Medicare is part of Australia’s healthcare system.
If you are young in Australia, it may be difficult to understand all the terms we use to talk about health. As homosexuals and bisexuals, it is good to know how to get sexual health care.
That’s why we’re here! We will explain what Medicare is and what is covered by it. Some visitors abroad have access to Medicare, but we will also talk about your choices if you don’t. We will explain what the “bulk charge” is and how to visit your doctor cheaply.
In this article:
Basic events:
- Medicare is basic health insurance for Australians and some visitors abroad.
- Medicare covers some medical services, such as visits to your doctor.
- A GP (General Practitioner) is a doctor you go first for medical care.
- The bulk charge means that a medical service is free with Medicare.
- There are many affordable ways to take care of your sexual health without Medicare.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia’s basic health insurance. It gives Australians and some visitors abroad access to medical services for free or low cost. Medicare is free but you must apply for it.
Which visas are eligible for Medicare?
Some visitors abroad can get a Medicare card. You can check if you can get Medicare here (available in different languages).
What is a Medicare card used for?
Medicare covers many medical services, including hospital visits and testing. This article tells you what is covered.
A Medicare card also gives you access to the Pharmaceutical Amenities program (PBS). This does many prescription medicines, such as the Prep (pre -report before the report) to prevent HIV, cheaper.
What is not covered?
Medicare does not include certain services, such as:
- Ambulance
- Dental
- Glasses and contact lenses
Private health insurance can help cover the cost of these services. Read our article on health insurance to find out more.
I need Medicare for sexual health?
Medicare will cover pathology tests with sexually transmitted from sexual transmissions (such as blood and urine tests (pee)). If you are tested by a private doctor, you may receive an appointment charge.
Medicare also reduces the price of preparation.
But you do not need Medicare to protect yourself from HIV and sexually transmitted infections:
- Some sexual health services offer free Medicare HIV tests. Use our interactive map to find a service near you. For information on fees, visit the service website or talk to the reception.
- You can buy condoms cheap in supermarkets and pharmacies.
- HIV treatment is free without Medicare from public hospital pharmacies in most states.
- You can enter preparation from abroad (cheap) or Apply for free preparation If you have a valid recipe.
What is a general physician or GP?
A GP, which means a general physician, is the first doctor you see when you have a health problem. Visit a GP (not the hospital) if you have a non -urgent health issue. They can deal with and diagnose most basic conditions. GPS are also mentioned to receive tests or see other doctors. There may be cost to see your GP with or without Medicare.
Some things GPS can help you with:
- Colds and flus
- Download a medical certificate if you are sick from work
- Receiving a prescription medical
- Mental Health References
- Health examination
How to find a general doctor?
To find a GP in your area, you can use HealthDirect Finder Service.
It’s a good idea for people living with HIV having a GP that understands HIV. Only specially trained doctors called “S100 recipes” are allowed to prescribe HIV treatment. You can use our map to find an S100 prescription.
You may also want a doctor who understands your cultural background. Many GPS use Hotdoc to make an appointment booking. You can filter with the ‘talked languages’ to find a doctor who speaks your language.
You can change your doctor if they do not understand your cultural or LGBTQ ID.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a doctor’s appointment by phone. You can get an appointment of Telehealth if you do not need physical examination. For example, if you have to renew a recipe. Telehealth is good if you do not have time to travel to a service or live away from your doctor.
Check with your GP if they can make a viewer appointment.
What is bulk charge?
When a “bulk bills” health service, it means that the cost of your appointment is free with Medicare.
Not all GPS bulk accounts are, so check their website or reception for an appointment fee.
What if I don’t have Medicare?
You may need private health insurance if you are in a visa and you cannot access Medicare. You pay for insurance, which will cover certain medical services, such as visiting a GP. Read more about understanding your safety as a visa holder in this article.
There are many affordable ways to take care of your sexual health without Medicare in Australia:
