Where To Get Help With Medical Bills

Times are tough with many Australians now working multiple jobs just to keep up with the cost of living and their increasing healthcare needs. So what do you do when your finances are stretched to the limit and the cost of healthcare suddenly becomes too much? We’ll take you through the average cost of a doctor’s visit, where to get help with medical bills, and if a medical loan is right for you.

Overview:

• How much does a doctor visit cost in Australia?
• How to get help with medical bills:

1. Medicare (public health system)
2. Private health insurance
3. State and Territory programs
4. Centrelink
5. Talk to the hospital about your payment options
6. Non-profit organisations and charities
7. Community health services
8. Crowdfunding
9. Talk to a financial counsellor
10. Family and friends
11. Personal loan for medical expenses

• Should I get a personal loan for medical expenses?
• FAQs

How much does a doctor visit cost in Australia?

For a general practitioner (GP) appointment, the average out-of-pocket cost in Australia is around $40. For a specialist appointment, fees can be much higher and will vary depending on each medical speciality. To ensure you are as prepared as possible for any doctor’s fees, it’s a good idea to call the clinic ahead of time and discuss their fees and billing procedures.

How to get help with medical bills

If you’re low on funds and in need of medical care but aren’t keen on taking out a loan, there are options you can explore before taking out a medical loan.

1. Medicare (public health system)

Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme and covers many medical services. With Medicare, Australians can access a range of medical services at no cost or at a reduced cost. Some doctors and medical services also offer bulk billing, meaning Medicare covers the entire cost. But this will depend on each individual doctor/doctor’s practice.

To ensure you can access Medicare services, make sure you are enrolled in Medicare, have a valid Medicare card, and have a solid understanding of what services are covered.

To be eligible to enrol in Medicare, you must be:

• An Australian or New Zealand citizen
• A permanent Australian resident or applying for permanent residency
• A temporary resident covered by a ministerial order

2. Private health insurance

If you have private health insurance, it is possible that they may cover a portion, or all, of your medical costs. To find out what they cover and how much, review your policy or contact your health insurer directly. If you have extras cover, you may get assistance with services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.

3. State and Territory programs

Each state and territory may offer additional schemes and support programs that can assist with:

• Disability healthcare and support
• Travel and accommodation costs of isolated and/or rural patients
• Chronic or long-term illness

Check with your local government and health departments to see what may be available where you live.

4. Centrelink

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for Centrelink benefits that can assist with the cost of healthcare, such as a Health Care Card. If you’re eligible, a Health Care Card provides access to cheaper prescription medicines and other concessions. Additionally, the Low Income Health Care Card is available for low-income earners and provides similar benefits to the Health Care Card.

5. Talk to the hospital about your payment options

Generally, if you have a valid Medicare card and attend a public hospital, then acute medical treatment is free. If you require additional services such as prescriptions or dental care, then you may need to pay upfront costs. If you’re unable to pay these additional costs, talk to the individual hospital about payment options or possible payment plans.

Private hospitals often require upfront payments, however, each hospital is different and has its own policies. Talk to the individual hospital to determine if they offer any financial assistance programs or payment plans.

6. Non-profit organisations and charities

Several organisations provide financial assistance or support services, including:

• Cancer Council: offers financial and practical support for cancer patients.
• Red Cross: provides emergency relief and support in times of crisis.
• St Vincent de Paul Society: Offers various forms of assistance, including help with medical bills.

7. Community health services

Community health centres offer various services, often at a lower cost or free of charge. They often offer support or services for a wide range of issues, including (but not limited to):

• Sexual health
• Pregnancy and postnatal care
• Chronic illness or disease
• Indigenous health
• Cancer screening (typically cervical, bowel, and breast)
• Diabetes
• Tobacco, drug and alcohol-related issues

Find out about what community health centres and services may be available in your area here.

8. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding has become a common method of raising funds for good causes, including medical care for those in need. If you’re struggling with other forms of financial support then platforms like GoFundMe can be used to raise money for medical expenses.

9. Talk to a financial counsellor

If you’re in debt with a deluge of medical bills waiting to be paid, it may be time to consult a financial counsellor. A financial counsellor can help you make a plan to manage your debt and get your finances back on track. The Australian government offers a free helpline, National Debt Helpline, that provides advice and guidance for Aussies experiencing financial difficulty.

10. Family and friends

No one likes to borrow money from friends and family. But it can be a good option to consider if you have a close family member or friend with whom you have a good relationship with. Borrowing money from family and friends can help you save money on interest and avoid any negative impact on your credit score. If you choose this option, make sure you sit down with your friend or family member and have a clear discussion about expectations and accountability.

11. Personal loan for medical expenses

If you’ve exhausted all other avenues, then a medical loan may be an option to consider. A medical loan is a personal loan that is specifically for medical treatment or emergencies. Loans can provide quick access to the money needed for urgent or costly medical treatments. However, a loan is a big financial commitment that can have a negative effect on your credit score if you fail to repay it. So it’s important to ensure you understand the terms and are confident in your ability to repay it without compromising your financial stability.

Should I get a personal loan for medical expenses?

Whether or not you should take out a medical loan depends on your individual circumstances. Before taking out any loan, regardless of the reason, you should reflect carefully on your current financial situation and consider:

• The status of your credit score and credit history
• Can you afford to repay the loan?
• The terms and conditions of the loan
• Are there any early repayment fees or hidden fees?
• Have you exhausted all other options?
• Have you consulted with a financial adviser on what’s right for you?

Taking the time out to consider these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Considering a medical loan? Oceania is here to help!

If you’re thinking about getting a personal loan for medical expenses, then talk to Oceania’s experienced team today! Whether you’re ready to apply or just want some advice, our friendly brokers are here to help.

FAQs

Who is eligible for bulk billing in Australia?

A person is eligible for bulk billing if they are enrolled in Medicare and have a current Medicare card.

Can I claim out-of-pocket medical expenses from Medicare?

Generally, Medicare does not cover out-of-pocket costs that are not on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). If you have a high out-of-pocket medical cost for an out-of-hospital service which is listed on the MBS, then you may be eligible for Medicare safety nets.

What hospital costs are not covered by Medicare?

Generally, Medicare does not cover:

• Services not on the MBS
• Private hospital costs such as accommodation and theatre fees
• Elective surgeries and cosmetic surgery
• Extras like dental and physiotherapy
• Medical aids such as hearing aids or glasses
• Most dental services
• Ambulance services