | | | | them to use these features as a basis for price |
| of handling health care. If someone is not interested in | | | | comparison. This will help you ensure that you have a |
| some of the features that private health insurance can | | | | plan that gives you what you need rather than the |
| offer they can choose to forgo private health | | | | level of coverage that is available using the health |
| insurance and use the services that government | | | | insurance that the government will provide. |
| provided health insurance will provide. For some | | | | There are other forms of insurance as well that may |
| individuals, however, they may want the added | | | | be worthwhile for you to consider. One is travel health |
| security that a health insurance plan can bring. | | | | insurance. This is a plan that can cover health |
| Whether it is because you want to be able to get | | | | problems and pay for medical treatment if you are |
| health care services in different facilities or you are | | | | travelling outside of Australia. Many tourists will get sick |
| looking for a company that can cover the cost of | | | | while they are on holiday and knowing that your |
| ambulance fees or other incidentals, private health | | | | medical expenses are covered can be a massive |
| insurance plans may be the way to go. It can also be | | | | amount of peace of mind. |
| an excellent way for people who have annual incomes | | | | |