Is medicare enough?

[jlr248]

Hi PIA, Would like to hear opinions on whether Medicare cover (we are entitled as we have skilled independent visa) is enough with extra ambulance cover, for a family of 4 or if we chould look at extra health insurance. Also wondering about Dental care and cover. Thanks

[suzer]

Medicare doesn't cover dental. I think private cover is worth it as it covers extras, such as dental and optical, and hospital if you ever need it, so you don't end up on waitlist, plus you avoid the Medicare levy surcharage,

[xzibit]

It's a personal decision. I personally think private is a waste of money especially as my Aunt got treated on Medicare at a private hospital with the top surgeon.
I'd rather save the weekly premiums and pay as I go if I need to. But like I say, it's a personal choice. I won't get private insurance.

[Nick11]

We took out hospital cover after speaking to a nurse over here who was recovering from breast cancer. It wasn't so much the operations and stays in hospital..but about having immediate access to the radiotherapy machine etc. She said that there weren't many machines in sa and that many people have to travel interstate to get treatment.
Maybe the nurses on here who work on the front line are better able to comment on this.

[Lazy Cow]

It would be easier if we could all see into the future!

For what it's worth, when the kuds were young we had extras cover for optical and basic dental but then we built on that with cover for more complex dental care, cover in case they needed braces (12 month wait before we could clain I believe), and something else but I forget ! We haven't had to clain (except for glasses and contact lenses) the kids haven't needed braces, the boy didn't suffer any footy accidents not covered by Medicare, didn't fly off his motorcross bike etc etc! The school dentist can be fantastic. I know of friends' kids that have had teeth knocked out through sport (how is it something so healthy leaves so many with long-term problems?!) and had brilliant, immediate help from the dentist.

We've used Medicare for basics..xrays, blood tests,specialists etc and it's all been good. Now we're getting old (lol but...!) we've added hospital cover.

I think Nick11 is right, it would be interesting to see what any nurses who have experience on the public side feel about the whole thing.

LC

[eager6]

It would be easier if we could all see into the future!

For what it's worth, when the kuds were young we had extras cover for optical and basic dental but then we built on that with cover for more complex dental care, cover in case they needed braces (12 month wait before we could clain I believe), and something else but I forget ! We haven't had to clain (except for glasses and contact lenses) the kids haven't needed braces, the boy didn't suffer any footy accidents not covered by Medicare, didn't fly off his motorcross bike etc etc! The school dentist can be fantastic. I know of friends' kids that have had teeth knocked out through sport (how is it something so healthy leaves so many with long-term problems?!) and had brilliant, immediate help from the dentist.

We've used Medicare for basics..xrays, blood tests,specialists etc and it's all been good. Now we're getting old (lol but...!) we've added hospital cover.

I think Nick11 is right, it would be interesting to see what any nurses who have experience on the public side feel about the whole thing.

LC

Just wondering what does the school dentist do???Do you have to pay for them.

Siobhan

[Lazy Cow]

Just wondering what does the school dentist do???Do you have to pay for them.

Siobhan

This should explain it http://www.sadental.sa.gov.au/Deskto....aspx?tabid=34
LC

[Nick11]

Lazy cow..it was very interesting to hear your views on the school dentist. We were told by our orthodontist that school dentists employed by sa government are now no more than dental technicians. Another form of cost cutting. Not sure how true it is!

[RockDr]

If you're earning above the limit for the medicare levy surcharge, then it's worth it, as the things you save on extras, plus the savings you make on the surcharge, more than covers the cost of the insurance. So might as well take the insurance, and then you're covered if ever you have any issues with a longer waiting time on medicare.

[Peachie]

I have found in my hospital that the waiting lists are comparible or shorter than the UK except for hearing aides??? extras is well worth it as dentists are pricey but have heard right horror stories from the agency nurses who visit my unit about their shifts in private hossies they have all informed me that you get better care in public hopitals than private but you have to wait and can't pick your Doctor (ps you are still entitled to a 2nd opinion if you get stuck with a lemon!)