I am extremely grateful that Ryan and I are 100% insured. We can go to our GP, Dentist or Optometrist and all expenses are completely covered by our Private Insurance. Because we are here on a 457 Work Visa, we need to have Private Health Insurance in order for our Visas to remain valid. In Australia, ALL citizens are provided with government assisted Medi-Care. However, if you are a certain age and/or make over a certain amount each year, you must also invest in Private Health Insurance or else you will be taxed more. So, even though all citizens get assistance, it's not a completely socialized medical system. Some Aussies opt for Private Health Care, as well.
There are, of course, pros and cons to our Private Health Insurance. A couple of the pros are that we are 100% covered, and we have our choice between both Private and Public Hospitals. In addition to that we are reimbursed rather quickly. I fill out a claim form the day we get back from the doctor, and usually the reimbursement check is in our hands a week later. However, there are a couple of cons, as well. One really annoying thing is that in Australia if you are going to go to any doctor besides your GP you need a referral from your GP first. We haven't gone to our GP since last September. But, in order for us to claim our $300 Obstetrician Bill from earlier this week, we had to get a referral from our GP. I think that's ridiculous. Why should I have to waste my time and energy driving 20 minutes to the GP for him to say, "Yup, you're pregnant! You need to go to the Obstetrician"? What's really funny is that our Insurance requires it. But, in the end, they are the ones who are paying for the pointless $100 GP appointment because we get 100% reimbursed for that claim too. They really aren't too bright are they?
Despite the few cons, we are very fortunate to have such quality Medical Insurance. I hear the horror stories from America and am grateful that we are immune from that right now. I don't know what will happen once we return to The States. But, for now, we'll be happy that we are 100% covered and that we are able to have our baby at The Mater Hospital, the best Private Mother's Hospital in Brisbane.
